Bureaucratic Delays, Insurance Gaps, and Uneven Mitigation Funding Hinder Recovery

Milton and Helene insurance claims reportedly exceed $4.1 billion, with unpaid or unresolved residential claims and flood-coverage gaps adding to FEMA denials, the 50% rule, SBA clawbacks, and permitting delays. Clearwater is still pursuing $9.3 million in FEMA funds, while officials seek a federal study of the Lake Tarpon flood gate after storm surge repeatedly exposed drainage vulnerabilities.