Florida Renters Without Insurance Struggle to Recover from Fires

December 8, 2008

Months after wildfires destroyed dozens of homes in Palm Bay, Florida, frustrated renters in the area say they’re having trouble getting back on their feet.

Homeowners can receive help from Palm Bay through a $1 million fund, but renters like Sonya and Russell Bailey have received little help since the May fires. The Bailey said they couldn’t afford rental insurance and lost everything in the fire, including Sonya’s purse and their beloved dog, Elvis.

Brevard Long Term Recovery Coalition case manager Jerry Hinds said he has helped the Baileys with rent money and utility payments, but said “renters are the most underhelped in this circumstance.”

A spokesman for Gov. Charlie Crist’s office says renters have “limited protection” in such disasters.

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Information from: Florida Today, http://www.floridatoday.com

Topics Florida

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Latest Comments

  • December 8, 2008 at 6:19 am
    wudchuck says:
    well, first of all, if you love blaming folks for anything why BUSH! did you not think about mother nature herself, afterall, when it comes to FLORIDA, she loves those hurrica... read more
  • December 8, 2008 at 4:08 am
    Obama says:
    Under my administration, there will be no more fires because they clearly affect people that can not afford to suffer the damages that they cause. I will propose a "Match or l... read more
  • December 8, 2008 at 3:14 am
    Tinkerbell says:
    They could not afford renters insurance but they could afford to keep/feed a dog?

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