Counties and cities are enforcing FEMA rules on hurricane repairs [Video]

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — Homeowners hit hard by storm damage are losing patience trying to get repairs done as soon as possible and now code enforcement is out threatening stop work orders so savings continue for policyholders with federal flood insurance.

Brian Leggett moved to his dream retirement home in St. Pete Beach four days before Hurricane Helene. He says the government shouldn’t tell him he can’t repair his private property.

“I never imagined that I could not start repairing my own home,” he says. “I’m simply wanting to put back what I bought a week before the hurricane hit because the house was in perfect shape. It was beautiful.”

Leggett’s first floor flooded during Helene. He’s a new resident with a contracting company in Georgia and thought he …