Under 403.7071, Florida Statutes, Disaster Debris Management Sites (DDMS) are temporary staging areas authorized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the temporary storage and management of storm-generated debris. DDMS allow for proper staging, sorting, and removal of debris, which may include chipping, grinding, or burning of vegetative debris.
DDMS Related Documents and Links
Guidance for Establishment, Operation, and Closure of Disaster Debris Management Sites
Instructions for DDMS Pre-Authorization Using the DEP Business Portal
Solid Waste Contacts for Disaster Debris Management Sites
For Emergency Final Orders (EFO) issued by the Department, go to DEP Hurricane Information
Post-Storm Guidance
Open Burning at a DDMS
Open Pile Burning
Air Curtain Incinerators
Open Burning Website
External Links
Florida Division of Emergency Management
EPA Guidance on Managing Debris After a Natural Disaster
New Law Establishes Annual Pre-Authorization Requirements for Disaster Debris Management Sites
On June 26, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 180, now enrolled as Chapter 2025-190, Laws of Florida. The legislation took effect immediately and includes new requirements related to the authorization of debris management sites.
Section 403.7071, Florida Statutes, was amended to include the following provision:
403.7071 Management of storm-generated debris-Solid waste generated as a result of a storm event that is the subject of an emergency order issued by the department may be managed as follows:
(8)(a) Each county and municipality shall apply to the department for authorization of at least one debris management site as described in subsection (2) and shall annually seek preauthorization for any previously approved debris management sites, as allowed by the department.
(b) A municipality may jointly apply for authorization of a debris management site with a county or at least one adjacent municipality, if the parties develop and approve a memorandum of understanding. Such memorandum must clearly outline the capacity of the debris management site and location of the site relative to each party. The memorandum of understanding must be approved annually as part of the preauthorization process described in paragraph (a).
As Florida is already in the 2025 hurricane season, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection recommends that any county or municipality that has not yet sought pre-authorization for a debris management site do so as soon as possible to ensure preparedness ahead of any emergency or storm event. Local governments should contact the solid waste representative for their area to begin the process.
For calendar year 2026, DEP recommends that counties and municipalities submit pre-authorization requests for any previously approved debris management sites. This will allow DEP to complete site reviews in advance of hurricane season.
For questions or additional information, please contact SWPP@FloridaDEP.gov
