Checklists
Hurricane Debris Cleanup in South Florida: What to Do in the First 72 Hours
Updated August 2026 · By the All Out Rubbish crew
After a named storm, the difference between a clean recovery and a mold claim is usually decided in the first three days. This is the sequence we walk South Florida homeowners through every hurricane season.
Hour 0–6: document before you move anything
Photograph and video every damaged item and every wet room before touching it, including serial numbers on appliances and electronics. Adjusters routinely deny items that were already hauled away. Save receipts for tarps, fans, and dehumidifiers — those are often reimbursable.
Hour 6–24: stop the water
Tarp the roof, pull soaked carpet and pad, and get air moving. Mold can begin colonizing wet drywall and carpet within 24–48 hours in Florida humidity. Cut wet drywall about two feet above the water line and bag it.
Hour 24–72: separate your piles
County debris contractors sort by category and will skip mixed piles. Keep vegetative debris (branches, fronds) separate from construction debris (drywall, fencing, roofing), appliances, electronics, and household hazardous waste. Keep everything out of the road and off storm drains.
What county crews will not take
Refrigerators and freezers with refrigerant, paint and chemicals, propane tanks, tires, and anything a single worker cannot lift. These sit at your curb until a private hauler moves them, and in many cities that becomes a code violation after the emergency window closes.
When to call a private hauler
If you need the property dry and workable now, if debris is blocking access, if a tenant or insurance timeline is running, or if county pickup estimates are running two-plus weeks. All Out Rubbish clears storm debris across Palm Beach and Broward at flat rates — call or text (561) 345-9808.
Need help with this in Palm Beach or Broward?
All Out Rubbish does same-day pickups across South Florida. Flat-rate quotes by text in under 5 minutes.
FAQs
How long do county debris crews take after a hurricane?
Typically 2–6 weeks depending on storm severity, and main roads get cleared first. Interior neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs are usually last.
Will insurance pay for debris removal?
Most Florida homeowner policies include a debris removal provision tied to a covered loss. Keep photos and an itemized hauler invoice — we provide one on every job.
Is it safe to put debris on the swale?
During the declared emergency window, yes — that is where crews collect. Keep it clear of storm drains, hydrants, mailboxes, and power lines, and never block the sidewalk.