Possible Help with Chinese Drywall

Crist appeals to FEMA for drywall aid

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - March 11, 2010 - Governor Charlie Crist directed Interim Emergency Management Director David Halstead to write a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regional Administrator Phillip May regarding federal assistance for Floridians affected by defective drywall.

In the letter, the governor asks FEMA to "conduct a preliminary damage assessment related to the issue caused by the degradation of Chinese drywall used in homebuilding in Florida." According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, "Homeowners' insurance does not cover the damages cause by the Chinese drywall."
 
"While the health implications remain under investigation, it is undisputed the Chinese drywall corrodes copper and other metal surfaces, causing the degradation of non-performance of wiring, plumbing, appliances and smoke detectors," the letter says.

While some cases have likely not been reported yet, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), working with property appraisers in Florida's 67 counties, compiled a list of the problems. According to FDOH, 530 Florida homes meet the "threshold for being impacted. Further, county property appraisers in Florida have identified 2505 homes that have had their value adjusted downward based on damage from the presence of toxic Chinese drywall. An additional 846 claims for adjustment due to the presence of Chinese drywall are pending."

FDOH also compiled a list of the top 12 counties impacted by the presence of toxic drywall: Lee (86 cases), Broward (65), Palm Beach (63), Miami-Dade (57), Hillsborough (55), St. Lucie (50), Indian River (35), Sarasota (17), Collier (16), Manatee (13), Pasco (11) and Charlotte (10).

The complete letter is available online.