Recover Hardee

09/18/2026

What is a Lady Bird Deed?

A Lady Bird deed, also called an enhanced life estate deed, allows a homeowner to keep control of their home during their lifetime while naming who will receive it at death.

You generally keep the right to live in the home, sell it, refinance it, mortgage it, change the beneficiary, or revoke the deed without the beneficiary's permission.

If the deed remains in place when you die, the property can pass to the named beneficiary without going through probate.

Here's the important Medicaid distinction:
A traditional life estate gives the remainder beneficiary a present legal interest when the deed is signed. That can create Medicaid transfer-of-asset issues because the owner has given away an interest in the property.

A properly drafted Lady Bird deed is different. Because the homeowner retains broad powers over the property, including the ability to sell or revoke the deed, Florida Medicaid generally does not treat the deed itself as a completed gift that triggers the 5-year transfer penalty.

There can also be an estate-planning benefit at death. Because the property passes outside the probate estate, a properly structured Lady Bird deed may help keep the property outside Florida's probate-based Medicaid estate recovery claim. This is not an absolute guarantee, and individual circumstances matter.

There may also be a tax basis benefit: property inherited at death generally receives a new basis based on its fair market value at the date of death, subject to federal tax rules and exceptions.

Where are Lady Bird deeds recognized?

They are commonly recognized in Florida, Michigan, Texas, Vermont and West Virginia.

And remember: a Lady Bird deed only addresses the real estate described in the deed. Your other assets may need separate beneficiary designations, a will, trust, or other planning.

The bottom line: A properly drafted Lady Bird deed can allow a Florida homeowner to retain control of their home during life, pass it to a chosen beneficiary outside probate, and potentially avoid Medicaid transfer penalties associated with a completed lifetime gift.

Educational information only — not legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Medicaid and estate-planning rules are complicated and can change. Speak with a qualified Florida elder-law or estate-planning attorney about your individual situation.

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

PEAK OF HURRICANE SEASON IS TODAY 🌀 We've made it to the halfway point with (so far) a lot of good news. On Saturday, we will set a new record for the latest we've gone without an Atlantic hurricane in the satellite era. Last time we had this little tropical activity at the halfway point was 85 years ago in 1941.

While the powerful El Nino and rounds of Saharan Dust have largely helped us out, don't let your guard down just yet. We still have late September and October to get through before we pop the champagne. Hope for the best, always be prepared just in case. I'll let you know when we're eventually in the clear with updates 24/7. Thanks everyone!

- Matt Devitt Weather

09/04/2026

This week, our team has been busy working to move families one step closer to recovery:

📋 Planning & Zoning: Staff attended a meeting to support a variance request needed for a homeowner’s recovery.

💙 $9,000 Grant Awarded: Funding was secured to help a homeowner move forward with a full demolition and replacement of their home.

🔎 Home Inspection: We completed an inspection to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Milton and determine the next steps toward recovery.

Recovery doesn’t happen overnight and it takes a lot of coordination, advocacy, funding, and hard work behind the scenes.

We’re grateful to be part of the process and to walk alongside our families every step of the way. 💙

08/28/2026

We love hearing from the families we have the privilege of serving, and this recent message from one of our clients truly touched our hearts.

This is why we do what we do. 🏡❤️

A safe, sanitary, and secure home can make such a meaningful difference in a family’s life. Knowing that our work is helping create healthier living conditions and giving families hope reminds us why every step of this journey is worth it.

Thank you to our amazing clients, partners, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible. 💙

08/24/2026

You should be regularly testing your home’s carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replacing batteries as needed to ensure they are functioning properly. Doing this prior to a storm is even more important.

08/21/2026

🌟 Hurricane Ian Recovery Update 🌟

As of August 20, 2026, we’re proud to share an incredible milestone in the recovery from Hurricane Ian:

🏠 125 homes completed and brought back to a Safe, Sanitary, Secure & Functional condition.

The road to recovery has been long, but every home represents a family given the opportunity to move forward.

We’re incredibly grateful for every volunteer, donor, contractor, partner, and community member who has helped make this progress possible. ❤️

125 homes. Countless helping hands. One community coming together to rebuild.

08/13/2026

❌ MYTH: Every donated item helps after a disaster.

✅ FACT: Unrequested donations can create additional challenges for communities and responding organizations. Items that aren't needed still have to be transported, received, sorted, stored, and sometimes discarded, taking valuable time and resources away from serving survivors.

Being 'Ready to Respond, Ready to Recover' also means knowing how to help effectively.

When disaster strikes, cash is often the most effective way to give. Financial donations allow trusted organizations to respond to changing needs, purchase exactly what communities require, and, when possible, support businesses in the affected area.

Across the VOAD Movement, organizations coordinate needs and resources so generosity can make the greatest possible impact.

Before you give: Give wisely. Give what's needed. Help communities respond and recover.