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After-the-Fact Storm Permitting

Penalties waived through Dec. 31, 2025.

Standard permit fees still apply.

building permit stamped approved and illustration of house under construction

Homes in unincorporated Pinellas County’s floodplains that sustained damage during Hurricanes Debby, Helene or Milton must have permits for all repairs, even if the work is already completed. Permitted work protects your access to affordable insurance and keeps Pinellas County eligible for vital federal programs.

Waiver Coverage: County & Partner Cities

The information on this page applies only to properties located in unincorporated Pinellas County and these municipalities where Pinellas County serves as the building official: Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Oldsmar and Safety Harbor.

New Construction and Accessory Dwellings Excluded

This waiver is not applicable to after-the-fact permits for accessory outdoor amenities
including, but not limited to a swimming pool, driveway, patios, screen cages and sheds. After- the-fact storm permits are also not applicable for new construction unrelated to storm damage.

Why Apply for an After-the-Fact Storm Permit?

  • Stay FEMA/NFIP compliant: avoid enforcement and stay eligible for flood insurance

  • Preserve community discount:  County’s 40% flood insurance discount depends on compliance

  • Avoid penalties: fines for unpermitted work waived through Dec. 31, 2025 (one-time opportunity).

  • Qualify for recovery grants: permits required for programs like Pinellas Recovers, which will offer millions for repairing/rebuilding homes

  • Protect property value:  permitted work ensures you can sell your home for its full value.

If your home was damaged by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, or Milton, you may qualify for waived permit penalty fees on storm-related repairs in unincorporated Pinellas and our six partner communities—but you must act before Dec. 31, 2025. This video explains after-the-fact permits, how they protect your home and unlock potential help through the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs.

Apply for an After-the-Fact Storm Permit

Instructions

Submit your after-the-fact permit application as soon as possible to avoid future enforcement, protect your NFIP flood insurance discount, and keep your property in good standing. Fees will be reinstated after Dec. 31, 2025.

Available Support for your After-the-Fact Storm Permit

Start by calling (727) 464-3888 (Option 5) or emailing afterthefact_stormpermitting@pinellas.gov. Our staff will answer your questions, guide you through the steps, and confirm which documents you’ll need.

Once you’re ready, bring your required documents directly to our office at 440 Court Street, Clearwater (open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.). By preparing ahead, our team can review your paperwork quickly. In many cases, you’ll leave with your permit the same day.

RESIDENTIAL HOMES
CONDOMINIUMS
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES

  1. Gather your information: Be prepared to list all storm-damage repairs already completed or in progress. This includes drywall, flooring, cabinetry, doors, finishes, and any utility equipment or fixtures.
    Disclaimer: The PDFs linked above are not accessible. Persons with disabilities may contact our Office of Human Rights by calling (727) 464-4880 or by email for assistance with these documents.
  2. Submit your application online: Select the appropriate box above, complete the fillable application, and submit the packet, required forms and support documents through our portal.
  3. Pay standard permit fees: While penalties have been waived, standard permit fees apply. For residential homes, permit fees are based on the scope of construction. For mobile and manufactured homes, there is a flat fee of $85.

Need help rebuilding? Start at recover.pinellas.gov

Pinellas County’s People First Hurricane Recovery programs launched this month and are accepting applications for home repairs, reconstruction and eligible reimbursements.
Questions? Visit recover.pinellas.gov, call 727-606-3307, or email recover@pinellas.gov. For alerts, text RECOVER to 888777.

FAQs

1. What is an after-the-fact storm permit?

An after-the-fact permit is required when work has already been completed without a permit. It documents the repairs, ensures they meet safety and floodplain standards, and brings the property into compliance.

2. Why did I receive a letter about after-the-fact storm permitting?

You received the letter because your property is located in a floodplain area that sustained damage during Hurricanes Debby, Helene, or Milton, and there is no record of a repair permit on file for your property.

3. Why should I apply for an after-the-fact storm permit?

Permits verify that repair work meets the Florida Building Code and Pinellas County floodplain ordinance.

  • Stay compliant with FEMA and NFIP requirements: Protects you from enforcement, ensures your property meets floodplain regulations, and ensures National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage remains available.
  • Preserve your community’s flood insurance discount: Pinellas County’s 40 percent National Flood Insurance Program premium discount depends on community-wide compliance.
  • Avoid penalties: Fines for unpermitted work are waived through December 31, 2025, giving you a one-time chance to comply at no extra cost. Normally, after-the-fact permits cost double, but this is a one-time opportunity to comply without penalty.
  • Qualify for recovery grants: Permits are required to access programs like the Pinellas Recovers grant.
  • Protect your property’s value: Proper permits and documentation make your home more marketable for future resale.

4. What happens if I don’t get an after-the-fact storm permit?

Failure to obtain permits can result in fines, enforcement action, and loss of the County’s 40 percent discount on National Flood Insurance Program premiums.

5. What if my property didn’t have any damage?

Even if your property had no damage, please let us know so we can update our records. Call (727) 464-3888 (option 5) or email afterthefact_stormpermitting@pinellas.gov. Letters were sent to broad areas rather than specific addresses. Your response helps us maintain an accurate database.

6. Are there penalties for applying late?

Fines for unpermitted work are waived through Dec. 31, 2025. Normally, after-the-fact permits cost double, but this is a one-time opportunity to comply without penalty.

7. What kinds of repairs require an after-the-fact storm permit?

Permits are required for most storm-related repairs, including drywall, flooring, doors, cabinets, finishes and utility equipment or fixture.

8. Can I still qualify for Pinellas Recovers grants?

Yes. Permits are required to qualify for financial assistance through the Pinellas Recovers grant program

9. Will this impact the sale of my home?

Yes. Properties with documented permits are typically easier to sell. Buyers and lenders may require proof that all repairs were properly permitted.

10. What is the standard permit fee?

For residential homes, permit fees are based on the scope of construction. For mobile and manufactured homes, there is a flat fee of $85.

11. Does this apply to new construction and accessory dwellings?

This waiver is not applicable to after the fact permits for accessory outdoor amenities including, but not limited to a swimming pool, driveway, patios, screen cages and sheds. It is also not applicable to after-the-fact permits for new construction unrelated to storm damage. 

12. How may I find more information?

Visit our Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement Page for more details on the SD/SI policies and procedures. Our Storm Recovery Permitting Page offers information on resources to support your repair and recovery efforts. You may also contact us at (727) 464-3888 (Option 5) or afterthefact_stormpermitting@pinellas.gov.