Storm Recovery Permitting
Goal
Our goal is to help residents stay in their homes and businesses reopen as quickly as possible by streamlining the permitting process for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Thanksgiving Closures
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, our phone lines and email services will be unavailable from Thursday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Dec. 1. We will resume normal operations on Monday, Dec. 2.
Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Substantial Damage (FEMA 50% Rule)
All structures located in the flood hazard area are subject to the Substantial Damage Rule.
If you live in a floodplain and the cost to repair your home meets or exceeds 49% of the structure’s actual cash value, it must be elevated or rebuilt up to new flood safety standards per county code set by FEMA guidelines. County inspectors will determine if your property is Substantially Damaged.
Please visit our Substantial Damage and Substantial Improvement page first for essential information before starting any repairs on a property located in a flood hazard area.
Required Forms for Reassessment
If you received a Substantially Damaged letter and disagree with the initial assessment, you can request a reassessment. To do so, please read the steps on this page and complete the following forms.
Eligibility
The storm recovery permitting services listed on this page apply only to properties located in unincorporated Pinellas County and the following where Pinellas County serves as the building official: Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Oldsmar and Safety Harbor.
If your property is outside unincorporated Pinellas County or its partner communities, this form includes contact information for the relevant municipality’s building department.
Not sure if you live in a municipality or unincorporated Pinellas County? Find out here.
Expedite the Storm Recovery Permitting Process
- Schedule an inspection
Call (727) 464-3888 and select option 1 or email sdinspection@pinellas.gov. - In-Person Assistance
Staff will guide you through the permitting process and, when possible, issue permits that same day. - Extended Hours
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Building Services office at 440 Court Street, Clearwater, will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to support storm damage repair permits. - Priority Given to Storm Recovery
Residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and/or Milton will have priority over non-storm related inspections and permitting.
Storm Recovery Permitting and Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement Forms
Note: These forms apply only to unincorporated Pinellas County and its partner communities.
- Appraisal Review Checklist
- Central Permitting Form
- Owner-Contractor Affidavit
- Notice of Commencement
- Subcontractor Form
- Application for Construction in a Floodplain
- Floodplain Substantial Improvement Package
- Floodplain Substantial Improvement Disclosure form
- Floodplain Substantial Damage Package – Cost Breakdown
- Substantial Damage Scope of Work Narrative
Permitting Guidelines
- Prioritized Permit Issuance
Storm repair permits will be expedited from intake to issuance unless a substantial damage inspection is required. Staff are available to facilitate in-person permitting at our 440 Court St., Clearwater office. Licensed contractors are strongly encouraged to use the ACA permitting portal for efficiency. - In-Person Assistance
For homeowners pursuing an owner-builder permit, property owners must personally appear to sign the Owner/Contractor affidavit. Homeowners should refer to the “What to Bring” section below to facilitate a permit being issued. Staff are available to explain the provisions of an owner-builder permit, including the risks associated with the permit option. - Substantial Damage Inspections
Certain homes identified as Pre-FIRM, such as those built before flood maps were in place in the late 1970s, and properties that were categorized as having “major” damage associated with the County’s Damage Assessment efforts require a substantial damage inspection before a permit can be issued. This inspection will be prioritized and will occur within 1-2 days. Building Services will then expedite collaboration with floodplain specialists to determine if the structure is substantially damaged. This assessment will guide the appropriate recovery and permitting path. - Fee Waivers
All permit fees for storm recovery repair permits will be waived, except for repairs related to outside amenities such as patios, driveways, and swimming pools. - Inspections and Safety
Our building staff is currently conducting substantial damage inspections in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County, as well as in the following communities where the County serves as the Building Official: Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach, Oldsmar and Safety Harbor. Habitability reviews are being carried out to ensure that homes are safe to live in. Inspectors will also have the ability to issue permits on the spot for minor repairs. - Limited Demolition in Advance of Permit
Limited demolition, such as removing damaged drywall, is allowed before obtaining a building permit.
For Substantially Damaged Properties
If your home or business is determined to be substantially damaged by a flood, you may be required to meet building requirements in your community to reduce future flood damage before you repair or rebuild. To help cover some of the costs of those requirements, the National Flood Insurance Program offers Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. You must file your ICC claim within 60 days of receiving your Substantial Damage determination letter, and the mitigation project must be completed within six years.
What to Bring
Residents and contractors should bring the following items to expedite the permitting process.
Completed Forms
Notice of Commencement: Complete numbers 1-4. Form must be notarized and recorded at the Pinellas County Clerk’s office.
Subcontractor List: Complete only if scope of work includes more than one specialty
Application for Construction in a Floodplain
Additional items for owners acting as contractors
Owner/Contractor Affidavit (verified in-office by BDRS staff)
Driver’s license or state-issued identification card
Additional items for licensed contractors
State contractor license number
Current Certificate of Insurance
Additional Resources
Information such as your property Base Flood Elevation (BFE) can be found at https://floodmaps.pinellas.gov/
What is Substantial Improvement? pinellas.gov/substantial-damage-substantial-improvement/
You may apply online or in person at 440 Court St. Clearwater, FL 33756.
This process is pursuant to Florida Statute Section 1.125.023