Emergency Information

In the case of a fire, police or medical emergency, call 9-1-1

Upcoming Hurricane Recovery Deadlines

Hurricane Recovery: Milton, Helene & Debby

What to Do If Your Property Was Damaged

  • Storm Recovery Permit Fees Waived – Pinellas County has waived permit fees for all storm-related repairs. For floodplain permit details and applications, see our Storm Recovery Permitting page. For questions, contact Building & Development Review Services at (727) 464-3888. For storm recovery permitting, email buildingpermits@pinellas.gov.
  • Substantial Damage Inspections (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. Before starting repairs on property in a flood hazard area, please visit our Substantial Damage and Substantial Improvement page.
  • Photograph and list all damaged or lost items, including their age and value where possible. Take photos of how high the water was in the house. After photographing, remove any wet contents as soon as possible to prevent mold. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
  • Contact your insurance agent and file your insurance claim as soon as possible. Learn more at pinellas.gov/flood-insurance
  • Free Installation of Temporary Roof Coverings (Operation Blue Roof): Homeowners with roof damage can sign up for a FREE, installed, fiber-reinforced, water-resistant temporary blue roof covering to protect their home from further damage. For homeowners with qualifying roof damage, a  USACE contractor will perform the FREE installation. To participate, please register for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation Blue Roof program by Nov. 14. Sign up online at BlueRoof.gov or by calling at 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). Learn more about Operation Blue Roof in this video.
  • Do not do work on your home that is beyond your limitations. Make sure contractors you hire are licensed. Learn more at pinellas.gov/choosing-a-contractor. If you do not have internet access, you can also call the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board at (727) 582-3100 and choose Option 2 for Licensing to check whether a contractor is licensed.
  • If you suspect unlicensed construction activity is taking place and the work is actively in progress, submit your report by completing this form or call the Pinellas County Tipline at (727) 582-6767.
  • Read our Rebuilding After a Storm webpage before beginning your repairs to ensure your house can better withstand future storms.
  • See below for additional resources.

Report Damages

Report damages to your home, business, roads or other public infrastructure to help qualify our community for federal aid:

County Information Center

The County Information Center (CIC) is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for hurricane recovery questions. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the County Information Center via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat.

Debris & Sand Collection

Pinellas County resumed collection of residential storm debris from hurricanes Helene and Milton in the unincorporated areas of the county on Monday, Oct. 14. For more information, visit pinellas.gov/debris.

A drop-off site for residential storm debris is available for unincorporated residents (identification is required) at 13600 Icot Boulevard in Clearwater. The site is accepting debris daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This site is not open to commercial haulers.

A sand drop-off site is available at Sand Key Park, 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, for all county residents and businesses looking to dispose of storm-related sand from their property. The location is open seven days a week, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

View more information about debris and sand collection.

Marine Debris and Derelict Vessels

Marine debris is being collected and disposed of by a state contractor. Additionally, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is handling derelict vessels from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Report marine debris at Florida Debris Cleanup or call (850)-366-6007. The call center is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Personal/Family Recovery Resources

FEMA Individual Assistance

Homeowners and renters who sustained damages or losses from hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby or Helene and have additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for Milton and provide the dates of your most recent damage. 

FEMA may be able to help residents with immediate serious needs, temporary lodging expenses and rental assistance.

Residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or at 1-800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. View more information.

The deadlines to apply for FEMA assistance are as follows:
Hurricane Debby: Nov. 12
Hurricane Helene: Nov. 27
Hurricane Milton: Dec. 11

See below for resource centers for in-person support with FEMA assistance and other assistance resources.

FEMA Assistance for Self-Employed Individuals

FEMA assistance can help people who are self-employed, including artists, musicians and mechanics. Independent contractors are considered self-employed. To be considered for FEMA assistance, you must have had damage or losses as a result of hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby.

FEMA can help replace tools and equipment required for self-employment, or not provided by an employer but required for employment. Eligible tools may include:

  • Computers
  • Equipment such as power tools, art materials, musical instruments, tractors, utility vehicles, lawnmowers and ladders
  • Uniforms

You may be reimbursed for these items if they were damaged by the disaster, you do not have another working piece of equipment or item, and the loss was not covered by insurance.

An inspection is required to review the damage to essential tools/materials. If you have damage to personal property or essential tools, include this information on your FEMA application and notify the inspector of damage at the time of inspection.

Residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or at 1-800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. View more information.

The deadlines to apply for FEMA assistance are as follows:
Hurricane Debby: Nov. 12
Hurricane Helene: Nov. 27
Hurricane Milton: Dec. 11

See below for resource centers for in-person support with FEMA assistance and other assistance resources.

Disaster Recovery Center

The Disaster Recovery Center has moved to the Enoch D. Davis Center at 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Nov. 27. It will closed Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Any changes to the schedule will be updated on this webpage.

DRCs serve as centralized locations where people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery, including application assistance, information and guidance on disaster assistance programs, translation and accessibility services, application status updates, access to disaster-related resources, and access to computers and phones.

If your FEMA disaster assistance application was denied, FEMA may need additional information. The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) provides in-person assistance to help residents update their applications.

When visiting a DRC, it’s a good idea to bring identification, proof of residence, insurance information, and any documentation related to your disaster-related losses to facilitate the application process and ensure you receive the appropriate assistance.

Comfort Stations

Comfort stations are available for residents who are displaced from their homes following hurricanes Milton and Helene. These stations provide a place for residents to cool off and charge their phones. View more information.

Food Assistance

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) food assistance for Pinellas County.

    Online pre-registration is open for Pinellas County residents through Friday, Nov. 8, at 11:59 p.m. Pre-register here.

    After pre-registration is complete, applicants must call the D-SNAP Call Center: (888) 348-0408 (Open 8 a.m. – 6: p.m.) on the designated day listed below to complete a phone interview:
    • Last name begins with A-F: Call on Monday, Nov. 4
    • Last name begins with G-N: Call on Wednesday, Nov. 6
    • Last name begins with O-Z: Call on Thursday, Nov. 7
    • Any last name: Call on Friday, Nov. 8

  • Feeding Tampa Bay is offering food pantries and food distribution events in Pinellas County for residents impacted by hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find food and resources.
  • The St. Pete Free Clinic and partners offer free food resources across the county. View locations.
  • The Department of Children and Families has been approved to allow the purchase of hot foods with SNAP EBT benefits in Pinellas County to assist individuals impacted by Hurricane Milton. This allowance is available at participating retailers until Nov. 15. Recipients should check with retailers before making purchases to ensure participation. Examples of foods that may be purchased include hot deli foods, salad bars, prepared sandwiches, and fountain drinks. For more information, visit myflfamilies.com/Milton.

Housing Options for Displaced Residents

If you were displaced from your home by the hurricanes and need temporary shelter, visit pinellas.gov/HurricaneHousing for a list of resources to help you find short- and long-term housing options.

HOPE Florida Sheltering Assistance

FEMA has approved Non-Congregate Sheltering (NCS) assistance for Pinellas County, focusing on short-term (6-month) placement and transitioning disaster survivors into longer-term housing. Displaced survivors can apply for State NCS by visiting the Activate Hope website at hopeflorida.com and fill out the Assistance Request Form or by calling the Hope Florida support line at 833-GET-HOPE (833-438-4673).

Free Installation of Temporary Roof Coverings (Operation Blue Roof program)

Homeowners with roof damage can sign up for a FREE, installed, fiber-reinforced, water-resistant temporary blue roof covering to protect their home from further damage. For homeowners with qualifying roof damage, a  USACE contractor will perform the FREE installation. To participate, please register for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation Blue Roof program by Nov. 14. Sign up online at BlueRoof.gov or by calling at 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). Learn more about Operation Blue Roof in this video.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org. View more information: Hurricane Milton | Hurricane Helene | Hurricane Debby

Deadlines:
Hurricane Debby: Nov. 18
Hurricane Helene: Dec. 2
Hurricane Milton: Dec. 10

Tenant Recovery Information

If you rent your home and it was destroyed through no fault of your own, you have the right to end your rental agreement and leave the property immediately, according to Chapter 83.63 of Florida Statues. For more information about landlord-tenant legal issues related to hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby, contact the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline at 833-514-2940 or Bay Area Legal Services at (800) 625-2257.

Legal Help

Residents with legal issues caused by hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby can contact the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline at 833-514-2940 or Bay Area Legal Services at (800) 625-2257.

Insurance Questions & Fraud Reporting

  • Florida Insurance Consumer Helpline:  1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) (toll-free, available seven days a week, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
    • Out of State Callers: (850) 413-3089
    • The Florida Relay Service provides communications assistance to individuals with hearing, speech or vision disabilities and can be reached by dialing 711.
  • Insurance Fraud Hotline:  1-800-378-0445

Physical Damage Disaster Loans

Homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply for low-interest physical damage disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Apply at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/physical-damage-loans. For assistance, contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955.

Disaster Mental Health Resources

Disaster Distress Helpline

The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 toll-free, multilingual disaster crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. View more information.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, click the “ASL Now” button below or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL Support is available 24/7. FAQs for ASL NOW users.

Care About Me

Care About Me, Pinellas County’s access line for mental health, substance use and addiction services, can help residents or family members of individuals in non-crisis find local services. Call or text 1-888-431-1998 or chat in on careaboutme.org, confidentially speak with an experienced behavioral health specialist who will triage your needs, and get an appointment scheduled with a local provider.

988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to assist anyone experiencing trauma or in need of support. Call or text 988 for support.

Lost & Found Pets

  • If you have lost or found a pet, visit pinellas.gov/lost-and-found.
  • You can visit the Pinellas County Animal Services’ Found Center to check for your lost pet or drop off a found pet at 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Found Center hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can check other local animal shelters as well.

Business Recovery

Business Recovery Center in Clearwater

A Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Recovery Center is available at the Pinellas County Economic Development office at The EpiCenter in Clearwater. The SBA is offering assistance to business owners, homeowners and renters with completing disaster loan applications, answering questions and providing information about resource partners. Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff are also be available to offer assistance with applications for critical business recovery programs.

  • Location: Pinellas County Economic Development offices at The EpiCenter, 13805 58th Street N., Suite 1-200, Clearwater
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments are not required and walk-in visits are welcome.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org. View more information: Hurricane Milton | Hurricane Helene | Hurricane Debby

Deadlines:
Hurricane Debby: Nov. 18
Hurricane Helene: Dec. 2
Hurricane Milton: Dec. 10

Report business damages

Complete FloridaCommerce’s survey online at https://floridajobs.org/floridadisaster.biz and select the named storm from the dropdown menu. No need to know the exact dollar value of your costs, an estimate is fine. You must fill out a damage assessment survey for each named storm.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan

Florida Commerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, making $50 million available to Florida businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton and $15 million available to businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Apply online at http://FloridaJobs.org/EBL

Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest Physical Damage and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Residents and businesses can visit sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance to apply, and can contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance.

FEMA Public Assistance (PA) for Nonprofits, Houses of Worship and Governments

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program provides assistance to state, tribal, local governments and certain types of private non-profit organizations, including houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the president. Through the Public Assistance Grant Program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures. In addition, grant assistance may be provided for the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private non-profit (PNP) organizations. To be eligible for assistance from this grant program, prospective applicants must fill out a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) through the State of Florida’s Public Assistance Web Portal, www.FloridaPA.org. The FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program also encourages protection of the damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.

The deadline for Requests for Public Assistance has been extended to Dec. 20 for hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Closures

Parks and Preserves

The following parks remain closed to the public due to storm damage, debris cleanup or ongoing hurricane recovery efforts:

  • Fort De Soto Park
  • Fred Howard Park
  • John S. Taylor Park
  • Lake Seminole Park
  • Sand Key Park
  • War Veterans Memorial Park
  • All County beach access areas

All other county parks and preserves, including County boat ramps and portions of the Florida Botanical Gardens, are now open.

Veterans Day (Nov. 12)

Pinellas County Government offices and the Disaster Recovery Center will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12, in observance of Veterans Day. View more information.

Volunteers & Donations

Individuals interested in helping in the aftermath of hurricanes Milton and Helene are encouraged to visit Pinellas County’s Volunteers and Donations in Disasters page.

Traffic Information 

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