Emergency Information
In the case of a fire, police or medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Hurricane Recovery Deadlines
- FEMA Assistance Applications (Hurricanes Helene & Milton): Jan. 7, 2025 (Deadline extended)
- FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program for Nonprofits, Houses of Worship and Governments (Hurricanes Helene & Milton): Dec. 20, 2024 (Deadline extended)
- Physical Damage Disaster Loan (Hurricanes Helene & Milton): Jan. 7, 2025 (Deadline extended)
- Economic Injury Loan (Hurricanes Helene & Milton): July 11, 2025
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.
- If you need to replace or repair a dock, seawall, marina, riprap, tie poles, or if you need to dredge or fill in Pinellas County waters, you may need a permit. For information about Water and Navigation permits, emergency storm repairs to docks, and disposal of dock pilings, visit our Docks / Dredge & Fill page.
- If you haven’t already, contact your insurance agent and file your insurance claim as soon as possible. Learn more at pinellas.gov/flood-insurance
- 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. 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 is collecting residential storm debris from hurricanes Helene and Milton in the unincorporated areas of the county. For more information, visit pinellas.gov/debris.
The sand drop-off site at Sand Key Park is closed as of Nov. 24 due to low demand.
View more information about debris 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 debris in our waterways 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 or Helene can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane 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 deadline to apply for FEMA assistance for hurricanes Milton and Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.
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 or Helene.
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 deadline for Floridians to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Milton and Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.
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 Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 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
- 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.
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).
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 sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/physical-damage-loans. For assistance, contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955. The Physical Damage Disaster Loan deadline for hurricanes Helene and Milton has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.
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. The deadline to apply is Dec. 10.
Report business damages
Complete FloridaCommerce’s survey online at floridadisaster.biz/Respond/BusinessDamageAssessmentsSurvey 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.
The Physical Damage Disaster Loan deadline for hurricanes Helene and Milton has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.
The deadline for Economic Injury loans for hurricanes Helene and Milton is July 11, 2025.
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 (Boat ramp and causeway now open)
- Fred Howard Park Causeway and Beach (Fred Howard Park is now open)
- Lake Seminole Park
- Sand Key Park
- All County beach access areas
All other County parks and preserves, including County boat ramps and portions of the Florida Botanical Gardens and John S. Taylor Park, are now open.
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
- FL511.com for tools on traffic information statewide, regional or roadway-specific; Florida 511 mobile app; X (formerly Twitter) @fl511_tampabay; or call 511 toll free for updates in English and Spanish.
- Pinellas County roadway conditions on X (formerly Twitter): @pinellastraffic
- Pinellas County Public Works will also share all road closure updates through the Waze app.
- Sunshine Skyway bridge status
Storm Safety Information
- Important Tips: During and After a Storm
- Flooding Safety Tips
- Stay Informed
- Get Involved
- Hurricane Guide (PDF)
View information for your city/municipality
Executive Orders
Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center Executive Orders: including Evacuation Orders, Local State of Emergency declarations and Local State of Emergency extensions.
News & Updates
Residents don’t have to wait for letter to apply for permits Pinellas County has begun notifying residents in unincorporated Pinellas County whose homes…
- November 21, 2024 Final storm debris collection schedule announced for unincorporated areas
- November 8, 2024 Direct Temporary Housing Approved for Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton Survivors in Florida
- October 17, 2024 FEMA now offering Transitional Sheltering Assistance
- October 17, 2024 Comfort stations available for displaced residents
- October 13, 2024 BCC Chair Kathleen Peters meets with President, federal officials