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Homeowner Recovery Resources

Months after two major hurricanes, many of us still have a long road ahead. Here’s what we know at this point in the recovery and the next steps for homeowners. You can text RECOVER to 888777 to sign up for future updates about recovery resources in the county, and we’ll also share them here.

Help for storm-damaged homes

  • FEMA: $42,500 max in eligible home repairs not covered by insurance as well as coverage for temporary housing such as a hotel or travel trailer. DisasterAssistance.gov. Initial deadline to apply has passed, but make sure you keep your application up to date if your situation has changed or you need more assistance since you first applied.
  • SBA: $100,000 max for renters/homeowners to replace or repair property or $500,000 for your business in form of a disaster loan. SBA.gov/Disaster.
  • Apply for County Income Eligible Hurricane Home Repair Program for up to $30,000 in extra repair costs not covered by insurance or FEMA. Pinellas.gov/StormRepair. Income and assessed home value restrictions apply.

Homes in the Flood Hazard Area

Homes that flooded may be determined “substantially damaged.” If repairing your home to pre-storm condition costs more than 49% of the home’s value (not including land), you must elevate, rebuild or relocate. Pinellas County is conducting assessments and sending letters with the results. Here’s what you can do…

  • Apply for NFIP Cost of Compliance Coverage up to $30,000 to elevate (if you carry this on your flood insurance). You have 60 days from the date of your substantial damage letter to apply.
  • Get permits for temporary occupancy – if your home is structurally sound and basic repairs could make it safe to live in, you can stay in your home while securing funds to rebuild.
  • Apply for the Elevate Florida program (application portal now open as of Feb. 7, 2025). The program will offer assistance with elevation, reconstruction and/or acquisition of homes. Create an account and apply.
  • Apply for FEMA, SBA, County Home Repair to offset rebuilding costs and cover temporary housing. 

Learn more about requesting a re-assessment for substantial damage, permits for minor damage and more at Pinellas.gov/sdsi. 

Future help for flooded homes

The County is actively pursuing state and federal programs to help homeowners recover. It may take many months or even years for these programs to be implemented. Once implemented, they will have varying qualifications with restrictions on income, award amounts, funding distribution and rebuilding standards. Some may require work to be paid upfront while others may pay directly. In most cases, you must be approved before you spend money. Reimbursement for work done before you applied is not usually allowed. Here are examples of some of these programs and how much they’ve funded per home in the past:

  • Up to $40,000 – Hazard Mitigation Grant (pending FEMA approval)
  • Up to $50,000 – Hurricane Housing Recovery Program (pending state approval)
  • Up to $150,000 – Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (pending HUD approval)

Note: These programs and dollar amounts are not yet confirmed and grants or other funding sources may be limited or competitive.

Text “RECOVER” to 888777 for updates on these and other future assistance programs.