Hurricane Helene, Milton and Debby Recovery
Important Dates
For text updates about new financial assistance programs and deadlines, text “RECOVER” to 888777.
- SBA Physical Damage Disaster Loan deadline: April 27, 2025 (Deadline extended)
- Economic Injury Loan Application deadline
- Hurricane Helene: June 30, 2025
- Hurricane Milton: July 11, 2025
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.
- Substantial Damage Letters – The County is in the process of mailing substantial damage determinations in unincorporated Pinellas County to residents whose homes have experienced substantial damage. Residents can lookup their property address to see if a determination has been made and download their substantial damage letter. Several properties are still awaiting a determination. NOTE: The look up tool only shows results for mailed determinations.
- Unincorporated residents can quickly get permits for a private RV or trailer on their property if their home was damaged in the recent hurricanes. View Temporary Housing Unit Permit Information.
- 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.
Mold Remediation
If your home was flooded during the storms this year, it’s important to protect your family from mold growth. You don’t need a permit to take mold remediation steps. To prevent health issues, be sure to take the following precautions when cleaning:
- Wear an N-95 respirator (available online and at many hardware stores).
- Wear gloves (ideally long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm). Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands. If you are using a disinfectant, bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane or PVC.
- Wear goggles (without ventilation holes).
- After you leave the mold site, shower and change your clothes to help you avoid carrying mold back to your current living quarters.
For more information about mold cleanup and safety, visit https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
Notice: Emergency Solutions Grant – Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing
Pinellas County is receiving $512,336 in Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address the needs of persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in areas affected by the recent hurricanes and whose needs are not otherwise served or fully met by existing Federal disaster relief programs. Pinellas County is in the process of identifying specific community programs that could be supported by these grant funds. For additional information on the County’s proposed use of ESG-RUSH funding, please view the complete ESG-Rush Public Notice.
Personal/Family Recovery Resources
FEMA Individual Assistance
The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance was Jan. 7, 2025. FEMA applicants can continue updating FEMA on their status at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Help is available at this number 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.
A complete list of FEMA assistance options is available here:
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/contact-us
Has your situation changed since you applied for FEMA assistance?
If you have applied for FEMA assistance and your situation has changed (for example, if your reported damage has changed or you are no longer able to live in your home), please call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to update your application.
FEMA TSA Update (Hotel Assistance):
If FEMA sent you a letter that you must move out of your hotel, but your home is not ready yet, you may need to update your info and file an appeal. Click here for details.
Appealing FEMA’s decision
If you applied for FEMA assistance, you will receive a decision letter in the mail or via email. If you disagree with the decision about your eligibility, you can appeal within 60 days from the date on that letter. Learn more about the appeal process.
Elevate Florida Program
The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s new statewide residential mitigation program, Elevate Florida, aims to enhance community resilience by mitigating private residences against natural hazards. It offers assistance with elevation, reconstruction and/or acquisition of homes. Create an account and apply at https://fdem-resmit.my.site.com/Elevate.
Elevate Florida contact information:
For Elevate Florida questions, technical support, or application assistance, call the contact center Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 877-353-8835 (877-ELEV8FL). To access TTY services, dial 711. You can also email info@elevatefl.org or click “Contact Us” in the application portal.
Food Assistance
- Feeding Tampa Bay offers food pantries and food distribution events for Pinellas County residents in need. 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.
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
For legal assistance, the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline is available to eligible residents living in Florida or those with a legal issue pending in Florida. To apply for services, call (833) 514-2940 (available 24/7). Non-emergency matters can also be submitted online anytime.
Bay Area Legal Services is also available for assistance with legal issues caused by hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby. Call (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.
Update (2/27/25): SBA has announced a deadline extension for Physical Damage Disaster Loan applications for hurricanes Helene and Milton through April 27, 2025. Apply online at lending.sba.gov.
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.
Business Recovery
Physical Damage and Economic Injury (SBA) Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest Physical Damage and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Residents, businesses and private nonprofit organizations can visit sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance to apply, and can contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance.
Update (2/27/25): SBA has announced a deadline extension for Physical Damage Disaster Loan applications for hurricanes Helene and Milton through April 27, 2025. Apply online at lending.sba.gov.
The deadline for Economic Injury loans is June 30, 2025, for Hurricane Helene and July 11, 2025, for Hurricane Milton.
Business Recovery Center in Clearwater
The Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Recovery Center (BRC) is at the EpiCenter in Clearwater offering assistance to business owners, homeowners and renters with disaster loan applications, questions and information about resource partners. Please note that the BRC has moved to Room 328. Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff are also in the EpiCenter in Suite 1-200 to offer assistance to businesses with business recovery.
Temporary Closure: The BRC will be temporarily closed on Friday, March 28, due to an unforeseen building maintenance issue and will reopen on Monday, March 31.
- Location: Pinellas County Economic Development at the St. Pete College 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.
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
Closures
Parks Reopening (Updated Feb. 18)
- Fort De Soto Park
- Boat ramps are open, but only one floating dock is available due to storm damage.
- Most other areas of the park are open. Areas such as the East Loop and portions of the seawall near the historic site are still closed to the public due to damage.
- War Veterans Memorial Park
- The park is open.
- The boat ramp is open, but no floating docks are available.
- Beach Access Parks
- Redington Shores beach access is open.
- Indian Rocks Beach access is open.
- Madeira Beach is closed for repairs.
All other County parks and preserves, including County boat ramps, 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.
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
Pinellas seeks input on $813 million storm recovery fund
Pinellas County has been awarded $813,783,000 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support long-term recovery from Hurricane Idalia in 2023, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. These funds from the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program can help rebuild homes and businesses, provide rental assistance, restore damaged infrastructure and address other critical community needs.
- January 17, 2025 Floridians can appeal FEMA’s decision
- January 14, 2025 County completes storm debris collection in unincorporated areas
- January 13, 2025 Important update about FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (Hotel Assistance)
- January 3, 2025 County Information Center to close after 80-plus days of serving residents’ hurricane needs
- December 24, 2024 President Biden Signs Law to Deliver Funding to SBA to Reopen its Disaster Loan Program and Support Recovery in Communities across the Country