Mobile and Manufactured Home Substantial Damage Instructions

Mobile and manufactured homes assessed as substantially damaged must be restored to pre-damage condition regardless of whether the damage was caused by a storm, aging or poor workmanship.

To submit a reassessment request, please provide the following:

1. In-Person Checklist
2. Substantial Damage Determination Letter
   A copy of the letter from this mailing that you received from the County regarding the substantial damage determination.
3. Application for Mobile/Manufactured Home Repair in a Floodplain
4. Floodplain Substantial Damage Itemized Cost Breakdown for Mobile/ Manufactured Homes
5. Photos taken before and after the storm
   Without photos, a field inspection of the site will be required.
6. Valid Florida Registration with year and VIN Number
7. Valuation Documentation (any of the following)
   • Actual Cash Value Private Appraisal (with a pre-storm effective date that follows the Pinellas County Appraisal Review Checklist) OR
   • A copy of the FEMA/WLM letter from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser OR
   • A Pre-storm Building Value Reconsideration letter from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser

Pre-Storm Building Value Reconsideration

If you believe the Property Appraiser value is too low or doesn’t reflect recent improvements you made before the storm, start by contacting the Property Appraiser to request a Pre-Storm Building Value Reconsideration. You’ll need to provide photos showing the interior of the home before the storm, which the Property Appraiser will use to adjust the value if appropriate. This will not increase your value for 2024 property taxes. In addition, homesteaders will experience no value increase in future years from this process. There is no charge for the building value reconsideration. Many homeowners who have requested this reconsideration have had their value adjusted and are no longer considered substantially damaged. But if you still aren’t satisfied with the result, you can hire a private appraisal company to do a detailed actual cash value appraisal.   

Essential repairs to include in the cost estimate

Floodwater was below the first floor (above the belly board)

• Clean-up: Cost of the demolition and removal of construction debris.
• Underfloor Components: Replace the vapor barrier and floor insulation; inspect subflooring; if reusing, provide photo evidence it is clean and dry.
• HVAC: Inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace condenser and replace ductwork.
• Electrical: Estimate wiring repairs of 5% of the home’s under-roof square footage.
• Flooring: Estimate each type by area (if reusing hardened flooring, like tile, provide photo evidence it is clean and dry.

Floodwater was less than 1 inch above the first floor

• Clean-up: Cost of the demolition and removal of construction debris.
• Underfloor Components: Replace the vapor barrier and floor insulation; inspect subflooring; if reusing, provide photo evidence it is clean and dry.
• HVAC: Inspect and, if necessary, replace condenser and ductwork.
• Electrical: Estimate wiring repairs at 0.5 square feet per square foot under the roof.
• Interior: Replace base molding and flooring; if reusing, provide photo evidence it is clean and dry.

Floodwater was more than 1 inch above the first floor

• Clean-up: Cost of the demolition and removal of construction debris.
• Underfloor Components: Replace the vapor barrier and floor insulation; inspect subflooring; if reusing, provide photo evidence it is clean and dry.
• HVAC: Inspect and replace ductwork.
• Electrical: Estimate wiring repairs at 0.5 square feet per square foot under the roof. Replace electrical outlets if submerged.
• Plumbing: Reinstall toilets if flooring is replaced. Reinstall sinks if base cabinets or vanities are replaced. Give photo evidence if the water heater was above flood level; otherwise, replace.
• Interior: Replace base molding. Replace flooring; if reusing, provide photo evidence it is clean and dry.
  • Walls: Replace wallboard and insulation; if reusing paneling, provide photo evidence it is clean and dry.
  • Cabinetry: If reusing base cabinets or vanities, provide photo evidence they are clean and dry.

Common reasons your reassessment may be delayed or deemed incomplete

• The Floor Plan does not include layouts of each room with approximate dimensions.
• The Itemized Cost Breakdown does not include all items or accurate quantities needed to repair the home to its pre-storm condition.
• The Itemized Cost Breakdown does not accurately reflect labor costs.
• The appraisal does not meet the standards of the Appraisal Review Checklist.

If your reassessment is delayed or deemed incomplete, you can contact us for more information about the reason and work to update your request in the portal. Visit our Permit Hub in person (see info above) or email mh_sddeterminations@pinellas.gov.

How were cost estimates determined?

Estimates were based on data collected after the storms, including inches of water intrusion and visible damage. Pinellas County uses RSMeans Data, a construction cost estimation software, to generate consistent, standardized repair estimates.