Storm Recovery Permitting
Goal
Our goal is to help residents stay in their homes and businesses reopen as quickly as possible by streamlining the permitting process for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Substantial Damage (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. County inspectors will determine if your property is Substantially Damaged.
Please visit our Substantial Damage and Substantial Improvement page first for essential information before starting any repairs on a property located in a flood hazard area.
Required Forms for Reassessment
If you received a Substantially Damaged letter and disagree with the initial assessment, you can request a reassessment. To do so, please read the steps on this page and complete the following forms.
Eligibility
The storm recovery permitting services listed on this page apply only to properties located in unincorporated Pinellas County and the following where Pinellas County serves as the building official: Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Oldsmar and Safety Harbor.
If your property is outside unincorporated Pinellas County or its partner communities, this form includes contact information for the relevant municipality’s building department.
Not sure if you live in a municipality or unincorporated Pinellas County? Find out here.
Expedite the Storm Recovery Permitting Process
- Schedule an inspection
Call (727) 464-3888 and select option 1 or email sdinspection@pinellas.gov. - In-Person Assistance
Staff will guide you through the permitting process and, when possible, issue permits that same day. - Extended Hours
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Building Services office at 440 Court Street, Clearwater, will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to support storm damage repair permits. - Priority Given to Storm Recovery
Residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and/or Milton will have priority over non-storm related inspections and permitting.
Storm Recovery Permitting and Substantial Improvement Forms
Note: These forms apply only to unincorporated Pinellas County and its partner communities.
- Appraisal Review Checklist
- Central Permitting Form
- Owner-Contractor Affidavit
- Notice of Commencement
- Subcontractor Form
- Application for Construction in a Floodplain
- Floodplain Substantial Improvement Package
- Floodplain Substantial Improvement Disclosure form
- Application for Private RV or Trailer used as THU
- Condo Storm Repair Authorization Form
Permitting Guidelines
- Prioritized Permit Issuance
Storm repair permits will be expedited from intake to issuance unless a detailed substantial damage assessment is required. If this is the case, the permit will be intaked and a detailed substantial damage assessment will be performed. The results of this assessment will determine if the permit can proceed under substantial improvement permitting processes. Staff are available to assist residents and contractors through the permit process. - Express Permits
Express permits require additional staff review for substantial improvement compliance. If the structure is determined to be outside a regulated flood hazard area, the permit will be processed. - In-Person Assistance
For homeowners pursuing an owner-builder permit, property owners must personally appear to sign the Owner/Contractor affidavit. Homeowners should refer to the “What to Bring” section below to facilitate a permit being issued. Staff are available to explain the provisions of an owner-builder permit, including the risks associated with the permit option. - Substantial Damage Inspections
Certain homes identified as Pre-FIRM, such as those built before flood maps were in place in the late 1970s, and properties that were categorized as having “major” damage associated with the County’s Damage Assessment efforts require a substantial damage inspection before a permit can be issued. This inspection will be prioritized and will occur within 1-2 days. Building Services will then expedite collaboration with floodplain specialists to determine if the structure is substantially damaged. This assessment will guide the appropriate recovery and permitting path. - Fee Waivers
All permit fees for storm recovery repair permits will be waived, except for repairs related to outside amenities such as patios, driveways, and swimming pools. - Inspections and Safety
Our building staff is currently conducting substantial damage inspections in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County, as well as in the following communities where the County serves as the Building Official: Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach, Oldsmar and Safety Harbor. Habitability reviews are being carried out to ensure that homes are safe to live in. Inspectors will also have the ability to issue permits on the spot for minor repairs. - Limited Demolition in Advance of Permit
Limited demolition, such as removing damaged drywall, is allowed before obtaining a building permit. - Application for Private RV or Trailer used as Temporary Housing Unit (THU)
Any temporary shelter that is not placed by FEMA, must meet the criteria of a temporary living quarter as defined in Florida Statute. Homeowners using a private RV or trailer as a THU must fill out this form to apply for the appropriate permit(s). This includes travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, motor home, private motor coach, van conversion, park trailer, or fifth-wheel trailer.
For Substantially Damaged Properties
If your home or business is determined to be substantially damaged by a flood, you may be required to meet building requirements in your community to reduce future flood damage before you repair or rebuild. To help cover some of the costs of those requirements, the National Flood Insurance Program offers Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. You must file your ICC claim within 60 days of receiving your Substantial Damage determination letter, and the mitigation project must be completed within six years.
What to Bring
Residents and contractors should bring the following items to expedite the permitting process.
Completed Forms
Notice of Commencement: Complete numbers 1-4. Form must be notarized and recorded at the Pinellas County Clerk’s office.
Subcontractor List: Complete only if scope of work includes more than one specialty
Application for Construction in a Floodplain
Additional items for owners acting as contractors
Owner/Contractor Affidavit (verified in-office by BDRS staff)
Driver’s license or state-issued identification card
Additional items for licensed contractors
State contractor license number
Current Certificate of Insurance
Building Permitting for Condominium and Townhouse Buildings Located in a Flood Hazard Area
applies to structures not substantially damaged
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- Condominium and townhouse buildings are considered a single structure for the purposes of the 49% substantial improvement rule. The rule applies to the entire building’s market value, not individual units. The just market value of the building is provided on the Property Appraisers website (Pinellas County Property Appraiser) under the FEMA/WLM letter menu item.
- Any improvements or repairs, whether to the structure’s common areas (e.g., roof, foundation, walls, lobby, etc. ) or individual units, are aggregated to determine compliance with the 49% threshold. The cumulative cost of repairs is also to include any open building permit(s) associated with the building and/or units and permit values with work having been completed in the past 12-months.
- The Storm Repair Authorization Form for Condominiums, Apartments and Townhome Buildings Located in a Flood Hazard Area (Condo-HOA-Apt Storm Repair Authorization Form – r002–fillable.pdf )is to be completed and signed by the association president, building owner, or authorized representative and accompany each building permit whether for common building element improvements or for individual units.
Additional Resources
Information such as your property Base Flood Elevation (BFE) can be found at https://floodmaps.pinellas.gov/
What is Substantial Improvement? pinellas.gov/substantial-damage-substantial-improvement/
You may apply online or in person at 440 Court St. Clearwater, FL 33756.
This process is pursuant to Florida Statute Section 1.125.023