County to host neighborhood hubs for storm repair permits and recovery grants

County to host neighborhood hubs for storm repair permits and recovery grants

Pinellas County is bringing permitting and recovery resources directly to local neighborhoods this March and April to help residents resolve storm repairs and access hurricane grants.

To help staff prepare to serve you, residents are asked to register for the event(s) they plan to attend at pinellas.gov/after.

The County is waiving after-the-fact permit penalties through June 30, 2026, for residents of unincorporated Pinellas and its six partner communities: Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Oldsmar, and Safety Harbor. While standard permitting fees still apply, acting now allows homeowners to avoid a penalty that is normally double the standard permit cost. Getting permits ensures repairs meet vital safety and floodplain standards while helping preserve the County's 40 percent flood insurance discount.

Upcoming Support Hub Schedule:

Each event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations.

• Thursday, March 19:

Gulfport Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S., Gulfport.

• Wednesday, March 25:

Magnolia Room at Parks & Conservation Resources, 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo.

• Thursday, April 2

Harbor Hall/Reba Sutton White Chapel, 1190 Georgia Ave., Palm Harbor.

Hurricane Recovery Grant Eligibility: Beyond permitting, staff will be on site to help residents apply for the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000 in repair reimbursements. Those with larger repair needs may qualify for up to $375,000 for home rehabilitation or reconstruction. Local permit compliance is a mandatory requirement to qualify for People First Hurricane Recovery Programs.

These financial programs are open to all Pinellas County residents, except for those living within the City of St. Petersburg, which has its own recovery programs.

Why Get a Permit:

• Safety and Floodplain Compliance: Permits ensure that all repairs meet modern safety and floodplain management standards to protect the home from future storms. Residents whose homes are located within a floodplain are required to obtain permits for all work, including minor repairs.

• Cost Savings and Protection: Valid permits help preserve the county's 40 percent flood insurance discount for all policyholders. Homeowners who apply before the June 30, 2026, deadline will also avoid penalty fees that are normally double the standard permit cost.

• Access to Financial Aid: Local permit compliance is a mandatory requirement to qualify for People First Hurricane Recovery Programs as covered above.

For more information on storm recovery programs, visit recover.pinellas.gov.

Residents with questions about after-the-fact permits can call (727) 464-3888 (Option 5) or visit our after-the-fact permitting page pinellas.gov/after.