County waives after-the-fact permit penalties to support storm recovery

County waives after-the-fact permit penalties to support storm recovery

• Proper permits ensure that repair improvements are safe and performed to code.
• They protect homeowners from future issues, including FEMA compliance and ineligibility for recovery funds.
• Permits are needed for any storm-related repairs to structures located in floodplains affected by last year's hurricanes.

Pinellas County is waiving penalty fees for after-the-fact building permits through Dec. 31, 2025, to help residents in unincorporated areas bring storm-damaged properties into permitting compliance and support long-term recovery. Homeowners who live in municipalities should check with their city about fees.

Building permits - or after-the-fact permits if work was completed without one - are required for all repairs to all structures, including manufactured homes, located in floodplains affected by last year's storms. Securing proper permits helps protect homeowners from future issues such as FEMA audits, reduced property values, complications during property sales and ineligibility for recovery funds.

Typically, permit fees are doubled when work begins or is completed without prior approval. By County Commission resolution, residents can now obtain after-the-fact permits for the standard fee, which funds inspections and other safety services.

Permits ensure that repairs meet the Florida Building Code and County floodplain regulations, keeping homes safe and preserving eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Failure to obtain proper permits could jeopardize both individual flood insurance coverage and the countywide insurance discount Pinellas residents receive through FEMA's Community Rating System.

Obtaining permits also positions homeowners to qualify for upcoming Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) programs. Pinellas County will begin opening applications in October for home repair reimbursements and full rehabilitation projects supported by our $813 million federal disaster recovery allocation. More information about financial resources is available at recover.pinellas.gov.

Residents should apply for permits for any storm-related repairs already completed or still underway, including work on drywall, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing and mechanical components and/or systems. Additional documentation may be required for properties in flood-prone areas. Applications, required forms and status tracking are available through the County's online permitting portal. Staff are available to guide residents through the process and ensure all documentation is complete.

To apply, visit pinellas.gov/after-the-fact-permitting. For in-person help, visit the Building and Development Review Services office at 440 Court Street, Clearwater, or call (727) 464-3888 (Option 5).