HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Starting Friday, May 1, homeowners across Hillsborough County who are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton can officially apply for a slice of over $200 million in disaster relief funds.
The “Rebuilding for Tomorrow” program is opening its doors to help residents in Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and unincorporated areas repair or even completely rebuild their homes.
The money is part of a massive $709 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. While much of that grant is earmarked for fixing public infrastructure like roads and pump stations, $211 million is set aside specifically for the Homeowner Repair and Reconstruction Program.
Residents have several ways to get help. A dedicated service center is opening Friday at 1029 E. Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa, operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
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For those who can’t make it to the main office, several “pop-up” centers will open at the Lee Davis, Plant City, University, and West Tampa Community Resource Centers through May 15. An additional temporary site will operate at the Wimauma Community Health Center on May 4 and May 11.
The program offers different levels of financial support depending on a homeowner’s specific needs. Qualified residents can receive up to $350,000 to replace or rebuild a home that was destroyed.
For those who need repairs that haven’t been covered by insurance or other programs, up to $150,000 is available. Even homeowners who have already paid for and completed permitted repairs can apply for reimbursements ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
Eligibility is based on household income. The program is open to those earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income—which translates to $100,080 for a two-person household—but officials noted that priority will be given to those earning 80% or less of that median figure.
Applications go live online at RebuildingForTomorrow.HCFL.gov on May 1. Residents who prefer to speak with someone can call the county’s recovery hotline at (813) 540-7767. The county says the program will remain open until all the funds have been distributed.
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