PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Pinellas County homeowners impacted by hurricanes can now access financial assistance of up to $30,000 through the Hurricane Home Repair Program, designed to help bridge the gap between repair costs and insurance or FEMA aid.
The program, which began accepting pre-screening applications today, prioritizes special needs and low-income households and is available to residents in unincorporated Pinellas and most cities, excluding Clearwater, Largo, and St. Petersburg, which have their own funding resources.
Program Highlights
The Hurricane Home Repair Program covers essential repairs, including roof replacements, tree removal, HVAC systems, electrical repairs, and mold remediation. Funds can also be applied to insurance deductibles.
Applicants must meet specific income eligibility criteria, with a household earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income ($80,280 for individuals or $114,600 for a family of four) qualifying. Special needs households and those earning 50–80% of the Area Median Income will receive priority.
To qualify, the home must be the applicant’s primary residence with an assessed value of $375,000 or less. Mobile homes built after 1994 also qualify.
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Required Steps and Documentation
Before applying for the Hurricane Home Repair Program, residents must secure assistance from FEMA. FEMA provides up to $42,500 for eligible home repairs, and applicants must submit a FEMA award or denial letter with their application. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is January 7, 2025.
Additional required documents include:
- Insurance reimbursement details and declaration page
- Income verification (pay stubs, tax returns, or pension statements)
- Bank statements
- Identification documents for all household members
All repairs must be performed by licensed and insured contractors.
Application Process
Pre-screening applications are now available at pinellas.gov/stormrepair. Submitted applications will be reviewed and prioritized based on need.
Stay Updated
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about new financial assistance programs by texting RECOVER to 888777 or visiting disaster.pinellas.gov.
For more information, contact the Pinellas County Housing & Community Development Department at (727) 464-8210.
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