Homeowners and renters can begin applying for Pinellas People First Hurricane Recovery Programs on Oct. 20.
Photo courtesy of the City of St. Pete Beach
Help is on the way for most of Pinellas County residents still struggling to repair their homes damaged or destroyed from last year’s hurricanes.
Pinellas People First Hurricane Recovery Programs will begin accepting applications Oct. 20. The $813 million disaster program prioritizes vulnerable homeowners and renters, according to the County’s media release.
City of St. Petersburg residents are not eligible for the Pinellas People First program. The City of St. Petersburg is launching its own recovery program called Sunrise St. Pete.
Read about a recovery program for St. Pete residents.Pinellas People First Hurricane Recovery Programs
Homeowner Rehabilitation/Reconstruction: Residents can receive funding to repair, rebuild, or replace homes damaged by hurricanes. You must have lived in the home during either of the hurricanes. This includes “traditionally built and mobile homes,” according to the County.
Homeowner Reimbursement: Residents can receive reimbursements for documented repairs or reconstruction work they already completed. The County also states this cover “code-compliant work completed before applying.” Residents must have lived in the home during either of the hurricanes.
Local Landlord Program: This program will support landlords with repairing or rebuilding rental properties damaged by last year’s hurricanes. Landlords “must agree to rent to income-qualified tenants,” according to a Pinellas County press release.
Homebuyer Assistance: This will help income-eligible homebuyers looking to purchase a safe home outside flood zones. The press release states this may cover a “down payment, closing costs, or even reduce your mortgage rate.”
Disaster Relief Reimbursement: According to Pinellas County, this reimbursement is for “essential disaster-related expenses such as rent, mortgage or utilities.” It should cover up to “six consecutive months of documented costs.”
How To Apply
For detailed program information, including income qualifications and what documents you need to apply, visit recover.pinellas.gov.
Starting Oct. 20, 2025, there are three ways to apply or get help:
Visit recover.pinellas.gov.Call 727-606-3307 (It is not active until Oct. 20).Meet with a case manager at one of these locations: 2600 McCormick Dr., Suite 100, Clearwater or 5000 Park St., Suite 4, St. PetersburgWe’re the calm during the storm. No hype, only help!
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