Hurricane Recovery Aid for Homeowners in St. Petersburg & Pinellas County
If you’re a homeowner in St. Petersburg, FL or around Pinellas County, FL still dealing with damage or financial fallout from Hurricane Idalia (2023) or Hurricane Helene (2024), there is significant federal-aid funding available — and it’s important to get informed now.
What’s the Grant?
The city of St. Petersburg has been awarded approximately $159.8 million in CDBG-DR (Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for recovery from Idalia and Helene. St. Petersburg+2St Pete Catalyst+2
Meanwhile, Pinellas County (outside the city limits) is launching programs based on a larger allocation of over $813 million in federal disaster-recovery funding. Pinellas County+1
Who’s Eligible?
For St. Petersburg homeowners:
You must be a homeowner in the city whose property was impacted by Idalia and/or Helene. Bay News 9+1
The program prioritizes households earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI) for some assistance. Bay News 9+1
Funds can be used for repairs, reconstruction/elevation of damaged homes, or reimbursement of documented storm-related expenses. St. Petersburg+1
Note: Damage from Hurricane Milton was not originally included in St. Petersburg’s allocation. St. Petersburg
For Pinellas County programs:
Similar income limits apply (some programs allow up to ~120% AMI for certain categories). Pinellas County
The funding covers homeowners and renters, in addition to homebuyer assistance, depending on the program. Pinellas County
What Can Homeowners Do With It?
Homeowner Rehabilitation / Reconstruction: Repair or rebuild homes damaged by the storms.
Reimbursement: If you already made eligible repairs (with permits) you may be reimbursed for documented costs.
Disaster Relief Payments: Some programs cover documented past costs like rent, mortgage or utilities related to storm damage.
Homebuyer Assistance (County programs): In Pinellas County, help may be available for homebuyers to purchase safer homes outside high-risk zones. Pinellas County
Why This Matters Now
Many homeowners still face major repair costs, elevated risk of future damage, or unfinished reconstruction.
Funds are limited and once application windows open, they may fill quickly.
Even if you already received help from FEMA or insurance, these programs may cover other eligible damage or expenses.
Being prepared with documentation and proactively checking eligibility increases your chance of receiving aid.
What to Do Next
Check your address to confirm which program serves you (city vs. county).
Gather documentation: Proof of residency/ownership, income, storm damage photos, repair receipts & permits.
Monitor for application opening: St. Petersburg’s “Sunrise St. Pete” program is expected to launch its application window soon. St Pete Catalyst+1
Consult a case-worker if needed: Many homeowners benefit from help walking through eligibility and application steps.
Consider resilience improvements: Where possible, plan for mitigation (elevation, wind/hurricane mitigation) rather than just repair.
Final Thoughts
If your home was damaged by Hurricanes Idalia or Helene, these HUD-funded recovery programs offer a real opportunity to finish rebuilding, respond to outstanding damage, or move into safer ground. Don’t wait — the sooner you take steps, the better your chances of receiving assistance.
If you’d like help understanding how this may impact your property value, financing, insurance or home-ownership strategy in the St. Petersburg/Pinellas market, feel free to reach out — I’m here to help guide you.
