$813 million disaster program to focus first on vulnerable homeowners, renters
- People First programs include home repair/reconstruction, repair reimbursement, homebuyer assistance, disaster payments and support for landlords to rent units as affordable housing.
- Available to all Pinellas residents except those in St. Petersburg, which is launching its own programs in November.
- Pinellas residents can apply online starting Oct. 20 at recover.pinellas.gov, by phone or in-person.
Pinellas residents still struggling to repair their homes or recover financially from last year’s devastating hurricanes will soon have access to millions of dollars in new programs focused on helping vulnerable homeowners and renters recover.
The People First Hurricane Recovery Programs will open to applicants on Oct. 20 to help low- to -moderate income residents repair or replace homes, prevent long-term displacement, and make housing safer and more affordable. Pinellas County announced the launch Monday.
Detailed program information, including income qualifications and what documents you need to apply, is posted online at recover.pinellas.gov.
The programs are funded by the largest federal storm recovery grant awarded to any local government in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton – a total of $813,783,000 in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The grant applies to damage from these two hurricanes as well as Hurricane Idalia in 2023.
The programs will prioritize vulnerable residents with lower incomes, but help is available for individuals and families who make up to 120 percent of the Area Median Income (see table below).
About the programs
Residents can review the following five programs to see which best meets their needs or request help from a Case Manager to determine the right fit.
Homeowner Rehabilitation/Reconstruction: Funding to repair, rebuild or replace homes damaged by hurricanes.
- For income-eligible homeowners who lived in the home during the hurricane(s).
- Applies to both traditionally built and mobile homes.
Homeowner Reimbursement: Get reimbursed for documented repairs or reconstruction work you already completed.
- Covers code-compliant work completed before applying.
- For income-eligible homeowners who lived in the home during the hurricane(s).
Local Landlord Program: Support for landlords to repair or rebuild rental properties damaged by hurricanes.
- Must agree to rent to income-qualified tenants.
- Traditionally built and mobile homes (five units max across all properties).
Homebuyer Assistance: Help for income-eligible homebuyers to purchase a safe home outside flood zones.
- May cover down payment, closing costs, or even reduce your mortgage rate.
Disaster Relief Reimbursement: Reimbursement for essential disaster-related expenses such as rent, mortgage or utilities.
- Available for income-eligible residents.
- Covers up to six consecutive months of documented costs.
How to apply
Starting Oct. 20, 2025, there are three ways to apply or get help:
- Visit recover.pinellas.gov.
- Call 727-606-3307 (not active until Oct. 20).
- Meet with a case manager at one of these locations:
- 2600 McCormick Drive, Suite 100, Clearwater
- 5000 Park Street, Suite 4, St. Petersburg
Case managers will also be visiting community centers and other locations countywide at pop-up sites in the coming months. Check the website for dates/locations or text “RECOVER” to 888777 to opt in for updates.
Who should apply
Anyone in Pinellas County, excluding the City of St. Petersburg, with ongoing housing or financial needs not fully covered by FEMA, insurance or other state or federal programs, like Elevate Florida, is encouraged to apply. More information on St. Petersburg’s separate recovery programs is available at Sunrise St. Pete.
Income qualifications apply:
| Program Eligibility | Income | 1 person | 2 persons | 3 persons | 4 persons |
|
80% Area Median Income | $58,450 | $66,800 | $75,150 | $83,450 |
|
120% Area Median Income | $87,600 | $100,080 | $112,680 | $125,160 |
Note: No income requirements for applicants to Local Landlord Program, but landlords must agree to rent units at an affordable rate per federal guidelines for five years.
A majority of the County’s $813 million federal grant is committed to the People First programs, but additional help for small businesses and nonprofits, as well as investments in local infrastructure will be announced at a future date.