PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — In order to qualify for $30,000 in grant funding for hurricane related home repairs, homeowners must file their claim with FEMA by January 7.

The Hurricane Home Repair Program was created to help homeowners in Pinellas County pay for storm repairs that are not covered by insurance or FEMA. While the program itself has no deadline, insurance claims must be made and documented, and a FEMA award or denial letter must be obtained in order to apply.

What You Need To Know

  • Funding is provided by Florida’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) and Pinellas County

  •  The state money used was redirected from downpayment assistance and home repair programs to provide hurricane relief

  • Maximum $30,000 will be paid directly to the contractor or can reimburse a homeowner for eligible home repair costs

  • APPLY HERE: Pinellas County Home Repair Program

“This is state funding that we have for our program so it does require that there be no duplication of benefits,” explained Sheri Harris, Housing Development Manager for Pinellas County. “We needed to make sure insurance adjusters had gotten out there to do their assessment and then FEMA did theirs before we got to take a look at it.”

The program officially opened for applications on December 23, and through the 2-week holiday period has already received 139 applications that are under review, 86 pending applications, and another roughly 25 that are in the final steps.

Once approved, the funding can be used on roof repair/replacement, tree removal, window replacements, HVAC repair, electrical issues, mold remediation, drywall, and flooring.

Harris says while FEMA’s goal is to make homes safe and sanitary once again, the county hopes this funding can help make families whole.

“We just want to make them whole if possible,” she said. “So once FEMA has made that determination that yes they’re eligible for some funding, then they can come to us and we can evaluate what resources we can put into this project.”

Households with income less than 120% Area Median Income can qualify for the funding. That equals a maximum of $114,000 annual income for a family of 4.