Hurricane & Storm Resources

Storm Recovery Resources

Report Damage In Pinellas County

Click on the links below to report any damage to Pinellas County Government as soon as possible:

Other storm damage tips:
• Document the damage to your home. Take photographs and video of flood damage. If possible, prepare a room-by-room list of damaged belongings and create an inventory including the item description, replacement cost, age, and serial numbers.
• Contact your insurance agent as quickly as possible and file your claim. If you have flood insurance that is part of the National Flood Insurance Program, see https://floodsmart.gov/start or call 877-336-2627 to start a claim. If you do not have insurance, you may be eligible to apply for funding from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – See below.
• Storm recovery resources and information are updated daily at disaster.pinellas.gov.

Insurance Claims & Adjusters for Hire
Beware of unlicensed and unscrupulous adjusters for hire.
1. Demand to see proper identification and proof of license. Verify the license at www.myfloridacfo.com.
2. Hire an independent adjuster as a LAST resort. Remember, it is always better to use your insurance company’s adjuster.
3. Adjusters for hire charge a commission, which YOU pay.
4. Adjusters for hire CANNOT speed up a claim.
5. Beware of adjusters for hire connected to building contractors.
6. Make sure your name is included on the claim check.
7. Make sure you know when the insurance check is issued.

Price Gouging

Report price gouging information to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by:

  • Free App - Download No Scam, a free app available for Android and Apple devices which enables the user to report suspected price gouging with photos, documents, and screen shots from a mobile device.
  • Online at MyFloridaLegal.com
  • Calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).

Emotional Support

  • 988 Lifeline - Provides crisis and emotional assistance 24/7 by calling 988, texting 988 or online chat.
  • Disaster Distress Helpline - 1-800-985-5990 available 24/7 to provide immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural- or human-caused disasters. Learn more about other behavioral health resources available from DHHS at ncdhhs.gov/behavioral-health-during-and-after-hurricane.

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer Florida - View different opportunities to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia.
  • Feeding Tampa Bay -  In need of volunteers who can help with preparing shelters, distributing essential supplies, and providing assistance to those in need. If you're available to help, please sign up for our Emergency Response Team here.

FEMA & Other Federal/State Assistance

  • FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers open in Palm Harbor and St. Petersburg. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) to assist residents affected by Hurricane Idalia. DRCs serve as centralized locations where people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery. https://pinellas.gov/news/fema-disaster-recovery-centers-open-in-palm-harbor-and-st-petersburg-this-weekend/. The following locations are scheduled to open on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023:

    • The Centre at Palm Harbor, 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor, open seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • The Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S, St. Petersburg, open seven days a week, 9 a.m.- 7 p.m.
     

  • American Red Cross - Financial Assistance For Hurricane Idalia.

    The Red Cross is now starting to get financial assistance into the hands of residents who have unlivable or destroyed homes.
    To be eligible for Red Cross damage-based financial assistance, households must meet these requirements:
    • Your pre-disaster primary residence (renter or homeowner) is in a confirmed disaster-impacted geographic area.
    • The residence is either destroyed or has sustained significant structural damage that requires extensive repairs, or the damage is so extensive that repairs are not feasible.
      • This may include substantial failure of the roof, walls, or foundation, or a water line above 18 inches.
    • You must be able to provide proof of identity and residence.

The Pinellas enrollment site (Allendale United Methodist Church, 3803 Haines Rd North, St. Petersburg, FL 33703) is open September 13, 2023. If you meet the eligibility criteria listed above, please use the link to access the appointment scheduling tool: Schedule an Appointment Online for Allendale United Methodist Church

  • FEMA Assistance - If you need financial help for repairs, lodging, or other disaster expenses, Disaster survivor assistance is available through FEMA. Visit disasterassistance.gov, download the FEMA app, or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Residents who use TTY may call 1-800-462-7585. Disaster survivors using 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) may call 800-621-3362.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest repair loans to Pinellas businesses, homeowners https://pinellas.gov/news/low-interest-repair-loans-available-for-pinellas-businesses-homeowners/ The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Oct. 30, 2023. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 31, 2024.
  • Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program https://pinellas.gov/news/low-interest-repair-loans-available-for-pinellas-businesses-homeowners/e state The program makes $20 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Florida small business owners needing assistance are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Disaster Assistance The USDA offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses that have been hard hit by natural disaster events. 

Food

People can receive SNAP Benefits early due to Hurricane Idalia

SNAP Replacement

  • Replacement of SNAP Benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) - Food Assistance recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Idalia can apply for food replacement. NOTE: SNAP replacement benefits must be requested within 10 days of food loss. https://www.myflfamilies.com/idalia

SNAP EBT Benefits - Hot Foods

  • The Department of Children and Families has been approved to allow the purchase of hot foods with SNAP EBT benefits in Alachua, Baker, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Wakulla counties to assist individuals affected by Hurricane Idalia. This allowance is available at participating retailers in the eligible counties until September 30, 2023. Recipients should check with retailers before making purchases to ensure participation.  Examples of foods that may be purchased include hot deli foods, salad bars, prepared sandwiches, and fountain drinks. https://www.myflfamilies.com/idalia

Lodging

  • State Launches Non-Congregate Sheltering Program for Those Affected by Idalia - The Florida Dept. of Emergency Management has launched an NCS sheltering program in partnership with the American Red Cross for individuals impacted by Hurricane Idalia. This program can provide qualified individuals hotel stays for those impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Residents can register at: www.floridarecovers.org or by calling 1-877-771-6667 (the call center is available 7 days per week between the hours of 7:00 am – 7:00 pm).

    You may be eligible if:
    • Your primary residence is located within one of the 16 FEMA-designated counties
    • You have a valid FEMA Registration Number
    • You are a homeowner or renter
    • Your home sustained major damage from Hurricane Idalia and is not habitable
    • You are not already eligible for or receiving housing assistance from FEMA

  • Expedited permits for RVs or other temporary shelter for unincorporated Pinellas during repairs - Residents of unincorporated Pinellas County whose home was damaged and made uninhabitable because of Hurricane Idalia may apply to place a temporary shelter on their property until their primary home can be repaired or replaced. A temporary shelter may be a recreational vehicle, trailer, or similar structure. It must be connected to utilities and fully located outside easements on the resident’s property. https://pinellas.gov/news/permits-for-rvs-or-other-temporary-shelter-for-unincorporated-pinellas-during-repairs/ 

  • The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church is aiding those displaced by providing Airbnb vouchers for Hurricane Idalia survivors. Residents can call 855-228-3862 for assistance. https://www.flumc.org/

The following hotels are offering discounted rates for residents who have been displaced by storm damage:

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oldsmar: 20% discounted rate – Email hiexpressoldsmar@gmail.com to book at the discounted rate. 
  • Cambria Madeira Beach Hotel (15015 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach): Discounted rates for guests who need an extended stay – Contact General Manager Steven Lambert at steve@cambriamadeirabeach.com or (727) 350-7335.
  • Indian Rocks Beach & Indian Shores: Indianrocksbeachvacationrental.com – Call (813) 503-5056 for assistance and a reduced rate.
  • Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach: Call (727) 273-8907 or email Maria.Maksimova@Hilton.com to discuss discounted rates.
  • Clearwater Beach Residence Inn & Springhill Suites by Marriott: Call (727) 218-1088 or email Marissa.Porri@ldhg.com to discuss discounted rates.
 

 

Prescription Assistance

  • Teladoc Health is providing free virtual health care services, including general medical telehealth visits, non-emergency services, and prescription refills, to Florida residents, first responders, and others directly impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Call Teladoc directly at 855-225-5032. Our doctors can write prescriptions when medically necessary for new ailments, as well as refills for your ongoing medications. They can be sent to a pharmacy that is convenient for you.

Healthcare

  • Disability Achievement Center - is available to help with durable medical equipment needs, including:
    • Reconnecting people in shelters with their power chairs.
    • Requests for help with power chairs impacted by flooding
    • Call 727-539-7550
  • Florida Department of Health Pinellas County - Offices have officially reopened for regular business hours.
  • Evara Health is open. Options to make an appointment are: Click on schedule appointment on their website or Go to MyChart or Call 727-824-8181 to schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment.
  • Teladoc Health is providing free virtual health care services, including general medical telehealth visits, non-emergency services, and prescription refills, to Florida residents, first responders, and others directly impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Call Teladoc directly at 855-225-5032.

Residential Cleanup

  • Crisis Cleanup - If people need assistance with damage from Hurricane Idalia, call the Crisis Cleanup Home Cleanup Hotline: 800-451-1954. Crisis Cleanup will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist with:
- Cut fallen trees
- Drywall, flooring, and appliance removal
- Tarping roofs
- Mold mitigation

Services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will be open through Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. For more info, visit www.crisiscleanup.org.

Donations To Assist With Recovery

  • 211 Tampa Bay Cares has created a HOPE Fund that provides financial assistance to Pinellas individuals, families, and seniors impacted by Hurricane Idalina. 100% of the monetary donation goes to assist those in need.  Donate to the Hope Fund Here
  • Feeding Tampa Bay - Financial contributions are crucial at this time to ensure we can provide immediate relief to those affected. Your donation will go directly towards purchasing emergency supplies, providing shelter, and supporting recovery efforts. You can donate securely online to our Disaster Relief Fund here.
  • The Florida Disaster Fund is a public-private partnership set up at volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf. For Hurricane Idalia, all administrative and credit card fees have been waived so that 100% of every donation can be used to help Floridians recover. You can also mail a check to the Volunteer Florida Foundation at 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
  • The Salvation Army has deployed numerous teams to areas affected by Hurricane Idalia. The public can help them by donating through the following ways: Mail checks to P.O. Box 1959, Atlanta, Georgia, 30301; Online: helpsalvationarmy.org; Phone: 1-800-725-2769; Text STORM to 51555; Venmo: @SalvationArmyUSA use the keywords Hurricane Idalia, Hurricane or Idalia.
  • All Hands and Hearts is a nonprofit organization committed to tracking and responding to natural hazards, storms, and disasters around the world, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and more. They work alongside residents of impacted areas to deploy groups of volunteers known as DART (Disaster Assessment Response) teams. To make a donation, go to give.allhandsandhearts.org.
  • BabyCycle is asking for donations, which can be dropped off at any of their drop-off locations listed! Or, items can be purchased directly from their Amazon wishlists. Monetary donations can be made here: https://babycyclefl.networkforgood.com BabyCycle's top needs are Size three diapers and pull-ups, Baby wipes and hand sanitizer, Hotel and full-size toiletries, Toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant, Hand soap and dish soap, New underwear, and socks (for children and adults).
  • Big Dog Rescue - Emergency first responders for animals in critical need, helping those in the path of Hurricane Idalia. https://www.bdrr.org/hurricane-idalia

Miscellaneous Assistance

  • Post-Disaster Consumer Tips - Pinellas County
  • Pinellas County Consumer Protection is currently monitoring unlicensed contracting. Don’t become a victim of fraud or poor workmanship by hiring an unlicensed home repair contractor. Verify their license at: Pinellas.gov/Contractor or by calling 727-464-6200.

  • FloridaDisaster.biz is a partnership between the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM). Provides information about preparedness resources, current disaster updates, and access to recovery programs for businesses.  Home | Florida Disaster

  • Florida Disaster Unemployment Assistance - Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Idalia and are not eligible for regular state or Federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Idalia are encouraged to submit a claim at www.FloridaJobs.org. To file a DUA claim, visit www.FloridaJobs.org or call 1-800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, to assist claimants. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak to a customer service representative.

  • U-Haul Stores in Florida Offer 30 Days of Free Self-Storage for those impacted by Hurricane Idalia. People seeking more information or needing to arrange 30 days of free self-storage should contact the nearest participating facility. Locations can be found on the website: https://myuhaulstory.com/2023/08/28/idalia-storm-prep-54-uhaul-stores-in-florida-offer-free-self-storage/

  • Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay is a volunteer organization available to assist people with structural damage after the storm. Anyone needing assistance is encouraged to reach out at rttb.org or over the phone at 813-878-9000.
  • Report Unlicensed Contracting to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Unlicensed contracting becomes a felony during a state of emergency. Report unlicensed contracting by calling the DBPR Unlicensed Activity Hotline: (866) 532-1440. http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/emergency/

  • Disaster Legal Aid Helpline The Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline is available to eligible residents living in Florida. Get help with FEMA assistance, SBA assistance, insurance claims, contractor issues, eviction, home title and ownership, and more. To apply for services, call (833) 514-2940, available 24 hours a day. If your matter is not an emergency, you can apply online anytime.

  • Disaster Legal Services Hotline A free legal help hotline is now available for Hurricane Ian survivors in the affected counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, Sarasota, Seminole, and Volusia. The hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services in qualifying counties who cannot afford an attorney. Survivors can call (866) 550-2929.
  • Motor Vehicle Repair Vehicles may be damaged due to a natural disaster. Understand your rights under the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act.
    1. If the repair will cost more than $100, the repair shop must give you the option of:
    a. Requesting a written estimate.
    b. Being notified by the shop if the repairs exceed the amount you specify.
    c. Not requesting a written estimate.
    2. Ask for a written estimate. Shops cannot force you to waive this right. Keep your copy of the estimate.
    3. Provide the shop with a telephone number where you can be reached. The shop must obtain your permission before exceeding the estimated cost of repairs by $10 or 10%, whichever is greater.
    4. If you cancel repairs because the final price exceeds the estimate, the shop must reassemble the vehicle unless it is unsafe to drive. The shop may charge you for tear down and reassembly only if you were given notice of the charge on the estimate.
    5. Ask for replaced parts when you authorize the repair work. Unless the part is under warranty, it should be returned to you, although there may be a fee.
    6. Get all guarantees in writing.