Pinellas extends ‘substantial damage’ compliance deadline for hurricane-damaged properties

Proposed federal cuts threaten $2.2 billion in hurricane relief funds earmarked for Tampa Bay, potentially delaying critical repairs to affordable housing and infrastructure. Image via AP.

Residents in unincorporated Pinellas County who received a “substantial damage” letter related to damage incurred during hurricanes that ravaged the area last September and October are getting a little more breathing room.

The county has extended its compliance deadline to meet provisions under the substantial damage rule until June 1. It’s a federal mandate, often referred to as the 50% rule, that requires cities and counties to participate in order to maintain their inclusion in the National Flood Insurance Program.

The rule holds that if the cost to repair a damaged home is 49% or more of the total value, without the land, it is considered substantially damaged and cannot be repaired without bringing the home into compliance with current floodplain codes, typically requiring elevation of the home or replacement.

The county extended its compliance deadline in order to ensure those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton have adequate time to meet recovery requirements.

Residents who have already received a substantial damage letter who think it is in error have until May 31 to file a reassessment application.

Additional assistance from the county on its compliance process is available from the Building and Development Review Services Department by calling 727-464-3888 and selecting option five.

Additional information is also available on the county’s Substantial Damage & Storm Permits webpage at pinellas.gov/sdsi.

The county is reminding property owners impacted by the storms not to make repairs without a permit. Doing so risks having to undo work at the property owner’s expense. Homes outside the flood hazard area or those with limited damage — flood-damaged homes with less than 12 inches of water intrusion and below electrical outlets — can apply for permits here.

To date, Pinellas County has issued 3,871 storm-related permits from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and has 140 permits under review, according to its most recent data.