Report Storm Damage
Hillsborough County residential property owners can use the form to report property loss or damage from the storm to the County by visiting HCFL.gov/DamageAssessment. Property owners who need assistance completing the form should call (833) HC Storm or (833) 427-8676.
Residents of the City of St. Petersburg can report storm damages:
Debris Cleanup
Before you dispose of debris from your home, be sure to document your flood damage for insurance claims and disaster assistance. Need help cleaning up debris and storm waste? Call the Crisis Cleanup hotline at (844) 965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local organizations who may be able to assist with your yard pick up. All services are free, but not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need.
Individual Assistance
Private Insurance
If you have insurance (such as flood, homeowners, renters, auto or other types of insurance), please file a claim with your insurance provider as soon as possible. You do not have to file your claim prior to applying for FEMA disaster assistance, but you will be required to provide FEMA your insurance settlement or denial before being considered for certain types of assistance.
Individuals and business owners in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties who sustained losses – including to their homes or vehicles – can begin applying for assistance for uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs by registering at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. Be sure to file separate claims for Helene and Milton damage.
In response to incorrect rumors about available disaster assistance, FEMA has created a webpage to track bogus rumors and scams. Visit FEMA's Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.
Disaster Recovery Center
The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) will be established at Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, located at 7606 Paula Dr #120, Tampa, FL 33615, and will be open 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14, through Friday, Oct. 18. The MARC is open to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits seeking assistance or needing help in completing applications after being impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, or Debby.
An additional MARC has been opened at the Enoch D. Davis Center from 9 AM to 7 PM.
Hillsborough County announced the opening of a Disaster Recovery Center at the David Barksdale Senior Center starting October 15 at 1pm through Tuesday, October 22. The CRC will be open 7 AM to 7 PM.
A Disaster Recovery Center will open with expanded services at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14, at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Magnolia Room, 12520 Ulmerton Road Largo. The DRC will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Small Business Resources
Businesses of all sizes, Homeowners, Renters, Private nonprofit organizations can apply for a low-interest Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan.
- Applicants may apply for assistance online via SBA’s secure website at lending.sba.gov and should apply under SBA declaration FL-20012.
State of Florida Resources
- Interested applicants can apply now through Nov. 24, 2024, or until funds are expended.
- More information is available by calling (833) 832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Consumer Protections
Activate Hope Disaster Assistance
Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Individuals in need of immediate housing assistance, including FDEM temporary housing trailers, can visit: HopeFlorida.com or call 1-833-GET-HOPE.
Disaster Distress Helpline
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 toll-free, multilingual disaster crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, click the “ASL Now” button below or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL Support is available 24/7. .
Veterans Resources
Veterans can find help and support through the VA and other resources at DisasterAssistance.gov/information/veterans.
Emergency Food Distribution
Feeding Tampa Bay is conducting emergency food distribution throughout the Tampa Bay area. Find more information and locations at FeedingTampaBay.org/findfood.
Nutrition Assistance
Find the latest information on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service's Florida-specific disaster nutrition assistance webpage here. Additional information about USDA's disaster nutrition assistance can be found here.
Fare-Free Bus Service
The City of St. Petersburg and PSTA are offering a two-week period of fare-free bus service within St. Pete City limits now through Oct. 28. More information at psta.net.
WiFi Hotspots
Spectrum has set up WiFi Access Points for residents who need access to the internet in the City of St. Petersburg. Find locations here.
