Nearly $1 Billion in Hurricane Recovery Aid Coming to Pinellas County
Pinellas County has secured a historic $813 million in federal disaster recovery funding to help homeowners, renters, and businesses rebuild after Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and represents one of the largest recovery investments in county history.
For residents of Pinellas County and the Gulf Beaches, this funding could provide critical resources for rebuilding homes, revitalizing neighborhoods, and protecting properties from future storms.
What is CDBG-DR Funding?
Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds are flexible federal dollars that support long-term hurricane recovery, especially in areas that were hardest hit.
Pinellas County will receive:
$707 million for unmet needs like housing repairs, rebuilding, and disaster relief.
$106 million for mitigation projects that reduce future storm risks.
At least 70% of the funding must benefit low- to moderate-income households, ensuring that those hit hardest by recent hurricanes receive priority assistance.
How the Funds Can Be Used
CDBG-DR funding can be applied to a wide range of hurricane recovery projects, including:
Housing Assistance – New construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of damaged homes, homeownership assistance, rental help, and even property buyouts.
Economic Revitalization – Helping local businesses rebuild, retain jobs, and attract new opportunities in storm-affected areas.
Infrastructure Improvements – Repairing and upgrading public facilities like stormwater systems, community centers, and other structures damaged by hurricanes.
Public Services – Limited funding for housing counseling, job training, legal aid, and short-term disaster relief programs.
These programs are designed to help **Pinellas County residents—from Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, and Madeira Beach—**recover and strengthen their communities against future storms.
Who Qualifies for Assistance?
Income guidelines will determine eligibility for many homeowner and renter programs. For example, in Pinellas County:
A family of 4 can earn up to $76,400 and still qualify.
A household of 2 can earn up to $61,150 and qualify.
Some funds will also be directed toward business recovery and infrastructure improvements, which will benefit the community as a whole.
When Will Funds Be Available?
Pinellas County is currently developing an Action Plan that must be approved by HUD before funds can be distributed.
Key timeline milestones:
Spring–Summer 2025: Public input and draft Action Plan development.
August 2025: HUD approval expected.
Fall 2025: Earliest date programs will launch for homeowners, renters, and businesses.
Until then, no applications are being accepted, but residents and businesses should stay informed as the process unfolds.
What This Means for Pinellas County Real Estate
As a Pinellas County real estate agent, I know many homeowners and investors are still recovering from hurricane damage. This funding will not only help families rebuild but also stabilize the local housing market and attract new investment into the Gulf Beaches area.
Whether you’re considering selling, buying, or investing in Pinellas County real estate, the rollout of CDBG-DR funding will play a major role in shaping neighborhood recovery and long-term property values.
For full details and updates, visit the county’s official site here:
Pinellas County Disaster Recovery – CDBG-DR FAQ
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. CDBG-DR programs are subject to HUD approval and county requirements. Always follow official updates from Pinellas County government and HUD for accurate eligibility criteria, timelines, and application instructions.