The Homeowner Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Program

The Homeowner Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Program is a locally administered housing recovery grant designed to support residents of Pinellas County, Florida, whose primary homes were damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, or Milton. The program aims to restore housing safety and code compliance for eligible owner-occupied homes through substantial financial assistance of up to $375,000. Administered under the People First Housing Recovery Program, this initiative targets the most vulnerable residents by reserving the majority of funding for low- to moderate-income households, with specific priorities for those with children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities. The program offers funding to repair, rehabilitate, or fully reconstruct damaged residential properties. Eligible use of funds includes repairing or replacing critical infrastructure such as roofs, septic systems, and windows, as well as complete demolition and rebuilding of homes in compliance with current local codes. Elevation of homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and replacement of mobile homes are also permitted under the program’s scope. Residents who receive assistance and live in a SFHA must obtain and maintain flood insurance. To qualify, applicants must have owned and occupied the damaged property at the time of the storms and must still own the home. Second homes, homes in the City of St. Petersburg, and structures not intended for permanent housing are ineligible. Eligible housing types include single-family detached homes, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and manufactured homes, as long as the structure contains fewer than five units. Applicants must have household incomes up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with 80% of funds reserved for those earning up to 80% of AMI. A first-come, first-served basis applies for the remaining 20% of funds allocated to middle-income households. Applications open on October 20. To apply, residents will need to provide documentation verifying identity, income, homeownership, primary residence status, mortgage statements, and property tax records. Applicants must agree to occupy the rehabilitated home as their primary residence for five years, maintain homestead and insurance coverage, and enter into a forgivable five-year mortgage agreement that reduces by 20% each year with no payments required if conditions are met. Applicants can get assistance through People First Help Centers, open Monday through Friday at designated locations in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, with additional pop-up locations forthcoming. Support is also available by phone or email. This program offers a vital opportunity for affected homeowners to rebuild safely and remain in their communities while ensuring compliance with safety and housing standards.

Prioritize early application if your income is below 80% AMI and the household includes seniors, children, or persons with disabilities.