People First
Hurricane Recovery Programs
Last Updated: October 30, 2025The People First Hurricane Recovery Programs are here to support homeowners, tenants, and local landlords impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, or Milton. These programs provide funding and assistance to repair damage, prevent long-term displacement, and make housing safer and more affordable. Check out the programs and qualifications below – if you’re not sure which program meets your needs, you can request assistance from a case manager to help determine the right fit for you.
Five Programs to Serve Pinellas County
Homeowner Rehabilitation/
Reconstruction
Funding to repair, rebuild, or replace hurricane-damaged homes.
Homeowner Reimbursement
Reimbursement for repair work you have already completed.
Local Landlord Program
Support for landlords to repair or rebuild rental properties to rent as affordable housing.
Homebuyer Assistance
Help for income-eligible homebuyers to purchase a safe home outside flood zones.
Disaster Relief Reimbursement
Reimbursement for essential disaster-related expenses such as rent, mortgage, or utilities.
Ready to apply? Start an application.
Do you live in St. Petersburg?
The People First programs serve individuals and families based on household income, with priority to those with the biggest unmet financial needs. Programs are open to all Pinellas residents except those who live in the City of St. Petersburg, which has its own recovery program, Sunrise St. Pete. If you have a St. Petersburg mailing address but you’re not sure if you’re in the city limits, put in your address to see which program serves you.
Type your address like the sample below then click the button.
Getting started is as easy as 1…2…3!
There’s a chart below that defines the income requirements for each program.
You’ll need documents proving residency, income, past assistance received and other info.
After your application is received, a Case Manager will review it and may reach out with questions. You can also contact us for help (see below).
Income Eligibility
| Number of People in Household | People First Program | |
|---|---|---|
|
Homeowner
Rehabilitation-Reconstruction Homeowner Reimbursement Homebuyer Assistance |
Disaster Relief | |
| 1 | $87,600 | $58,450 |
| 2 | $100,150 | $66,800 |
| 3 | $112,650 | $75,150 |
| 4 | $125,150 | $83,450 |
| 5 | $135,150 | $90,150 |
| 6 | $145,200 | $96,850 |
| 7 | $155,200 | $103,500 |
| 8 | $165,200 | $110,200 |
Note: There are no income requirements for applicants to the Local Landlord Program, but landlords must agree to rent units at an affordable rate for a set period of time per federal guidelines.
Required Program Documents
All programs require these documents:
Identity
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID for all adult household members, OR
- Evidence of permanent residency for non-U.S. Citizens/permanent resident alien status
- Birth certificates for all household members under the age of 18
Household Income
Wages
- W-2 Forms or Most Recent Tax Return;
- Three (3) recent paystubs within the past three (3) months
Retirement/Social Security
- Three (3) Monthly Bank Statements (Social Security Benefits & Pension only),
- Current Social Security Benefits letter (including benefits paid to minors),
- Current Pension/Retirement Benefit letter (if applicable), and prior year 1099;
- Current Annuity Payment letter (if applicable), and prior year 1099;
Self-Employment Income
Most recent tax return (1040 or 1040A), W-2 Forms; and current year profit and loss statement;
- Rental Income:
Current lease agreements - Unemployment Benefits:
Current benefit letter with gross benefit amount; - Court Ordered Alimony/Spousal Maintenance:
Copy of court order documentation; - Taxable Interest and Dividends (including amounts received by, or on behalf of minors);
No Income
Adult household members who receive no income will be required to submit a Certification of No Income. These household members typically include those who are unemployed.
Plus the following documents for specific programs:
Homeowner Rehabilitation-Reconstruction Program and Homeowner Reimbursement Program
Ownership
One (1) of the following:
- Deed
- Mortgage statement
- Probated will
- Court order or judgement granting ownership
- Landowner Consent (if land is leased)
- Manufactured/Mobile Homes Only: Title
Manufactured home owners must demonstrate ownership of the unit and that they are authorized to replace it on the land or own the land.
Primary Residence
Provide one (1)
- Homestead exemption
OR 2 of the following:
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID card
- FEMA Individual Assistance or SBA Award
- Utility or credit card bill
- Insurance documentation indicating primary residence
- Employer’s statements, including pay stubs and similar employment documents
Property Taxes
- Proof from the tax assessor of property taxes paid in full at the time of application; or
- Proof of a payment plan in good standing at the time of application
Mortgage Statement
If there is a mortgage on the property, proof that the mortgage is in good standing
- Most recent mortgage statement, at time of application, showing no arrearages
Local Landlord Program
Ownership
One (1) of the following:
- Deed
- Mortgage statement
- Probated will
- Court order or judgement granting ownership
- Landowner Consent (if land is leased)
- Manufactured/Mobile Homes Only: Title
Manufactured home owners must demonstrate ownership of the unit and that they are authorized to replace it on the land or own the land.
Property Taxes
- Proof from the tax assessor of property taxes paid in full at the time of application; or
- Proof of a payment plan in good standing at the time of application
Mortgage Statement
If there is a mortgage on the property, proof that the mortgage is in good standing
- Most recent mortgage statement, at time of application, showing no arrearages
Homebuyer Assistance Program
Hurricane-Impacted
- Lease Agreement
First Mortgage Commitment
- Current (no more than 30 days prior to application date) pre-approval or loan commitment with required lending terms (fixed rate mortgage).
Special information for mobile home owners.
Ready to apply?
The People First Housing Recovery Program addresses hurricane-related damage, prevents long-term displacement, and increases the availability of safe, code-compliant, and affordable housing. Applicants are required to meet eligibility and income requirements listed for each program. Please see the income eligibility table above to determine if your household is within the income limits of the program prior to submitting an application.
Have Questions?
First, read the details about all five People First programs then review our Frequently Asked Questions.
Holiday Hours for in-person help centers and the call center
Modified Hours on Wednesday, November 26: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28
Modified Hours on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Closed for Christmas on Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26
Closed for New Years on Thursday and Friday, January 1 and 2
Meet with a case worker
Both full-time People First Help Centers are open:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see our holiday hours above.
Clearwater
2600 McCormick Dr.
Suite 100
Clearwater, FL 33759
St. Petersburg
5000 Park Street N
Suite 4
St. Petersburg FL 33709
Call our Help Center
727-606-3307
- Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see our holiday hours above.
At times, we have a high number of calls and you may experience a long wait time. When you call, you’ll have the option to leave your name and number and get a call back from a case worker within two business days.
Questions via Email
You can email us with general questions that aren’t addressed on the website and the FAQs. If you have application-specific questions, your best bet is to call us or visit our help centers. Once you have submitted an application, don’t use this email; a case worker will reach out to you by direct email to discuss your application. Note (10/24/25): We are experiencing a large volume of emails with the recent launch of the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs.
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or visit one of our help centers.