Idalia Storm Information

Pinellas residents can now apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

  • FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams will go door-to-door in impacted areas
  • Email for questions or to provide information/pictures about Hurricane Idalia.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that Pinellas County has been added to Florida's Major Disaster Declaration, which makes our community eligible for federal assistance, including Individual Assistance.

Those impacted by Hurricane Idalia can visit Disaster Assistance.Gov, download the FEMA app or call the FEMA Helpline at 1800-621-FEMA (3362). Residents who use TTY may call 800-462-7585. Disaster survivors who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) may also call 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 am to 11 pm local time, seven days a week. Information you share will be used to determine our needs for federal assistance here in Pinellas.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs, and other disaster-caused expenses.

If you don't see Pinellas listed on the website among eligible counties under the Disaster Declaration, proceed with completing the online application,n and you will be contacted. The Disaster Assistance website is currently being updated to reflect the inclusion of Pinellas County.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will begin meeting with homeowners, renters and businesses that were impacted by Hurricane Idalia in Pinellas County on Monday, September 4, 2023. They will go door to door in the affected areas. They will be wearing an official FEMA shirt or vest and have an ID badge displayed above their belt line. They can help people register for FEMA Individual Assistance or update any information for people who have already registered.

Further updates about countywide Hurricane Idalia recovery efforts will be posted at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Hurricane Idalia Damage Assessment & Business Recovery

Resources are available through FEMA and the SBA for businesses that sustained damage from Idalia. For a comprehensive list of the resources, please visit the website. The City has also established an email to report damages and concerns or seek assistance, and staff will help with referrals for resources. Contact us at this email. 

Report Your Business Damages

Complete an online survey and select "Hurricane Idalia" from the dropdown menu. No need to know the exact dollar value of costs, estimates are fine.

Apply for the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

The state program makes $20 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Idalia. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage. The loans are intended to "bridge the gap" between the initial impact and longer-term recovery funding, such as insurance or other resources. Business owners can apply to the Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund.

For assistance or more information, call 833-832-4494, Monday through Friday, 8 am-5 pm. City staff can also assist you by calling 727-943-4932 or emailing. 

Apply for SBA Loans

  • SBA Physical Disaster Loans: 
    • These loans are available for uninsured losses up to $2 million to repair or replace business property to pre-disaster conditions. Loans may be used to replace or repair real estate, equipment, fixtures, inventory, and leasehold improvements.
  • SBA Economic Injury Loans: 
    • Loans of up to $2 million are available for small businesses that sustain economic injury. These are working capital loans made to businesses without credit available elsewhere to help pay ordinary and necessary operating expenses.

Businesses can apply for these loans online.

For more information and assistance, call 800-659-2955, Monday through Friday 8 am-11 pm, and Saturday through Sunday 5-11 pm. ET. County and City staff also are available to assist. To make an appointment with an expert from the Florida SBDC Network at Pinellas County, call 727-453-7200, or email businesshelp@pinellas.gov. For local assistance, please contact City of Tarpon Springs Economic Development, 727-943-4932, or email emInformation@tsfr.us.

  • Call or Text 211 for Services and Resources.

Storm recovery and resources, including food, lodging, healthcare, and cleanup assistance are compiled and offered through 211 Tampa Bay Cares. A full listing of referrals and resources can be found on their website.

  • Contact the FEMA Helpline.

The Helpline number is 1800-621-FEMA (3362). This will pre-register you and employees impacted by the Hurricane for assistance.

  • Visit the FEMA Center.

A local FEMA Center has been established at the Palm Harbor CSA, 1500 16th Street, Palm Harbor. The center is open 9 am to 7 pm daily.

For any additional questions or referrals, please email the City. For updates and other post-storm resources and information, go to emergency information webpage.