Hurricane Milton Update No. 75
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Nov. 8, 2024) - Hillsborough County residential or commercial structures impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton may have incurred substantial damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) characterizes substantial damage as damage that will incur repair costs of 50% or more of the structure's market value. According to FEMA, substantially damaged structures located in a floodplain will be required to be brought into full compliance with the current flood damage prevention regulations.
The regulations are required by the NFIP to protect lives and investment from future flood damages. Enforcement of these laws is required for federally-backed flood insurance to be made available to Hillsborough County residents and property owners.
In anticipation of residents beginning repairs to substantially damaged properties, Hillsborough County will mail letters to all Hillsborough County residential and commercial properties in the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (flood zones A, AE, V, VE, AO, AH, AR, or A99) outlining FEMA's 50% rule, how to comply, and if needed, how to apply for building permits through the Hillsborough County Portal HillsGovHub.
The letter will include:
- NFIP substantial damage compliance requirements
- Hillsborough County substantial damage improvement guidelines
- FEMA and Hillsborough County resource links
- Permitting checklists and submittal requirements
Hillsborough County's substantial damage improvement guidelines can be found online by visiting HCFL.gov/sdig.
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert. For the latest emergency-related information visit HCFL.gov/StaySafe. Residents without digital access are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County's storm information and helpline.