Stormwater Management Program Hardship Exemption

The deadline to qualify for the Stormwater Management Program Hardship Exemption has been extended to July 31, 2024.

The Stormwater Management Program Hardship Exemption is an assistance program that helps eligible homeowners pay their annual Stormwater Utility Assessment (Stormwater Fee). Assistance is provided to qualifying residents of Hillsborough County for as long as program funds are available.

Eligible homeowners must apply for the program, submit all required supporting documentation, and meet all criteria listed below:

1. The property must be a single-family residence, which is owner-occupied and with a homestead exemption
2. The total income of all residents within the household, including owners of the property, must be at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (see below) as determined each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
3. The property must have a taxable value of less than $100,000 after exemptions.

If eligible, applicants will receive an approval letter and the Stormwater Management Assessment will be paid under the Hardship Exemption on the next Tax Bill. Applicants must be approved prior to July 31, 2024, to be included in the following year’s Hardship Exemption. If approved, the County will pay the homeowner’s annual Stormwater Fee for the approved year. Residents must reapply every year.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Stormwater Management Program Hardship Exemption

Applicants will be asked the following questions to determine eligibility:

1. Are you a U.S. Citizen or an alien resident eligible for federal benefits?
2. Are you a Hillsborough County resident?
3. Do you own your property?
4. Is your property located in unincorporated Hillsborough County?
5. Is your property a single-family residence?
6. Do you claim a homestead exemption on your property?
7. How many people live in the household?
8. What is your household’s adjusted gross income (as listed on your 1040)?
9. Does the property have a taxable value of less than $100,000 after exemptions?

Check a property’s taxable home value using the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Basic Property Search tool.

Additional qualifications may be necessary to determine eligibility. Applicants will be informed at the time of application.

Things to consider

• Must have an appointment with Social Services to apply for the hardship program and submit all required information by July 31, 2024 
• Approval from the County required to receive exemption status 

How to apply

If you think you qualify for assistance, please apply online for the Stormwater Management Program Hardship Exemption.

All necessary documentation includes:

• Social Security number verification for each household member
• Identification for all members of the household:
• Copy of valid (not expired) identification for all adult household members, including yourself
• Copy of identification for all minor household members (birth certificate, school records, or immunization records)
• Copy of previous years Federal income tax return to verify household income (Form 1040 – both pages)
• Verification of Solid Waste Management Disposal and/or Collection Assessment obligation
• Additional requirements may be necessary for eligibility determination depending on each household situation

All eligible applicants who apply for the hardship exemption program will be considered but must apply and provide all necessary eligibility documents by July 31 of every year.

Get Help

Department: Public Works
Email: PWCustomerResolution@hcflgov.net
Phone: (813) 272-5680