Immediate Needs - Hurricane Helene Recovery

A. Temporary Shelters Allowed on Residential Property for Those Affected by Hurricane Helene

Hillsborough County residents who have been displaced due to Hurricane Helene are allowed to place temporary shelter on their residential property. According to Florida Statutes 553.7922, temporary shelters can remain on the property for up to three years after the date of the storm's emergency declaration or until a certificate of occupancy is issued on the permanent residential structure on the property. A state of emergency was declared on Sept. 23, 2024. Temporary shelters include a recreational vehicle, trailer, or similar structure.

B. Required Electrical Inspections for Residents Who Experienced Flooding

Residents in unincorporated Hillsborough County that experienced flooding in their home due to Hurricane Helene should ensure their power remains off until a licensed electrician has inspected their electrical system for safety.

Here are the steps residents should take:

1. Have a licensed electrical contractor inspect the home’s electrical system.
2. If there is no damage found or repairs are minor and do not require a permit, Tampa Electric customers located in unincorporated Hillsborough County are required to have the licensed electrician complete the Tampa Electric Company Service Release Agreement Residential/Commercial (Form E-268).
3. Once completed, residents should submit the form to TECO's One Source team at: Release@tecoenergy.com.
4. If there is damage that requires a permit, an electrician will need to make necessary repairs and call for required inspections from Hillsborough County Building Officials before power can be restored. See the information on this page about emergency permitting for residential and commercial structures through Hillsborough County Development Services.

Before hiring a professional, make sure the individual holds a valid contractor license and is insured to work in Hillsborough County. Residents can visit the County’s Selecting a Contractor in Hillsborough County page for information.

Residents located in the cities of Tampa, Plant City or Temple Terrace who may have been impacted by flood waters due to Hurricane Helene, should contact their local government for any special instructions.

C. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hurricane Helene Individual and Household Assistance

On Sept. 28, 2024, FEMA declared Hillsborough County eligible for Individual Assistance through the Individual and Households Program (IHP). This program provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by Hurricane Helene. Assistance and services may cover uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs.

Read the FEMA Resources Fact Sheet

Before you apply

If you have insurance (homeowners, flood, auto, etc.), file a claim as soon as possible. Losses already covered by insurance cannot be covered by FEMA.

To apply for Individual and Household Assistance

Visit Disasterassistance.gov. From this page, you can review the application process, apply for Individual Assistance, and check the status of your application.

• Deadline to apply is, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025

For application help

• FEMA’s FAQs page will answer most application and technical questions
• For help completing your application, call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362, 7 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week
• For technical support or site errors, call the Internet Help Desk at (800) 745-0243, 7 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week

D. Help Paying your Energy Bill

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps Hillsborough County residents impacted by Hurricane Milton or Helene pay for energy bills so they don’t have to choose between electricity and groceries.

Qualification checklist

You must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or an alien resident who is eligible for federal benefits
• Be a resident of Hillsborough County
• Have a current Tampa Electric (TECO) bill
• Income guidelines apply

Note: Assistance is provided for as long as program funds are available. 

Learn about additional qualifications and how to schedule an appointment by calling (813) 272-5220 or visiting HCFL.gov/EnergyAssistance.

E. Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Hillsborough County residents who lost their jobs or had a break in employment, self-employment, or business as a direct result of Hurricanes Helene or Milton may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from the Florida Department of Commerce.

All work search reporting, waiting week, and Employ Florida work registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims were temporarily waived for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene (through Nov. 16) and Hurricane Milton (through Nov. 30) in FEMA disaster-declared counties, including Hillsborough County.

Hurricane Milton applications must be filed by December 10, 2024.

F. Flooded Areas with Well Water and Septic Systems

Hillsborough County residents who utilize wells and are in doubt about their water supply should follow local or state health department drinking and bathing advisories.

Further, septic drain fields will not work until underground water has receded, so septic systems should not be used immediately after floods. Septic lines may have been broken during flooding or other storms. Contact a local plumber or septic service immediately.

For information on long-term water quality conditions in the area or information on home water treatment devices, contact the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (850) 245-4250 or email at AskEH@flhealth.gov. Residents can also reach out to the the Water Quality Association (WQA) at (630) 505-0160 for assistance. Learn about comprehensive best practices regarding safe use of wells after flooding.