Residents in unincorporated Pinellas County will soon receive letters regarding their property’s substantial damage determination.

Those living in a flood hazard area who are awaiting their letters can still apply for permits to repair their homes. If residents have a permit application ready and live in the unincorporated part of the county, they are eligible to apply for permits.

“Pinellas County has been actively processing permits with no fees for most properties in unincorporated Pinellas, with over 700 storm-related permits issued since the hurricanes,” the county stated.

The completion of these letters may take several weeks, with some residents possibly having to wait until the end of December.

Residents with minor damage (less than 12 inches of water below power outlets) can apply for permits now at www.Pinellas.gov/stormpermits. Those with more extensive damage will go through a “detailed substantial damage assessment,” which includes an itemized repair estimate versus structure value to determine if the property is considered substantially damaged. If not, the resident will undergo a floodplain permit review process.

The county advises residents to be cautious of unlicensed contractors. A list of licensed and insured contractors can be found at https://www.contractorsearch.pcclb.com/, and state-certified contractor licenses can be verified here.

Residents outside unincorporated Pinellas should contact their city for information about permitting and their substantial damage program.

For more information, residents who received a substantial damage letter can visit Pinellas County Contractor Search or call 727-464-3888.

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(Image credit: WFLA)