Homeowners in St. Pete Beach are experiencing prolonged frustration as they attempt to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with permit processing creating significant roadblocks to recovery.

Doug Engle, a four-and-a-half-year resident, has been living in a trailer on his property since a storm surge destroyed his home’s interior. His house remains gutted, with no clear timeline for repairs due to extensive bureaucratic delays.

“They are taking months to get permits,” Engle told Bay News 9 Tampa. “I haven’t even selected a contractor, yet they’re telling me it will be two months just to get permission to start working.”

RELATED: Exactly What’s Delaying St. Pete Beach Building Permits?

Engle’s experience reflects a broader community challenge, with neighbors reporting permit wait times ranging from two to four months. His frustration is palpable: “There’s too much red tape. They need to start rubber-stamping permits and expedite the process.”

RELATED: Madeira Beach Residents Are Still Waiting for Permits to Repair Hurricane Damage

The slow permitting process leaves hurricane victims in limbo, unable to begin critical repairs and reconstruction. Residents like Engle are calling for streamlined procedures to help them rebuild and return to normalcy.

Attempts to obtain comment from St. Pete Beach city officials have been unsuccessful as of this reporting.

Want to win a $25 Amazon gift card? 

To enter, simply follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or X between now and Tuesday, December 24th. (Psst… You can enter up to 4x by following us on all four! But sorry, U.S. residents only.)

(Image credit: iStock)