As St. Petersburg residents continue rebuilding after last year’s Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many are encountering code enforcement violations for making repairs without the required permits.

The city currently has nearly 11,000 open code enforcement cases, primarily focused on homes that may not have obtained proper permits for storm-related repairs. Officials say this effort is meant to ensure safe, compliant rebuilding and protect future homeowners.

“We need this permitting process to hold people accountable,” St. Pete Councilwoman Brandy Gabbard told WTVT. “Without it, our city risks becoming less sustainable and resilient.”

Some in the real estate community support the city’s stance. “It’s important to prevent unpermitted renovations from being sold to unsuspecting buyers,” said realtor Rachel Sartain Tenpenny.

To encourage compliance, the city is waiving all permit fees, including those for retroactive applications, and won’t impose fines on residents who seek permits after repairs are completed.

“We’re not here to fine you extra—we just want people to pull the permits,” Gabbard emphasized.

However, some homes that weren’t impacted by flooding have also been flagged for violations, causing frustration among residents.

“When they cast a broad net, they end up tagging homes that never flooded, creating an unnecessary stigma,” said Kevin Batdorf, president of the Shore Acres Civic Association.

Despite the concerns, Gabbard reassured residents that the city is working with them.

“We’ll get through this together. It won’t be easy, but these collective decisions will help us move forward.”

For now, the city is waiving all permit fees through April, urging homeowners to act quickly to bring their properties into compliance.

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(Image credit: Palm View Building & Restoration LLC)