A new state bill is in the works to streamline the permitting process, aiming to help storm-affected residents rebuild and recover more efficiently.

This issue has been especially persistent in the Bay Area following hurricanes Helene and Milton, leaving homeowners like Sean Bryan in limbo as they wait to repair their properties in St. Pete Beach.

“I love my home, but now it doesn’t even look like one,” Bryan told Bay News 9. “No walls, no ceiling.”

Bryan expressed frustration over the city’s overwhelmed permitting system, where wait times have stretched from weeks to months.

“I understand the city isn’t equipped to handle this kind of volume,” he said. “But the reality is, the demand isn’t going away. I know they’ve even called for volunteers to assist. With minimal staff and limited hours—just four a day from 9 to 1—it’s hard to make progress.”

Many homes in Bryan’s neighborhood are in a similar state—gutted and awaiting permits. So far, his only progress has been replacing damaged wiring with the help of an electrician.

Bryan is urging local and state leaders to take action.

“I want to know what options exist to help us move forward,” he said. “Right now, we’re stuck.”

State Representative Lindsay Cross has joined the call for solutions.

“Permitting has been a challenge,” Cross explained. “I’ve spoken with Kevin Guthrie, head of the Division of Emergency Management, about creating a state-level effort to address permitting needs. It’s unrealistic to expect every city and county to have the capacity to handle these massive surges in demand.”

One proposed solution involves deploying state-trained personnel familiar with local building codes to assist storm-hit areas, ensuring resources are allocated where they’re needed most.

Meanwhile, Bryan simply hopes for tangible support.

“I just want my contractor to get started, the work to be done properly, and everything thoroughly inspected,” he said. “That’s all I’m asking for.”

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(Image credit: Spectrum News)

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