The City of Tampa began accepting applications Monday for a new program offering financial recovery assistance to homeowners affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The Homeowner Hurricane Assistance program provides up to $30,000 to eligible residents for home repairs or reimbursement of hurricane-related expenses. The city allocated $2 million from its general fund for the initiative.

Homeowners in hardest-hit zip codes, including Forest Hills/North Tampa, Palmetto Beach and South of Gandy, will be prioritized.

To qualify, applicants must be homeowners with homestead status living within city limits. Household income cannot exceed 140% of the area’s median income, though the city will accept applications up to 10% higher — approximately $128,500 for two-person households and $160,000 for four-person households.

Some residents have expressed concern about the income restrictions. Forest Hills resident April Self said her home flooded during the storms and she had to tap retirement funds for repairs. She noted that she and some neighbors won’t qualify based on the income limits despite facing significant recovery costs.

Applications are available through the city of Tampa’s website.

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