Residents are encouraged to visit the DRC before it closes.
Hillsborough Community College at the Regent
6437 Watson Rd.
Riverview, FL 33578
Hours are 9 AM - 6 PM Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
- Storm Debris and Yard Waste
- Tree Removal, Contractor Licensing, and Permits
- Safety and General Resources
- Individual Assistance
- FEMA Assistance
- Disaster Recovery Center
- Business Disaster Assistance
- Business Recovery Center
Storm Debris and Yard Waste
Storm-related yard waste
Curbside pickup of large tree branches or tree trunks will begin Oct. 6. It may be a couple of weeks before piles of branches and tree trunks are picked up, so please be patient. Items must be curbside by Oct. 10 for special storm debris yard waste collection.
Smaller waste, such as leaves or branches, should be bagged for normal curbside residential yard waste collection.
Other storm debris
Residents can drop off non-yard-waste storm debris at any of the County's Community Collection Centers. Residents must show a valid photo ID displaying the residential address of the property owner and a copy of your annual Hillsborough County property tax bill showing the current solid waste assessment to receive free disposal.
Storm debris removal assistance for seniors
Hillsborough County seniors who need help clearing their property of storm debris can contact the following organization:
- Crisis Clean Up- this is a collaborative platform that connects residents in need of assistance with volunteers and organizations who may be able to help. Call 1-800-451-1954 or visit crisiscleanup.org to find out more information.
Seniors can also call the County's main support line at (813) 272-5900 for more information.
Safety and General Resources
Sandbags
Portable generator safety
Don’t place a running generator inside your home or garage. Keep it at least 15 feet from any enclosed structure. The odorless carbon monoxide exhaust fumes are deadly.
Post-storm safety
Report downed trees blocking roadways, damaged traffic signs, and malfunctioning traffic signals to (813) 272-5900, the County's main information line.
Individual Assistance
Food Assistance
Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries has food assistance available to those in need. Find the latest locations and details at feedingtampabay.org/findfood and metromin.org/get-help
SBA Assistance for Homeowners and Renters
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace
disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible
for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal
property. Detailed information and applications are available on the
SBA disaster assistance page.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via
SBA’s secure website at
https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/, and should apply under SBA declaration # 17644.
Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by
calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are
deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial
7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services), or by
sending an email to
DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
Library Respite
Several Hillsborough County public libraries are open to cool off, charge devices, access the public Wi-Fi, and borrow books.
Volunteering
Volunteers are a critical part of disaster response and recovery. Visit volunteerflorida.org to learn how you can help,
FEMA Assistance
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
Homeowners and renters in Hillsborough County who had uninsured losses from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Learn how to apply
Documenting Ownership and Occupancy of the Home
As part of the disaster assistance process, FEMA must determine ownership and occupancy of damaged primary residences. Hillsborough residents who experienced loss from Hurricane Ian can learn to verify ownership and occupancy here.
Understanding Your Letter from FEMA
Hurricane Ian survivors who applied for assistance from FEMA will receive a letter from FEMA. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. If you have questions about your letter, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362.
If You Disagree with FEMA’s Decision
If You Disagree with FEMA's Decision The letter you receive from FEMA will explain what FEMA needs to continue processing your application and how you can respond. You can call 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center to get help filing an appeal.
Disaster Recovery Center
To assist Florida residents and business owners, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Hillsborough County. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday. You do not have to be a Hillsborough County resident to visit the DRC or to receive assistance. The DRC helps Hurricane Ian survivors with applying for federal assistance, disaster loans, updating applications, and learning about other available resources.
Disaster Recovery Center
Hillsborough Community College at the Regent
6437 Watson Rd.
Riverview, FL 33578
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday
Crisis Cleanup
For help cleaning up the damage from Hurricane Ian, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 800-451-1954. The hotline will remain open through Friday, Oct. 28.
Clean and Sanitize Assistance
The State of Florida and FEMA have authorized Clean and Sanitize Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for a one-time $300 payment to help with cleanup of their damaged dwelling.
Critical Needs Assistance
FEMA may provide financial assistance to applicants who have immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
Transitional Sheltering Assistance
Transitional Sheltering Assistance allows for temporary, short-term accommodations for eligible survivors when other housing options are not available after a presidentially declared disaster.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis waived the work search, reporting, and additional reemployment assistance requirements for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian. To file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian, go to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and select “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call 800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST.
Insurance
The Division of Consumer Services can answer insurance questions at 877-693-5236, or email Consumer Services, between the hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST.
Flood Insurance
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy holders and insurance agents can call NFIP with any flood insurance questions at 800-759-8656 or visit Floodsmart.gov.
Disaster Legal Services
Disaster Legal Services (DLS) provides free legal help to low-income disaster survivors. If you’re not able to get adequate legal services for disaster-related needs, call the hotline at 866-550-2929.
Business Disaster Assistance
County and State Resources and Information
- The State of Florida opened the Business Damage Assessment Survey for Hurricane Ian on Wednesday, Sept. 28. Please take a moment to complete the survey. Completion of the survey by as many business owners as possible helps to ensure the proper services will be available for recovery efforts.
- Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County disaster recovery specialists are available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges. Florida SBDC disaster specialists work alongside SBA business loan specialists to provide information about resources available and assist businesses in completing state and federal disaster loan applications. The Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County can be reached at HCFLGov.net/FSBDC or (813) 204-9267, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Disaster Loan Fact Sheet - Hurricane Ian
SBA Disaster Assistance to Seminole Tribe of Florida
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The disaster declaration covers the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which is eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.
SBA Low-interest disaster loans for businesses and private nonprofits
SBA Low-interest disaster loans for businesses and private nonprofits Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to Hurricane Ian. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations (such as charities, churches, private universities, etc.) of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. Detailed information and applications are available on the SBA disaster assistance page.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 28, 2022.
Business Recovery Center
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Business Recovery Center (BRC) to provide one-on-one assistance with submitting a disaster loan application for Florida businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian. SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications.
Hillsborough County BRC Chloe Coney Urban Enterprise Center (CDC of Tampa)
1907 E. Hillsborough Ave.
Tampa, FL 33610
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday
Post Storm Tree Removal, Contractor Licensing, and Permits
Tree Removal
- Is a tree removal permit required if a tree has been blown over by the storm?
A permit is not required but pictures should be taken to document the damage in the event a violation inquiry is opened. Pictures should clearly show that the tree failed during the storm. Pictures may be sent to NaturalResources@HCFLGov.net along with the address if the homeowner would prefer to have the information on file with the County.
- Is a permit needed to remove a tree damaged by the storm that has become unsafe?
If you feel a tree has become unsafe due to storm damage, please email NaturalResources@HCFLGov.net and include photos of the damage and unsafe conditions. Natural Resources staff will determine if the tree is unsafe and able to be taken down without a permit or if a permit will be required.
Permitting and Contractor Information
- Which permit is needed to repair the siding of a house?
An application for building trade permit for stucco and exterior plaster (BLD- Trade - Stucco & Exterior Plaster) must submitted in the HillsGovHub portal for siding repairs.
- Is there currently an executive order that states any contractor can repair roofs?
Due to Emergency Order 2022-03, any contractor (residential, building, general) or roofing contractor can reroof or make repairs to roofs until the order expires November 22nd or is extended. Contractors are encouraged to visit the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation for additional information.
- Can roofers from any state work in Florida, by executive order?
No, however some states have reciprocity with Florida and can work here. Additionally, locally licensed roofers and contractors can work outside of their jurisdiction without registering with the local jurisdiction in the counties declared in the emergency order until it expires or is extended.