Temporary housing, shelter and other essential resources
A. Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC)
Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) are closing three Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 at 6 p.m.
- Ruskin Tax Collector's Office, 406 30th St. SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
- Progress Village, 8701 Progress Blvd., Tampa, FL 33619
- University Mall, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33612
The County plans to open new MARC locations in the coming days, weather permitting.
B. Help Paying your Energy Bill
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps Hillsborough County residents impacted by Hurricane Milton or Helene pay for energy bills so they don’t have to choose between electricity and groceries.
Qualification checklist
You must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or an alien resident who is eligible for federal benefits
- Be a resident of Hillsborough County
- Have a current Tampa Electric (TECO) bill
- Income guidelines apply
Note: Assistance is provided for as long as program funds are available.
Learn about additional qualifications and how to schedule an appointment by calling (813) 272-5220 or visiting HCFL.gov/EnergyAssistance.
C. Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
The Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management, Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for individuals, families, and businesses impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby.
The center will be open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily until further notice and is located at:
- Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library
13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL, 33613
D. Cities Resources
- City of Tampa Resources - Find post-storm information for City of Tampa.
- Temple Terrace Resources - Find post-storm information for Temple Terrace.
- Plant City Resources - Find post-storm information for Plant City residents.
E. Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Hillsborough County residents who lost their jobs or had a break in employment, self-employment, or business as a direct result of Hurricanes Helene or Milton may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from the Florida Department of Commerce.
All work search reporting, waiting week, and Employ Florida work registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene (through Nov. 16) and Hurricane Milton (through Nov. 30) in FEMA disaster-declared counties, including Hillsborough County.
Hurricane Helene applications must be filed by December 2, 2024. Hurricane Milton applications must be filed by December 10, 2024.
F. Temporary Shelters Allowed on Residential Property for Those Affected by Hurricane Milton
Hillsborough County residents who have been displaced due to Hurricane Milton are allowed to place temporary shelter on their residential property. According to Florida Statutes 553.7922, temporary shelters can remain on the property for up to three years after the date of the storm's emergency declaration or until a certificate of occupancy is issued on the permanent residential structure on the property. A state of emergency was declared on Oct. 6, 2024. Temporary shelters include a recreational vehicle, trailer, or similar structure.
G. Feeding Tampa Bay Relief Efforts
Find Feeding Tampa Bay emergency distribution details and locations.
H. Flooded Areas with Well Water and Septic Systems
Hillsborough County residents who utilize wells and are in doubt about their water supply should follow local or state health department drinking and bathing advisories.
Further, septic drain fields will not work until underground water has receded, so septic systems should not be used immediately after floods. Septic lines may have been broken during flooding or other storms. Contact a local plumber or septic service immediately.
For information on long-term water quality conditions in the area or information on home water treatment devices, contact the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (850) 245-4250 or email at AskEH@flhealth.gov. Residents can also reach out to the the Water Quality Association (WQA) at (630) 505-0160 for assistance. Learn about comprehensive best practices regarding safe use of wells after flooding.