Rebuilding & Repair - Hurricane Milton Recovery

A. Disaster Declaration Expedited Permitting

Due to the impact of Hurricane Milton, some residential and commercial structures may be in need of minor repairs.

Florida Statute 553.7922 allows for communities to follow special processing procedures to expedite permitting for these repairs. 

Structures that may require major repairs will need to be further evaluated before permits may be issued. View Hillsborough County Disaster Declaration Permitting Special Processing Procedures to learn more.

B. Required Electrical Inspections for Residents Who Experienced Flooding

Residents in unincorporated Hillsborough County that experienced flooding in their home due to Hurricane Milton should ensure their power remains off until a licensed electrician has inspected their electrical system for safety.

Here are the steps residents should take:

1. Have a licensed electrical contractor inspect the home’s electrical system.
2. If there is no damage found or repairs are minor and do not require a permit, Tampa Electric customers located in unincorporated Hillsborough County are required to have the licensed electrician complete the Tampa Electric Company Service Release Agreement Residential/Commercial (Form E-268).
3. Once completed, residents should submit the form to TECO's One Source team at: Release@tecoenergy.com.
4. If there is damage that requires a permit, an electrician will need to make necessary repairs and call for required inspections from Hillsborough County Building Officials before power can be restored. See the information on this page about emergency permitting for residential and commercial structures through Hillsborough County Development Services.

Before hiring a professional, make sure the individual holds a valid contractor license and is insured to work in Hillsborough County. Residents can visit the County’s Selecting a Contractor in Hillsborough County page for information.

Residents located in the cities of Tampa, Plant City or Temple Terrace who may have been impacted by flood waters due to Hurricane Milton, should contact their local government for any special instructions.

C. Additional Resource

View Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Reform Action Section 1206 to learn more about building code and floodplain management administration and enforcement activities eligible for reimbursement through the FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program.