Palm Harbor and Dunedin residents who lost housing during the 2024 hurricanes have until 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 31, to apply for up to $80,000 in down payment assistance before the program shuts down permanently.
The Pinellas Recovers Homebuyer Assistance Program uses federal disaster recovery funds to help renters become homeowners. More than 50 buyers have already closed on homes through the program, and 117 applicants had been approved as of a July 20 Pinellas County post. Three to four closings are happening each week.
As we reported July 22, Pinellas Recovers has approved more than $49 million for over 650 individuals and families across its five hurricane recovery programs. The homebuyer assistance track is one of two programs closing for good on July 31.
Lisa Dunaway, who told Bay News 9 that she and her husband never imagined homeownership after the storms damaged their apartment, described the moment the grant came through: "We were at the closing and the attorney came in and said the check from the county came… your $80,000 is here. I couldn't believe it."
Grant coordinator Mackenzie Bergstrom said the funding is rare, noting it comes from HUD disaster relief dollars tied specifically to Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton rather than routine federal housing programs.
Who qualifies
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have lived in Pinellas County during Hurricane Idalia, Helene, or Milton (City of St. Petersburg residents are excluded, but Palm Harbor and Dunedin residents qualify)
- Not currently own a home
- Earn below 120% of the area median income
- Be able to obtain a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage pre-approval
Income limits by household size: one person, $96,350; two people, $110,100; three people, $123,900; four people, $137,650.
How the money works
The $80,000 award is structured as a forgivable five-year mortgage that reduces by 20% each year. Buyers who stay in the home for five years, maintain homestead status, and keep insurance coverage owe nothing. Homes purchased through the program must be outside a flood zone.
How to apply before July 31
Applications are accepted online at recover.pinellas.gov or by calling 727-606-3307, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-in help is available at 2600 McCormick Drive, Suite 100, Clearwater.
Anyone who submits an application before the Friday, July 31, deadline will continue through the review process even after the program closes to new applicants.
The Disaster Relief Reimbursement Program for Renters also closes July 31. Three other Pinellas Recovers programs covering homeowner repairs, homeowner reimbursement, and landlord assistance remain open with no announced deadline.
