Property Tax Discount Extension

To support our residents, we are delaying the mailing of the annual tax notice to November 25th, allowing more time for residents to benefit from the 4% discount through the end of December. You can view a quick FAQ list below:

• Why is the mailing being delayed? – To provide the community with more time to pay property taxes at the highest discount.
• Do I have to wait to pay? – No, the 2024 tax roll opens November 1st, with online access as early as October 28th. You can print and pay your bill online or send payment by mail.
• I want my bill now. – You can view and print your bill at www.hillstax.org.
• Will I be penalized if I wait to receive the bill? – No, you will have until December 31st to pay with the 4% discount.
• Can I still sign up for installments as of November 1st? – Yes.
• My home has been destroyed because of the hurricanes. Is there other relief available? – Please refer to the attached “Florida Homeowner’s Guide—Catastrophic Event Property Damage.”

Property Taxes: A Florida Homeowner’s Guide – Catastrophic Event Property Damage

Click here to access a Florida homeowner’s guide for property damage when a catastrophic event occurs. This guide will answer common questions about property taxes, property damages, property tax relief, financial help and more.

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office

Did your home or business suffer any damages as a result of hurricane Milton or Helene? Please inform the Property Appraiser’s Office by submitting a damage assessment form. Click here to access the form.

Emergency Order 24-05

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued Emergency Order 24-05, in support of Executive Order 24-209. This order waives fees for those impacted by the storms for:
  • Duplicate or replacement vessel registrations and title certificates
  • Vehicle license plates, registration stickers, vehicle registration and title certificates
  • Handicapped parking permits
  • Replacement driver licenses and identification cards

Special Announcement:

• Hillsborough County Extends State of Local Emergency. Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise has signed an executive order extending a state of local emergency under authority granted by the County’s Emergency Management Ordinance and Chapter 252, Florida Statutes. The original order went into effect on Oct. 6 as what eventually became Hurricane Milton approached Florida. The extension is in effect through Monday, Dec. 9th.  
• Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11^th. Hillsborough County offices and most facilities will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Collection of garbage, recyclables, and yard waste remains on a normal Monday schedule in the unincorporated Hillsborough County Solid Waste service area, which includes Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, and New Tampa. All disposal facilities will be open, including the Southeast County Landfill, Northwest and South County transfer stations, Resource Recovery Facility, community collection centers, and yard waste processing facilities. Find more information here.

 

Disaster Recovery Center [DRC] – Federal Resources

The Disaster Recovery Center is open to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits seeking assistance or needing help in completing applications after being impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby. FEMA representatives will be in attendance to assist. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice.

• • Location: Southshore Regional Service Center, 410 30th St. SE, Ruskin, FL 33570

 

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

On-Site D-SNAP Location Set for the County: Residents financially impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Hillsborough County can go to Raymond James Stadium on Tuesday, Dec. 3^rd – Thursday, Dec. 5^th to apply for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). The hours at Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL 33607, are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance for Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton who are not receiving food assistance through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  The program is a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Children and Families. You can find additional information here.

 

Points of Distribution (POD) Operations

Hillsborough County has opened points of distribution (POD) throughout the county to help residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. PODs are drive-through relief areas where residents can pick up water, tarps for protecting homes, and meals. The PODs allow residents to obtain these items without having to leave their vehicles. No IDs will be required at the PODs.

Sites are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until supplies last. Sites will close from noon to 1 p.m. daily to reset. POD locations have been established at six locations:

• Former Kmart parking Lot 431 19th Avenue NE, Ruskin 33570
• Elev8 Fun Citrus Park Mall, 7902 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa, FL 33625
• Gibsonton Wal-Mart 9205 Gibsonton Drive, Gibsonton, FL 33534
• Hillsborough Community College, Brandon Campus 10451 Nancy Watkins Drive, Tampa, FL 33619
• Al Lopez Park 4810 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614
• Gandy Boat Ramp 5108 W. Gandy Blvd, Tampa 33611

Residents who need transportation assistance should call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676 daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Comfort Station Operations

Hillsborough County, in conjunction with the National Guard, is set to open a comfort station to help residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton today. The comfort station will offer showers, restrooms, washers and dryers for laundry, and a cooling tent. Hot food or boxed meals will be available at lunch and dinner times.

Click here to see all the comfort station locations and hours.

Residents who need transportation assistance should call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676 daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

The Salvation Army set up Feeding Stations starting October 11, 2024

Salvation Army mobile feeding units and disaster workers from across the country are deploying to impacted areas to provide food, drinks, emergency supplies and to provide emotional and spiritual care to survivors and rescue workers.

Click here for the most updated service locations.

 

Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) Operations

Note: MARC centers will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and will reopen on Friday, Nov. 29

Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Emergency Management opened a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC). The MARC will be staffed with personnel from federal, state, and regional partners, in addition to nonprofit agencies, to ensure residents have access to all available resources for individuals impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.

• Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Dr. #120, Tampa, FL 33615. From 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Oct. 14 through Oct. 18.
• Florida Strawberry Festival TECO Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563. From 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Residents who need transportation assistance should call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676 daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Hillsborough County

Storm Recovery Page: Recovery resources for residents affected by Hurricane Milton. Recovery resources will be displayed here as they become available.

Cities Resources: Recovery resources for residents affected by Hurricane Milton. Recovery resources will be displayed here as they become available.

• City of Tampa Resources
• City of Temple Terrace Resources
• Plant City Resource

Debris Removal Waiver: Hillsborough County made it easier for residents who hire a landscaping company or hauler to remove storm debris from their property through the use of a waiver that indicates debris came from their residential property. Haulers and landscape contractors will need to present a completed waiver at collection sites when disposing of debris. You can find the link here.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is available for eligible Hillsborough County residents displaced by Hurricanes Helene or Milton. Hillsborough County residents who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). You can find additional information here.

 

Open-Public Libraries

Eight Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries will reopen to residents from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 15. The following libraries will allow residents to cool off, charge devices, and borrow materials:

• Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library
• Bloomingdale Regional Library
• C. Blythe Andrews Public Library
• Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library
• Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library
• New Tampa Regional Library
• North Tampa Branch Library
• Riverview Public Library
• Additional libraries will continue to open as buildings receive power.

 

Open-County Facilities

• All Community Resource Centers are opening (Plant City Service Center, South Shore Community Resource Center, University Area Community Resource Center, West Tampa Neighborhood Service Center)
• All downtown offices
• Brandon Service Operation Center (BSOC)
• New Tampa Performing Arts Center

 

Open-County Aging Facilities

• Bloomingdale Adult Day Care Center
• Gardenville Senior Dining & Activity Center
• Lee Davis Community Resource Center
• Lutz Senior Center
• Phyllis Busansky Adult Day Care Center
• Plant City Adult Day Care Center
• Progress Village Senior Center
• Wimauma Senior Center and Adult Day Care Center

 

Open-County Parks & Recreation Facilities

• Apollo Beach Park and Community Center – Camp/Afterschool
• Brandon Recreation Center
• Carrollwood Village Park
• Egypt Lake Community Center – Camp/Afterschool
• Emmanuel P. Johnson Community Center – Camp/Afterschool
• Gardenville – Camp/Afterschool
• Jackson Springs – Camp/Afterschool
• Kenly Park and Community Center – Camp/Afterschool
• Keystone Park and Community Center – Camp/Afterschool
• Lesley “Les” Miller Jr. Park – Camp/Afterschool
• Mango – Camp/Afterschool
• Northdale – Camp/Afterschool
• Providence Skate Park
• Roy Haynes – Camp/Afterschool
• Ruskin – Camp/Afterschool
• SouthShore Sportsplex
• Skyway Sports Complex
• Thonotosassa – Camp/Afterschool
• Westchase Community Center and Gymnasium – Camp/Afterschool

 

Open-County Election Facilities

Elections offices are now open normal hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Robert L. Gilder Elections Service Center, 2514 N. Falkenburg Rd
• Fred B. Karl County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd, 16th floor
• Southeast Regional Office, 10020 South U.S. Hwy 301
• Northwest Regional Office, 4575 Gunn Hwy
• SouthShore Regional Service Center, 410 30th St. SE Ruskin

Secure Ballot Intake Stations where voters can drop off their voted Vote By Mail ballots are located inside the offices and are available during office hours.

Voters who have been displaced by the storms may need a ballot mailed to a new address. It is recommended that they call the elections office at (813) 612-4180 to expedite this request.

If they can’t call, voters can visit one of the four offices in person or send an email to VoteByMail@VoteHillsborough.gov requesting a ballot to a new address.

To make the request, voters must include their Florida driver license or state ID number or the last four digits of their social security number.

 

Debris Operations

Final Pass for Disaster Debris Collection Begins Monday, Dec. 9^th: Hillsborough County teams have completed the first pass for disaster debris collection and will begin the final pass on Monday, Dec. 9. The County is encouraging all residents to move storm debris curbside before Monday, Dec. 9, to ensure it is collected. The final pass will be made on every route and will include both construction and demolition debris, as well as yard waste. Collection will continue 7 days a week until all debris is picked up.

A Temporary Debris Drop-Off Site is located at The Resource Recovery Facility at 350 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619 – Open 24 Hours. Residents and contractors can drop off yard waste, construction and demolition debris, furniture, and other household items at no charge. The site is operational from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. until further notice. No ID is required at Community Collection Centers during recovery.

The County re-opened an additional yard waste site at the Hillsborough Heights Community Collection Center at 6209 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. The yard waste drop-off facility is open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. seven days a week for all Hillsborough County residents with identification. The site is open until further notice. No ID is required at Community Collection Centers during recovery.

The County’s five Community Collection Centers are open with extended hours to accommodate post-storm cleanup, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. A photo ID is required.

• Alderman’s Ford Solid Waste Facility 9402 County Road 39, Plant City, FL 33567
• Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility 6209 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584 –Open 24 Hours
• Northwest County Solid Waste Facility 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, FL 33625
• South County Solid Waste Facility 13000 U.S. 41, Gibsonton, FL 33534
• Wimauma Solid Waste Facility 16180 W. Lake Dr., Wimauma, FL 33598

Debris Collection Map: Residents can use Hillsborough County’s debris collection map. This map tool is designed to help residents of unincorporated Hillsborough County identify designated debris removal routes and nearby drop-off sites following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Using the debris collection map, residents can find the status of collection efforts in their area.

For a complete list of what is accepted, visit www.HCFL.gov/YardWaste

County to Collect Storm Debris from Gated Communities

• Hillsborough County teams will collect storm debris in gated residential communities beginning Sunday, Nov. 17^th . The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations allow one collection pass in gated communities. To ensure a smooth process, residents are asked to place debris in the Right of Way (on the curb) before Nov. 17. For debris to be collected in gated communities, completed Right of Entry forms are required to be submitted to Hillsborough County Public Works. The forms will be accepted for submission through Dec. 1, 2024. Find more information here.

 

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay (Crisis Counseling and Referral)

Contact information: cctb.communityos.org | 813-964-1964

 

Recovering Together – Learn ways to lend your time or resources

From volunteering at a comfort station to donating to the Hillsborough County Disaster Relief Fund, you can help support neighbors in our community. Learn ways to lend your time or resources after Hurricane Milton, here: bit.ly/4f5q3Qu

 

Experiencing storm issues after Hurricane Milton?

Report non-emergency issues to (833) HC-Storm or (833) 427-8676, the County’s storm information and helpline from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

 

Tampa Electric

Tampa Electric team members, frontline crews and over 6,000 out-of-state utility workers are making significant strides in bringing the community back to normal. For more details and answers to your restoration questions, click here to visit Tampa Electric’s latest blog.

 

City of Tampa

REMINDER: If you can collect & transport your vegetative debris, we have two drop off sites open now:

• 22nd Street Park (7801 N 22nd St)
• Gadsden Park (6901 S MacDill Ave)

 

Open Monday – Saturday 7am – 5pm until further notice. (Bring ID verifying you reside in Tampa city limits.)

City of Tampa residents: Tampa’s Emergency Hotline is open until 5pm today. Call 1-833-872-4636 for questions, report downed trees in roadways/rights-of-way, and more.

 

Reminder: FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency applications for Hurricane Milton are now open

FEMA Extends Application Deadline for Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida to Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The deadline for Florida residents to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Milton and Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025. Homeowners and renters with losses from Hurricanes Milton and Helene may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses, and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses. Residents who had damage from both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton will need to apply separately for each disaster and provide the dates of the damage for each.  For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Milton page. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Helene page.

• Ways to apply:
  • Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Apply using the FEMA mobile app
  • Call FEMA’s helpline toll-free at (800) 621-3362
• What you will need to apply:
  • Up-to-date phone number where you can be reached
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
  • Your Social Security Number (SSN)
  • A general list of damage and losses
  • Banking information — if you choose direct deposit
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

•  Review the most common reasons why FEMA may find you ineligible for assistance & how to address them: bit.ly/4h17rCT
• If you have questions about your assistance, please call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.

 

Note about FEMA home inspections: What you need to know

After Floridians apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance following Hurricanes Milton, Helene, or Debby, a home inspection may be necessary to help determine the extent of damage and whether the home is safe, sanitary, and livable. Inspectors do not make decisions regarding eligibility for assistance. Information gathered during the inspection is part of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are eligible for federal assistance. You can find additional information here.

 

Get Connected. Stay Alert.  

Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts.

• To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert.
• For the latest emergency-related information visit HCFL.gov/StaySafe.
• Damage Assessment: Hillsborough County has damage assessment teams out in the community working to ensure safe routes so recovery efforts can continue. Please follow all guidance and sign up at HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert for updates.
• Residents without digital access are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County’s storm information and helpline.

 

Traffic

Florida 511 – Get up-to-the-minute, real-time traffic conditions and incident information for the State of Florida with Florida 511.

 

Fuel Distribution Sites

FDEM is opening three public fuel depot locations to support residents in Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Sites will remain open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day:

Limit of 10 gallons per car:

• Tom Bennett Park
  280 Kay Rd.
  Bradenton, FL 34208
• Plant City Stadium
  1810 S Park Rd.
  Plant City, FL 33563
• Central Lot – Parking Lot
  800 1st Ave S.
  St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Disaster Legal Hotline

1-33-514-2940 – Provides legal assistance and referrals.

 

Samaritan’s Purse Hotline

1-833-747-1234 – Free help for homeowners, including:

• Property and furniture removal
• Flood cleanup and sanitizing
• Chainsaw work & debris removal
• Temporary roof tarping

 

Florida Baptist Disaster Relief

1-904-253-0502 – Free help with storm debris cleanup, roof tarping, chainsaw work, and more.

 

Crisis Cleanup

1-844-965-1386 – Free assistance with:

• Debris removal
• Tree removal
• Flooded home cleanup
• Mold remediation and more

 

State Assistance Information

1-800-342-3557 – Available 24/7  in English, Spanish, and Creole for any Hurricane Milton or Helene – related questions.

 

Activate Hope Disaster Assistance

Connects Floridians to resources for food, home repairs, and more. Fill out the form to request help: https://hopeflorida.com/get-help/hurricanerecovery.html

 

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART)

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) is pleased to announce that effective immediately, HART Bus, HARTPlus, and HARTFlex will operate fare-free until October 28th, 2024.

 

Business Recovery Center

The Hillsborough County BRC is located at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC), 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33605. The BRC is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Sunday.

 

Operation Blue Roof – STATE RESOURCE

(Updated Regularly) – please check the link to confirm the location of the distribution site.

 

• Residents in Hillsborough County with roof damage may be eligible for a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. Operation Blue Roof, a free program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is now accepting applications through Nov. 14. Learn more about the program and how to apply here.

 

Owners of Private Access Roads and Bridges Can Apply for FEMA or SBA Financial Assistance

If residents had a privately owned road or bridge damaged or destroyed by the recent hurricanes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may provide financial assistance for replacement or repairs. To qualify for FEMA funds, the resident must be the owner, and the home must serve as their primary residence. A FEMA inspection is needed to determine if repairs are necessary for a vehicle to access the property. In addition, residents must meet the following conditions:

• • Repairs are necessary to provide drivable access to the primary residence.
  • Resident is responsible, or shares responsibility with other homeowners, for maintaining the privately owned access route.
  • The privately owned access route is the only access to the primary residence.
  • Repair or replacement is necessary for the safety of the home’s occupants, allowing access for emergency vehicles or equipment.

When multiple households share a privately owned access route, assistance is shared among applicants, requiring additional coordination and documentation between FEMA and each applicant.

 

Resources for Business Owners

Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County – 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) 277-1393, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional resources for business owners:

• Florida Disaster Fund
• IRS Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Disaster Recovery Quick Guides