Storm & Recovery

The Charlotte County Emergency Management Office is working through response and recovery from storms, maintaining communication with local, state, and federal agencies. Follow social media for updates:

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Text the word CHARCOCARES to 888-777 to receive text updates on recovery resources.

Storm Recovery

• Floridians Can Appeal FEMA’s Decision - If you applied for FEMA assistance, you will receive a decision letter in the mail or via email. If you disagree with the decision about your eligibility, you can appeal within 60 days from the date on that letter: How to Appeal | How to Appeal (Spanish)
• Business Recovery Center open at Port Charlotte Town Center mall 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. The BRC will be closed Feb. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
• Right of Entry forms for private road debris removal are required by Jan. 17. Residents and communities needing private road debris removal must contact Charlotte County Public Works at 941-575-3600 to request a right-of-water entry form. The form is required for the debris contractor to remove debris from private property.
• Debris contractor is in its final pass of collection for Hurricane Milton debris. Debris had to be placed in right of way by Jan. 2.
• Private roads and property debris removal for residents and communities: Contact Public Works at 941.575.3600 to request pickup. Debris had to be placed in right of way by Jan. 2.
• Call Center 941.833.4000: Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
• Red Cross and FEMA DSA Teams Visiting Charlotte County and going door-to-door to help people apply for federal assistance, check the status of applications, identify potential needs, and make connections with organizations that can provide additional resources
• South Gulf Cove Lock open with manned operation from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Storm Debris Removal Dashboard Debris Removal Progress Map

Closures

• Some Community Services facilities, parks, and amenities remain closed
• Chadwick Park, Englewood Beach, Port Charlotte Beach Park remain closed until further notice
• ShorePoint Punta Gorda remains closed until further notice

Community Services Facilities Status

Road Closures

Kevitt Boulevard between N. Access Road and Grouse Avenue in Port Charlotte is closed to public traffic while it is being used as a disaster debris management site.

FEMA

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• On the FEMA mobile app
• Call 800.621.3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST

Floridians Can Appeal FEMA’s Decision - If you applied for FEMA assistance, you will receive a decision letter in the mail or via email. If you disagree with the decision about your eligibility, you can appeal within 60 days from the date on that letter: How to Appeal | How to Appeal (Spanish)

Disaster Assistance through COAD

• Displaced homeowners and renters
• Low income according to HUD standards (80% of the area median income), e.g., up to $45,050 for a one-person household or $51,540 for a two-person household
• Head of household aged 60+ home to individuals with disabling conditions 

Eligibility for home repair programs depends on factors like property ownership, tax status, and the severity of the damage to your home. If you believe you meet these income criteria and have unmet needs from the recent hurricanes, visit www.coadfl.org and click the Get Started button.

Goodwill Community Resource Center

The Goodwill Community Resource Center in Port Charlotte have experienced staff who can help residents apply for FEMA and SBA assistance. The Goodwill Community Resource Center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday- Friday and is located inside the Peachland Plaza Goodwill store, 24123 Peachland Blvd, Unit B1, Port Charlotte. Additional services provided by the Goodwill Community Resource Center includes disaster unemployment technical assistance, job search assistance and internet and website portal navigation. The phone number is 941.255.3884.

SBA Disaster Loans for Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations who suffered damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton are eligible to apply for Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The deadline to apply for Physical Damage for both storms was Jan. 7, 2025. However, the SBA offers a 60-day grace period which extends to March 7, 2025 (60 days from the Jan. 7 filing deadline). During the grace period, all disaster loan applications will be automatically accepted. Online applications remain open through the MySBA Portal: http://lending.sba.gov

If you need assistance with late applications:

• Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
• Phone: 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 7-1-1)
• Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC): http://floridasbdc.org
• Visit the Business Recovery Center inside the Port Charlotte Town Center mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte (across from Rack Room Shoes). The BRC is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays. The BRC will be closed Feb. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The deadline to apply for SBA Economic Injury from Helene is June 30, 2025 and for Milton is July 11, 2025. Apply online at lending.sba.gov. For further assistance, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 800.659.2955.

Storm Debris & Solid Waste

• Debris contractor is in its final pass of collection for Hurricane Milton debris. Debris had to be placed in right of way by Jan. 2.
• Right of Entry forms for private road debris removal are required by Jan. 17. Residents and communities needing private road debris removal must contact Charlotte County Public Works at 941-575-3600 to request a right-of-water entry form. The form is required for the debris contractor to remove debris from private property.
• Mid-County Mini-Transfer and Recycling Transfer Station open 24/7 with restrictions
• West Charlotte Mini-Transfer and Recycling Facility open 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
• Charlotte County Landfill open and accepting residential debris drop-off 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
• Guidelines for Storm Debris Separation and placement in county-maintained roads - It is the property owners' responsibility to bring the debris to the curb and properly separate it into these categories and place the piles in county-maintained right-of-way, off the road and not on private property: construction and demolition materials, electronic waste (e-waste), household hazardous waste, white goods, vegetation, regular household garbage. Do not to place trash or debris around fire hydrants, backflow preventers, or water meter boxes.
• Little Gasparilla Island debris drop off for residents at Eldred's Marina.
• Two sand drop-off sites are open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Englewood Beach and Don Pedro Knight Islands for flood-deposited sand left by Hurricane Milton.

Debris Separation Guide Debris Separation Guide-Spanish
Storm Debris Removal Dashboard

Waterway Debris Removal

State contractors are currently removing debris from navigable waterways in Charlotte County. To report debris in canals or local waterways, please contact the Florida Division of Emergency Management: submit a report online at FloridaDebrisCleanup.com or call 850.366.6007 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Permits and Inspections

• Pop-up permitting site open at the Mac V. Horton West County Annex, 6868 San Casa Drive, Englewood for residential storm-related permits:
  • Monday: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday to Friday: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Last customer served at 3:30 p.m.
• Permitting Guidelines for Storm Damage Repairs
• Unlicensed Contracting During an Emergency is a Felony
• Work that can be Completed Without a Permit - To streamline the rebuilding process and prevent delays, follow these guidelines on work that does not require a permit: 
  • Removal of debris from on or inside a structure. 
  • Minor demolition to prevent injury or prevent further damage to buildings. This includes removal of drywall that has been affected by flood water. 
  • Structural shoring and bracing. 
  • Repair of minor water leaks that do not involve structural, mechanical, or electrical systems.  
  • Previously permitted fences destroyed by the storm may be re-installed, like for like, in the exact same location, except for fences used as a pool enclosure. Pool enclosure fence replacements must be reviewed for compliance with pool safety requirements. 
  • If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, or if additional information is needed, visit Permits or contact Community Development at 941.743.1201 or BuildingConstruction@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
• Damage Assessment Placards: Community Development will be conducting damage assessments and placing placards to advise on property damage assessment results. These placards notify owners when a permit is needed for repairs or reconstruction, even if a contractor says otherwise. Placards may be in different colors, but they all convey the same message: a permit may or may not be required. If you're unsure, please contact Community Development at 941.743.1201 or BuildingConstruction@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.

Repairing Damage After Hurricanes: Understanding FEMA’s 50% Rule

Charlotte County Community Development urges homeowners to be aware of FEMA’s 50% Rule when assessing and planning repairs to their damaged properties. This rule helps homeowners decide how to move forward with repairs and stay within local and federal guidelines. 
 
Steps to follow: 

1. Before starting any repairs, make sure you obtain a full estimate of how much it will cost to fix the damage to your home. 
2. You need to know your home’s current market value (excluding land value). If you have had a private appraisal within the past 12 months, that assessment can be used. If not, contact the Charlotte County Property Appraiser at 941.743.1498 to find out the building’s value. 
3. Once you have both your repair estimate and your home’s market value, determine whether the cost to repair is less than 50% of your home’s market value. 
   • If the cost is less than 50%, you can hire a contractor or pull permits to start repairs. 
   • If the cost is more than 50%, call Charlotte County Community Development to discuss your repair options. 
   • All permits that are related to a single event (hurricane, fire, flood) are counted together toward the 50% threshold, whether the permits are open or closed. Contact Community Development if this applies to you. 

For more information, call Community Development at 941.743.1201. Every homeowner’s situation is different, so it is important to get help that applies to your specific case. 

Damage and Cleanup Assistance

• Business Damage Assessment Survey - FloridaDisaster.biz
• Cleanup Assistance with Samaritan’s Purse - assisting homeowners who were affected by Hurricane Milton. Volunteers may be available to help with flood cleanup and sanitizing, roof tarping, chainsaw work and more. This is a free service. Call 833.747.1234 to speak with a Samaritan’s Purse representative.

Safety tips

• Flooding Safety | Food Safety After a Power Outage | Lithium Battery Safety 

Muck and Gut Guide

Temporary Recreational Vehicles and Mobile Homes Allowed

Residents whose homes have been damaged and rendered uninhabitable from Hurricane Helene can temporarily live in RVs and mobile homes on their property until Sept. 23, 2027. Only occupants of the damaged home may do so. To obtain a permit to set a temporary mobile home, visit the Community Development Department at 18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, to fill out necessary paperwork and provide plans. Questions about RV registration: 941.743.1201.

RV/Camper Location Registration

Donations & Volunteering

Charlotte County Volunteer Reception Center - call 941.370.2734 to register.

VolunteerFlorida: Residents, groups and organizations, contractors or professionals willing to volunteer can register online at VolunteerFlorida.org/volunteerconnect. Contractors or Professionals may also email coadVRC@gmail.com.

Financial donations can be made online at COADFL.org/donate.

Relief & Recovery Resources

Get Help

• For life-threatening emergencies, call or text 9-1-1.
• Sheriff non-emergencies can call 941.833.4161.
• Call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Call Center for response and recovery information, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 941.743.1320 or 941.833.4000.
• Call Charlotte County Solid Waste for garbage and recycling information at 941.764.4360.
• Call Charlotte County Utilities for water and sewer information at 941.764.4300.

Recovery Resources

Disaster Relief as part of the Rebuilding Florida Fisheries Program - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is encouraging eligible sectors to apply for disaster relief funding - deadline to apply is Nov. 30, 2024. Eligible sectors include:

• Commercial Fishermen
• Commercial Fishery Wholesalers
• Bait and Tackle Businesses
• For-Hire Charters
• Aquaculture Farmers

More information and the application can be found online: http://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/hurricane-relief/ Questions and more assistance: contact 850.487.0554 or HurricaneRelief@MyFWC.com.

FloridaCommerce: Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program available for local businesses affected by Hurricane Helene or Milton until funds exhausted. Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL or call 833.832.4494 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Disaster Assistance Program for Low-Income Households: The State Housing Initiatives Partnership Disaster Assistance program provides assistance to low-income households following a disaster.

State Price Gouging Hotline: 1.866.966.7226. Florida’s price gouging law applies to items and services essential to getting ready for or recovering from a storm within the areas of a declared state of emergency. Visit MyFloridaLegal.com

Housing Repairs and Recovery Assistance Portal: The Disaster Case Management Program works with Long Term Recovery Groups to collaborate with national, state and local government and disaster relief organizations to provide resources to disaster survivors: volunteerflorida.org/dcmp-providers.

Legal Services: Florida Rural Legal Services provides free legal services to vulnerable and low-income clients within 13 counties in Florida and farmworkers throughout Florida. They may be able to help if you are experiencing legal challenges from Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton. They are a not-for-profit organization and services include assistance with insurance claims, proof of ownership, property disputes, disaster benefits, and legal papers lost in the storm. Call 1.888.582.3410 or visit frls.org.

Insurance Help: The Florida Division of Consumer Services assists insurance consumers in the aftermath of a disaster. Visit myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/storm/resources or call the insurance consumer helpline: 1.877.693.5236, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Strengthen your Home: The My Safe Florida Home program helps with strengthening your home which also helps to reduce the cost of home insurance premiums. Visit mysafeflhome.com or call 1.866.513.6734.

Help for Food and Beverage Workers: The Southern Smoke Foundation offers financial assistance for food and beverage workers - available nationwide and Gulf Coast funded relief for workers in Charlotte, Sarasota, and DeSoto Counties. Individuals may receive up to $1,000, and families may be eligible for up to $1,200. Apply online: southernsmoke.org/emergency-relief

Florida Dept. of Health Resources

Past Storms

Residents can still request long-term recovery assistance for Hurricane Ian through the Community Organizations Active in a Disaster website at COADFL.org.

• Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster
• Call the SBA Customer Service Center: 800.659.2955

Housing Repair Program: The Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program (HRRP) for Hurricane Ian is a centralized housing rehabilitation, reconstruction or replacement program that prioritizes low-to-moderate income families with seniors aged 62 and older, children, and/or disabled household members impacted by Hurricane Ian: ianflstormrstg.wpenginepowered.com.

Past Evacuation Orders

• Oct. 7, 2024 - Evacuations Red-A and Orange-B
• Oct. 8, 2024 - Evacuations Red-A and Orange-B and Yellow-C

• Sept. 24, 2024 - Evacuations Ordered

• Sept. 26, 2022 - Evacuations Ordered for Zone A-Red
• Sept. 27, 2022 - Evacuations Ordered for Zone A-Red and Zone B-Orange