** Hurricane RECOVERY **

Be aware of scam artists, identity thieves, door-to-door solicitations, and malicious cyber activity (emails, social media messages, texts, etc.) that may attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. Watch for and report any suspicious activity or anything that just doesn’t seem right to you. Visit Disaster Fraud or CISA Warns of Hurricane-Related Scams to learn more.

Posted 08/10/2025

ALL contractors who perform structural work on your home (roofs, pool cages, soffits, etc.) MUST be a contractor licensed in the State of Florida AND they must also be registered with the City of Punta Gorda in order to be able to pull a building permit which is required by law.

• You can verify if they are licensed by the state through the FL Department of Business and Professional Regulation by clicking HERE.
• You can check on the status of a contractor's registration with the City of Punta Gorda by clicking HERE and typing in the name of the company you wish to check. You can also call the Building Department at 941.575.3324 and they can provide you with information on whether or not a contractor is registered in the City of Punta Gorda, verify insurance, and inform you of any violations or complaints. 

Failure of a contractor to have the appropriate licensing and registration and to provide unlicensed contracting services during a state of emergency could result in a felony for the contractor (Florida Statute 489.127). Additionally, they may not have the required insurance and liability insurances that the state requires.

Lastly, beware of renovation/remodeling companies and contractors going door-to-door offering free estimates. These companies may not be licensed in the state and registered with the City, and soliciting is prohibited in the City. If you receive a visit from a solicitor, you should contact Punta Gorda Code Compliance at 941-575-3352 during normal business hours. If this occurs after normal business hours or on a weekend, please contact the Punta Gorda Police non-emergency number, 941-639-4111.

Please do your homework and always check the background of a contractor you wish to hire BEFORE  you sign anything!

Did you know that ...

• Allowing an unlicensed person to perform work on your property puts you, as the owner, at risk?
  • Unlicensed contractors are unable to obtain workers compensation coverage or general liability insurance.
  • Unlicensed contractors are unable to obtain permits for the work they are doing. Should injuries occur at the site, the owner may be liable for the injuries.
  • Any work performed without a permit may not be covered by your insurance company in the event of future claims.
• Anyone coming into the area wanting to work as a contractor should first contact the City of Punta Gorda Building Department at 941.575.3324.
• You can report possible unlicensed activity to the Punta Gorda Building Department at 941.575.3324 during normal business hours.
• You can get quotes from reputable businesses accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Posted 05/31/2025

Source: Paraphrased and/or copied from emails sent by the Mayor of Punta Gorda after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024

PLEASE NOTE: The information posted below was applicable after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check with the City of Punta Gorda for 2026 applicability. 

If you have your pool drained and refilled after flooding from a hurricane, you MAY be eligible for a special refill adjustment that will NOT count towards the standard once per year adjustment limit.

To confirm eligibility and ask about the process and submission deadline, please contact the City of Punta Gorda Billing and Collections office by sending an email to pgcollections@cityofpuntagordafl.com or by calling 941-639-2528.

After the pool has been refilled, please complete the Owner Adjustment Request form found on the City's website HERE.

You MUST include the following on your form:

• Specifically note that this pool refill is due to Hurricane (enter name of hurricane).
• The date(s) when the pool was drained and the date(s) when the pool was refilled.
• The date of the completed repairs and copies of ALL invoices and receipts attributed to the repair (whether contracted or completed by the property owner).
• How many gallons the pool holds.

Please submit your completed form and copies of applicable receipts/invoices no later than (date TBD):

• By email to PGCollections@CityofPuntaGordaFL.com, or,
• By mail to Billing & Collections, 126 Harvey Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, or,
• Drop it off at the front desk on the second floor of the City Hall Annex.

Please note: If the billed consumption is being estimated, the adjustment will be held until an actual read of the meter is obtained. 

Updated 05/18/2026 

Source: City of Punta Gorda Weekly Highlights Report dated 10/25/2024 and the City of Punta Gorda Billing & Collections Forms web page

PLEASE NOTE: Temporary Use permits were available after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check with the City of Punta Gorda for 2026 applicability. 

Temporary Use permits MAY be available in the City of Punta Gorda for utilizing campers or RVs or motorhomes as living quarters while your home is being restored after SUBSTANTIAL damage from a hurricane. Contact the Punta Gorda Urban Design Department at (941) 575-3352 for information.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: City of Punta Gorda Facebook page posted 10/13/2024 (this was not posted on the City’s website at the time)

For the City of Punta Gorda to be eligible for reimbursement of debris removal, residents must maintain separate, loose piles of storm debris in the following categories:

• vegetative debris
  • logs
  • plants
  • tree branches
  • leaves (do not put in bags)
• construction & demolition debris
  • building materials
  • carpet
  • drywall
  • lumber
  • mattresses
  • plumbing
• furniture
• appliances & white goods
  • air conditioners
  • dishwashers
  • freezers
  • refrigerators
  • stoves
  • clothes washers
  • clothes dryers
  • water heaters
• electronics
  • computers
  • radios
  • stereos
  • televisions
  • other devices with a cord

Debris should be placed along the curb without blocking the roadway or storm drains.

The City contracts with debris haulers.

Regular residential waste, yard waste, and recycling should be collected using the normal carts/methods.

Questions? Call the Sanitation Department at 941-575-5050.

Posted 05/19/2026

Source: City of Punta Gorda Hurricane Preparedness webpage and the WINK Hurricane Guide 2026

PLEASE NOTE: Partial Property Tax Refund applications were accepted after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check with Charlotte County for 2026 applicability. 

The Charlotte County Property Appraiser MAY accept applications for partial 2026 property tax refunds if a residential improvement was destroyed or rendered uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to a catastrophic event (hurricane, fire, or other natural disaster). Applications, along with support documentation, must be received on or before (date TBD).

To confirm eligibility and ask about the application process and submission deadline, please visit  https://www.ccappraiser.com/ or call 941-743-1498.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: Charlotte County Property Appraiser 01/03/2025 News (post is no longer available online)

PLEASE NOTE: Disaster Unemployment Assistance was available after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check with FloridaCommerce for 2026 applicability. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) MAY be available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of a hurricane AND are NOT eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits.

More information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance may be found HERE. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Claimant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) may be found HERE.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: FloridaCommerce Press Release dated 10/15/2024 for Hurricane Milton and the Press Release dated 10/29/2024 for Hurricane Helene

PLEASE NOTE: Southern Smoke Foundation financial assistance was available after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check with the Southern Smoke Foundation for 2026 applicability. 

The Southern Smoke Foundation MAY offer financial assistance for food and beverage workers. Individuals MAY receive up to $1,000 and families MAY be eligible for up to $1,200. Information is available at southernsmoke.org/emergency-relief.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: Charlotte County Storm & Recovery webpage Disaster Assistance dropdown

To find information from the IRS on the most recent tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations, click HERE.

Posted 05/28/2025

Source: IRS Tax Relief In Disaster Situations webpage

Please check with the SBA for 2026 applicability.

If you have losses NOT covered by insurance or funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for both personal and business, or business operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred, you MAY qualify for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA's low-interest disaster loans can help homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes recover from declared disasters. Visit the SBA Disaster Assistance webpage to learn more and apply.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: SBA Disaster Assistance webpage

Please check with Operation Blue Roof for 2026 applicability.

Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of Operation Blue Roof is to provide homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. This is a free service to homeowners. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm. For more information click HERE.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: Operation Blue Roof website

Please check the RxOpen website for 2026 activation.

RxOpen is a mapping tool that helps patients and providers locate open pharmacies in areas impacted by natural disasters and public health emergencies. By offering up-to-date information on pharmacy operations, RxOpen ensures individuals can access necessary medications, even in challenging times. 

When activated, RxOpen offers the latest status of pharmacies in affected areas, indicating whether they are open, closed, or have restricted hours. When RxOpen is inactive, it displays every tracked facility in the country as “Open” on the map. Visit RxOpen HERE.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: RxOpen website

Rules for getting health care may change for a short time if one of these happens in your area:

• The President declares an emergency or disaster. Visit Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) for a list of impacted areas. TTY users can call 1-800-462-7585.
• The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) declares a public health emergency. Visit Public Health Emergency or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for a list of impacted areas.
• A governor declares an emergency or disaster. Visit your state government's official website to find out if your area is affected.

Visit the Medicare webpage getting care in a disaster or emergency for more information.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: Medicare webpage getting care in a disaster or emergency

PLEASE NOTE: Counseling or support was available after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check with The American Red Cross for 2026 applicability.

It’s okay to not be okay and feel overwhelmed after a hurricane. Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. The Disaster Distress Helpline from The American Red Cross MAY be available to listen and support you. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for free, 24/7 help.

Take care of yourself — you matter.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: Charlotte County Emergency Management Facebook page post dated 10/14/2024

PLEASE NOTE: This service was available after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check with The American Red Cross for 2026 applicability.

If you need help locating or connecting with your loved ones after a hurricane, the American Red Cross MAY be able to assist you. Click HERE for more information.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: The American Red Cross website

PLEASE NOTE: These services were available after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check with the organizations for 2026 applicability.

Charlotte County Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) - This was activated for Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October 2024 for those who wanted to offer their skills to help with disaster recovery. The VRC was supported by the Charlotte County Community Organizations Active in a Disaster, known as COAD. Visit COAD at https://www.coadfl.org/ for more information.

Volunteer Connect - Harnesses the horsepower of Floridians to help others by serving as an intermediary between Floridians who are interested in engaging in community service and 501(C)(3) organizations and governmental entities that mobilize volunteers. Residents, groups, organizations, contractors, or professionals willing to volunteer can register online at VolunteerFlorida.org/volunteerconnect. Contractors or professionals may also email coadVRC@gmail.com.

Community Organizations Active in a Disaster (COAD) - Financial donations can be made online at COADFL.org/donate. Your donation directly supports the victims of hurricanes in Charlotte County.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: Charlotte County Emergency Management Storm & Recovery webpage

After a hurricane, resources MAY be available from nonprofit agencies for Floridians and Charlotte County residents. Please check with the organizations for 2026 applicability.

Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)

COAD is a group of Charlotte County community organizations, working together to provide coordination of services to ensure that unmet needs are addressed, provide financial assistance and supplies, and to share knowledge and resources with Charlotte County residents during a disaster. COAD members include faith-based, nonprofits, volunteer groups, and government agencies. To get help, visit COAD HERE.

Insurance Help

• The Florida Division of Consumer Services assists insurance consumers in the aftermath of a disaster. They can answer many insurance-related questions which arise following a storm. For information and assistance, click HERE or call the helpline at 877.693.5236, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday. Out of State Callers: 850.413.3089
• United Policyholders is a nonprofit consumer advocacy group that offers guidance on navigating claims and purchasing appropriate insurance. They do not sell insurance or take money from insurance companies. Visit https://uphelp.org/disaster-recovery-help

Legal Services

• Florida Rural Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals, families, and vulnerable populations including the elderly, Veterans, and victims of crime. Services include assistance with insurance claims, proof of ownership, property disputes, disaster benefits, and legal papers lost in the storm. Visit frls.org or call 1-888-582-3410.

Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

• Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization connecting older adults (age 60-up), adults with disabilities, and caregivers to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity. Visit www.aaaswfl.org or call 866-413-5337.
• Center for Independent Living of Gulf Coast is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities regardless of age. Visit https://www.cilgulfcoastflorida.org or call 855-260-4575.

Behavioral Health

• Charlotte Behavioral Health Care is a nonprofit community-based behavioral health care provider offering a full range of mental health services and substance use disorder treatment in Charlotte County. Visit www.cbhcfl.org or call 941-639-8300.

Cleanup Assistance

• Samaritan’s Purse MAY provide free cleanup assistance to homeowners after a hurricane. Volunteers MAY be available to help with moving personal belongings and furniture to the curb, flood cleanup, sanitizing, roof tarping, and chainsaw work. Visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org or call 833-747-1234.
• Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative disaster work order management platform that coordinates relief efforts by matching requests from those in need with volunteers from local faith communities, civic groups, and disaster response organizations. It was activated for Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October 2024. A hotline was established and assistance was provided for cleanup such as mucking out, tree clearing, tarp installation, and debris removal. All services were free, but service was not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. COAD’s news release dated 09/27/2024

Updated 05/18/2026

PLEASE NOTE: The information posted below was applicable after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check for 2026 applicability.

From Charlotte County ...

Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 50% Rule (Substantial Damage/Improvement) is crucial in rebuilding/repairing efforts after disasters. Homeowners should be aware of FEMA’s 50% Rule when assessing and planning repairs to 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.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: Charlotte County 50% FEMA Rule webpage

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SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS from the City of Punta Gorda ...

In addition to the requirements for new construction, there are requirements for substantial improvements to existing structures within the floodplain in Punta Gorda. Substantial improvements include any construction, rehabilitation, additions, repair of damaged buildings or other improvements to a building which equals or exceeds 50% of the assessed tax value of the structure before the improvement is started.

If you would like additional information on substantial improvement requirements in the City of Punta Gorda, please contact the Building Division at pgpermittech@cityofpuntagordafl.com or call 941-575-3324.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: City of Punta Gorda 50% FEMA Rule webpage

PLEASE NOTE: The information posted below was applicable after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check for 2026 applicability.

If you have been affected by a hurricane, apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance to take care of your critical needs. FEMA may provide financial help to assist you with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc.). You may also qualify for help with childcare, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses.

Do NOT wait to apply for FEMA assistance and, if you do have insurance, do NOT wait to file an insurance claim for damage caused by the disaster. 

Individuals and businesses may apply for Disaster Assistance in several ways:

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

For Disaster Assistance, please have the following available: 

• Damaged home address and zip code
• Condition of your damaged home
• Insurance information (type of policy, insurance company name, etc.), if available
• Social Security number
• Annual household income
• Phone number where you can be contacted
• Address where you can get mail or email address to receive electronic notifications
• Bank account information (if you are approved for disaster assistance, you may choose to have funds directly deposited to your account)

Clean and Sanitize Assistance - If your home was damaged but you can live in it safely, FEMA MAY provide Clean and Sanitize Assistance (CSA). Residents whose homes are habitable but require cleanup actions such as muck out, mold remediation, and limb clearing are eligible to apply for CSA. CSA is limited to $300 per eligible household and awarded as a one-time payment following a FEMA home inspection and determination of eligibility. CSA is intended to address potential health and safety concerns and ensure minimal damage is addressed to prevent additional losses. This program is NOT available automatically and MUST be requested and approved separately while applying for FEMA Disaster Assistance. Assistance for Housing and Other Needs webpage

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: FEMA’s Individual Assistance webpage

PLEASE NOTE: Specific webpages were created for Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Please check for 2026 applicability.

FEMA MAY launch a web page to respond to rumors and confirm the facts related to a hurricane as they did for Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October 2024. FEMA would likely announce it through a press release. FEMA press releases are available HERE.