Nearly $55 million in federal grants will flow to Florida communities recovering from hurricanes and preparing for future storms, FEMA announced July 21.

The funding package includes several allocations directed at the Tampa Bay region for debris removal, infrastructure repair, home elevation and emergency response.

How the money breaks down

FEMA split the $55 million across three programs, according to the agency's announcement reported by WTSP:

• Public Assistance Program: more than $30 million for debris removal, infrastructure repair and emergency protective measures
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: $8 million for projects that reduce long-term disaster risk
• Disaster Case Management Program: $15 million for case management services

The Florida Division of Emergency Management received nearly $7 million through the Public Assistance Program for debris removal and wastewater system repairs following Hurricane Ian and other storms.

Tampa Bay area grants

Hillsborough County received $3.5 million for emergency protective measures and debris clearance following Hurricane Helene, plus $800,000 to strengthen wind resistance and install generators.

The city of Tampa received nearly $2 million to elevate six homes in flood-prone areas.

St. Petersburg's fire department received $1.4 million for emergency response operations following Hurricane Milton. Clearwater Fire Rescue conducted similar post-storm operations after Milton struck the region in October 2024 but has not announced whether it has applied for FEMA reimbursement.

Clearwater context

FEMA said it coordinated directly with the state on all recovery and hazard mitigation projects, describing the approach as "state-led and federally supported."

Residents affected by past hurricanes or looking to reduce future storm risk can find information about FEMA's Public Assistance Program and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program on the agency's website. No local application deadline has been announced for Clearwater or Pinellas County.