PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco County is issuing a final notice to property owners in Special Flood Hazard Areas who sustained damage from Hurricanes Helene or Milton and have yet to obtain required building permits. The county will begin enforcing regulations on April 14, 2025, with potential fines of up to $500 per day for non-compliance.
Federal, state, and local regulations mandate building permits for any hurricane-related damage repairs within floodplains. To ensure compliance, Pasco County has mailed official notices to affected property owners, outlining the steps necessary to avoid enforcement actions.
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“We understand that navigating the permitting process can be challenging, especially after a hurricane,” stated a Pasco County spokesperson. “However, these permits are crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of structures in flood-prone areas. We want to work with residents to get them into compliance.”
To assist residents, Pasco County has established a dedicated Substantial Damage Center at the West Pasco Government Center, located at 8731 Citizens Drive, Suite 360 in New Port Richey. The center offers in-person assistance during the following hours:
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – noon.
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The county has also provided comprehensive resources online, including required forms, instructions, and detailed information, on the Substantial Improvement and Damage webpage: mypas.co/Damage.
This is the final opportunity for affected property owners to secure the necessary permits before enforcement begins. Failure to comply could result in citations and substantial daily fines.
“If you live in a flood zone and your home was damaged by Hurricanes Helene or Milton, please take advantage of the resources we’ve provided,” the spokesperson urged. “We are here to help you through this process.”
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