Hurricane & Tropical Storm Recovery Permitting Guide
Charlotte County provides this guide to assist residential and commercial property owners with post-storm recovery, rebuilding, permitting, inspections, and floodplain compliance.
Post-Storm Permit Application Process
- Online portal
- Main permit offices
Email Inquiries: BuildingConstruction@CharlotteCountyFL.gov
Hours: Monday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Last customer served at 3:30 p.m.)
Additional Resources
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.
- FloridaDisaster.biz
- Cleanup Assistance with Samaritan’s Purse - assisting homeowners who were affected by Hurricane Milton. This is a free service. Call 833.747.1234 to speak with a Samaritan’s Purse representative.
Disclaimer: In accordance with 2023 House Bill 250, temporary shelters and RVs will be allowed on certain properties as long as they meet the requirements of Florida Statute 125.023: Temporary Shelter Prohibition.
- For homes damaged and rendered uninhabitable from Hurricane Ian, the emergency declaration was signed on Sept. 23, 2022; therefore, RVs and temporary mobile homes will be allowed until Sept. 22, 2025, for those properties.
- For homes damaged and rendered uninhabitable from Hurricane Idalia, the emergency declaration was signed on Aug. 23, 2023; therefore, RVs and temporary mobile homes will be allowed until Aug. 23, 2026, for those properties.
- For homes damaged and rendered uninhabitable from Hurricane Helene, the emergency declaration was signed on Sept. 23, 2024; therefore, RVs and temporary mobile homes will be allowed until Sept. 23, 2027, for those properties.
- For homes damaged and rendered uninhabitable from Hurricane Milton, the emergency declaration was signed on Oct. 5, 2024; therefore, RVs and temporary mobile homes will be allowed until Oct. 5, 2027, for those properties.
Storm-Related Ordinances
No person shall allow unpermitted storm shutters to remain on a residential or commercial structure longer than thirty (30) days after the end of hurricane season which is November 30 of any given year. Shutters which are exempted from this requirement will include permitted storm shutters and plywood window and door coverings secured in a manner which meets International Property Maintenance Code standards located in Appendix A: Boarding Standard or Florida Building Code.
The temporary installation or closure of storm shutters, panels, and other approved hurricane protection devices shall be permitted on emergency escape and rescue openings and egress doors during the threat of a storm. While such protection is provided, at least one (1) means of escape from the dwelling or dwelling unit shall be provided for occupied structures. The means of escape shall be within the first floor of the dwelling or dwelling unit and shall not be located within a garage without a side-hinged door leading directly to the exterior. Occupants in any part of the dwelling or dwelling unit shall be able to access the means of escape without passing through a lockable door not under their control.
This section shall not prohibit an owner from leaving permitted storm shutters, panels or other approved hurricane protection devices on the windows of a structure that is unoccupied.