Water Damage Restoration in Tampa, FL
Tampa by the numbers: 28 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 20 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Florida insurance rules and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Tampa
- Storm flooding: wait until the water stops rising and officials allow re-entry; wear boots and gloves (flooding steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Tampa Floods
Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties logged flooding on 28 days from 2016 to 2025 (45 NOAA reports), September most often.
At the Tampa International Airport gauge, August is the wettest month with 9 inches on average.
Hurricanes, tropical storms or storm surge added 17 report days.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 2.7 |
| February | 0 | 2.6 |
| March | 1 | 2.5 |
| April | 1 | 2.6 |
| May | 2 | 2.6 |
| June | 3 | 7.4 |
| July | 5 | 7.8 |
| August | 5 | 9 |
| September | 7 | 6.1 |
| October | 1 | 2.3 |
| November | 1 | 1.4 |
| December | 1 | 2.6 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough County | 14 | 22 |
| Pinellas County | 10 | 13 |
| Pasco County | 7 | 7 |
| Hernando County | 3 | 3 |
Storms and Disasters in Tampa Bay
Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties were named in 20 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- July 10, 2026: Thunderstorm wind, 72 mph gust (Hillsborough County)AWOS site KVDF Tampa Executive Airport reported a 72 mph wind gust.
- April 24, 2023: Hail, 3 inch hail (Hillsborough County)Broadcast media relayed picture via social media of 3-inch diameter hail north of Plant City.
- December 16, 2020: Tornado, EF2 (Pinellas County)Tornado formed near Bayou Club near Pinellas Park, then crossed Belcher Road and hit an industrial park where the greatest damage was observed. Buildings had uplift and removal of roof decking, outer walls collapsed.
- September 10, 2017: Hurricane (Pinellas County)In Pinellas County, the highest winds reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 77 knots at Pier 60 Park.
- September 3, 2016: Flood (Pasco County)Heavy rains, mostly from Hurricane Hermine brought the Anclote River at Elfers into major flood stage, cresting at 25.08 feet at 1830EST on the 3rd.
Federal disaster declarations
- October 11, 2024: Hurricane MiltonHurricane, FEMA DR-4834
- October 7, 2024: Hurricane MiltonHurricane, FEMA EM-3622
- September 28, 2024: Hurricane HeleneHurricane, FEMA DR-4828
- September 24, 2024: Tropical Storm HeleneTropical Storm, FEMA EM-3615
- August 10, 2024: Hurricane DebbyTropical Storm, FEMA DR-4806
- August 3, 2024: Tropical Storm DebbyTropical Storm, FEMA EM-3605
- August 31, 2023: Hurricane IdaliaHurricane, FEMA DR-4734
- August 28, 2023: Tropical Storm IdaliaTropical Storm, FEMA EM-3596
Tampa Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Tampa (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 182,425 housing units, a median build year of 1985, 45% built before 1980, 34% before 1970, 50% owner occupied.
Florida Insurance Rules for Water Claims
Florida insurers must review and acknowledge a claim communication within 7 calendar days and pay or deny a property claim within 60 days after notice (Fla. Stat. 627.70131).
Claim problems in Florida go to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Tampa flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Tampa
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Tampa
The same 24/7 line covers the Tampa Bay metro area, including:
- Tampa
- St. Petersburg
- Clearwater
- Largo
- Pinellas Park
- Plant City
- Dunedin
- Temple Terrace
- Tarpon Springs
- Zephyrhills
- Seminole
Other Florida city guides
Questions
Does Florida license mold assessment or remediation?
Florida law bars anyone from performing or offering mold assessment without meeting the state's mold assessor licensing law (Fla. Stat. 468.8419).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, Fla. Stat. 627.70131, Fla. Stat. 468.8419, EPA mold guide.