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- 12 April 2025
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Rebuilding Florida: Hurricanes 6 Months Later
How Florida is Progressing a Half a Year After Hurricanes Helene and Milton
In the fall of 2024, Florida faced the wrath of two powerful hurricanes—Helene and Milton—that left a trail of destruction across the state. Now, six months later, communities are striving to rebuild and recover. American Steel Core Builders stands at the forefront of these efforts, offering resilient, hurricane-resistant homes designed to withstand the fiercest storms.
The Aftermath of Helene and Milton
Hurricane Helene’s Impact
Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, 2024, as a Category 4 storm, bringing catastrophic damage to Florida’s Big Bend region. In Taylor County’s Keaton Beach, approximately 90% of homes were destroyed due to storm surges reaching up to 16 feet.
The hurricane caused over $78.7 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest in U.S. history.
Hurricane Milton’s Devastation
Just two weeks later, on October 9, Hurricane Milton struck near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm unleashed 120 mph winds, a 10-foot storm surge, and spawned numerous tornadoes across southern Florida.
Milton resulted in at least 32 deaths and caused approximately $34.3 billion in damages.
Rebuilding Efforts Across Florida
Six months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through Florida, the state remains deep in recovery mode. The storms affected more than 20 counties, leaving behind billions of dollars in damage and displacing tens of thousands of residents. Rebuilding has begun—but for many, it’s a long road ahead.
A Statewide Recovery in Motion
Across Florida, counties have made significant progress in debris removal and infrastructure repair, but the housing crisis persists. In hard-hit areas like Keaton Beach (Taylor County) and Siesta Key (Sarasota County), thousands of homes were either severely damaged or completely destroyed.
- In Taylor County, local officials report that over 65% of coastal homes in Keaton Beach suffered major structural damage, with many completely wiped from their foundations.
- In Sarasota County, building inspectors have red-tagged hundreds of properties along the coast, while storm surges from Milton caused widespread erosion and damage to older homes that did not meet updated hurricane codes.
According to the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), more than 12,000 families across the state are still living in temporary accommodations or with relatives. Mobile FEMA housing units have been deployed in certain areas, but the supply is limited compared to the overwhelming need.
Rebuilding Permits and Delays
Local governments have been inundated with permit applications for new construction and repairs:
- Pinellas County has seen over 10,000 permit applications for home repairs and new builds since October.
- In Manatee and Sarasota Counties, contractors are citing wait times of 4–6 months just to begin new projects due to labor shortages and supply chain delays.
To expedite the rebuilding process, Florida has waived some permit fees and offered emergency funding through programs like the Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program (Rebuild Florida).
Despite these efforts, many homeowners have found themselves trapped in limbo—waiting on insurance payouts, navigating red tape, or unable to find contractors with the expertise to meet Florida’s strict post-hurricane building codes.
Infrastructure and Resiliency Updates
Beyond individual homes, counties are investing in infrastructure designed to mitigate future storm impacts:
- New seawalls and reinforced dunes are being installed along the Gulf Coast.
- Roadways and bridges damaged by flooding have been prioritized for upgrades using federal disaster recovery funds.
- Municipalities are updating building codes and offering incentives for homeowners who opt for resilient construction techniques.
These measures signal Florida’s growing awareness that rebuilding stronger isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity.
A Shift Toward Resilient Construction
One of the most noticeable shifts in this rebuilding phase is the move toward hurricane-resistant, low-maintenance housing, particularly steel-frame homes. Builders across the state report increasing demand for materials and methods that go beyond minimum code compliance.
Homeowners are no longer just looking to rebuild—they’re seeking peace of mind.
That’s where companies like American Steel Core Builders are stepping in, offering homes designed to endure the very worst of Florida’s weather. With steel framing, energy-efficient packages, and fast build times, their models are emerging as a smart and future-proof solution for hurricane-prone areas.
American Steel Core Builders: Leading the Rebuild
American Steel Core Builders is committed to helping Florida communities rebuild stronger and safer. Our homes are engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds up to 178 mph, exceeding Florida’s stringent building codes. With state-approved designs and rapid construction timelines, we provide durable housing solutions tailored to the unique challenges of Florida’s climate.
Why Choose American Steel Core Builders?
- Hurricane-Resistant Designs: Our steel core structures are tested to endure extreme weather conditions, offering unparalleled protection.
- Quick Build Time: Utilizing modular construction techniques, we significantly reduce build times, allowing families to return home faster.
- Florida-State Approved: All our designs meet or exceed Florida’s building codes, ensuring compliance and safety.
- Proven Track Record: With numerous successful projects across hurricane-prone areas, our homes have consistently withstood severe storms.
Supporting Communities in Need
American Steel Core Builders is actively working in the hardest-hit areas, including Keaton Beach and Siesta Key. By collaborating with local governments and organizations, we aim to expedite the rebuilding process and provide residents with safe, long-lasting homes.
Resources for Rebuilding
For those seeking assistance in the rebuilding process, the following resources offer valuable information:
- FEMA Disaster Recovery Assistance
- Florida Department of Economic Opportunity – Disaster Recovery
- Pinellas County Hurricane Recovery
Florida Hurricanes 6 Months Later: Rebuilding Stronger, Smarter, and Safer with American Steel Core Builders
Six months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida’s path to recovery is ongoing. American Steel Core Builders stands ready to support communities in rebuilding stronger, safer homes designed to withstand future storms. If you’re among those still in need of a resilient housing solution, consider partnering with us to secure a home built for Florida’s toughest weather challenges.
For more information or to start your rebuilding journey, contact American Steel Core Builders today.
Sources:
- “Keaton Beach Devastated by Hurricane Helene; Sheriff Says 90% of Homes Are Gone.” News4Jax, 27 Sept. 2024, https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2024/09/27/keaton-beach-devastated-by-hurricane-helene-sheriff-says-90-of-homes-are-gone-report/.
- “Effects of Hurricane Helene in Florida.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Oct. 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_Hurricane_Helene_in_Florida.
- “Sarasota County Estimates Milton Damage at $375M; City Damage Still Being Tallied.” Business Observer, 18 Oct. 2024, https://www.businessobserverfl.com/news/2024/oct/18/sarasota-milton-damage-estimate/.
- “Hurricane Helene & Milton Impact Report: Southwest Florida.” Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Mar. 2025, https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/Hurricane%20Helene%20%26%20Milton%20Impact%20Report%20in%20Southwest%20FLorida%20March2025_0.pdf.
- “Hurricane Costs.” NOAA Office for Coastal Management, Jan. 2025, https://coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/hurricane-costs.html.
- “President Biden and FEMA Update on Florida Recovery After Helene and Milton.” FEMA, 22 Jan. 2025, https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250122/biden-harris-administration-shares-florida-recovery-progress-one-month-after.
- “Housing Repair and Replacement Program.” Rebuild Florida, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, https://www.rebuildflorida.gov.
- “Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Milton (AL14-2024).” National Hurricane Center, Nov. 2024, https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL142024_Milton.pdf.
- Lindsey, Rebecca. “A Billion-Dollar Disaster Year: 2024 in Review.” NOAA Climate.gov, Jan. 2025, https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2024-active-year-us-billion-dollar-weather-and-climate-disasters.
- “Helene Recovery Information and Assistance.” City of St. Petersburg, https://www.stpete.org/residents/public_safety/hurricane_helene_recovery_assistance.php.