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The Time to Prepare is Now
Hurricane season is here, and the best time to prepare is now – before any storm threatens our area. While we can’t predict what Mother Nature has in store, we can make sure our families and homes are ready. Getting prepared early means avoiding the last-minute rush when stores become crowded and supplies run low.
The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is committed to serving you throughout hurricane season, monitoring conditions closely and following guidance from emergency officials to ensure we can provide services safely when possible. Below you’ll find essential resources to help you prepare, plus an important message from Tax Collector Nancy Millan. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe, Hillsborough County.
Important Information in Case of Storms
Essential Documents to Take During Storm Evacuation
When evacuating during a hurricane or severe storm, protecting your vital documents is crucial for a smooth recovery process. Keep these essential items in a waterproof container or ensure you have digital copies readily accessible:
Personal Identification:
- Driver license or state-issued ID
- Passport
- Social Security cards
- Birth certificates
Property & Financial Records:
- Insurance policies (home, auto, health, flood)
- Property deeds or lease agreements
- Recent utility bills for proof of residence
- Bank account information
- Credit card information
Additional Important Items:
- Medical records and prescription information
- Emergency contact list
- Recent photos of your property (for insurance claims)
- Cash in small bills
Having these critical documents readily available can significantly speed up insurance claims, temporary housing applications, and other recovery services after the storm passes. Store physical copies in a waterproof bag or container and consider keeping digital copies on a secure cloud service or USB drive.
Online Services & Publix Kiosks
There are several online services and options still available if needed during a weather crisis.
Click on the service below for more information.
- Vehicle & Vessel registration renewals
- Driver License Renewals (if applicable)
- Driver License status check
- E-Title Express (request a printed copy of your electronic title)
Additionally, self-service kiosks for vehicle registration renewals are available at eight Publix locations throughout the county, subject to store hours, and at the MacDill Air Force Base Main Exchange.
Click here to find a location near you.
Hurricane Tax Refund Process
Important Tax Season Reminder
As we approach tax season, property owners should be aware of the catastrophic storm refund process available under Florida Statute 197.319.
Key Requirements
Eligibility
- Available only to property owners as a refund of taxes already paid
- You must pay your property taxes by the due date of March 31st to be eligible for any refund
Critical Deadline Information
- You must pay your property taxes by the due date of March 31st to be eligible for any refund
- Delinquent payments do not qualify for refunds, even if your application is approved by the Property Appraiser
Processing Timeline
- The Tax Collector processes refunds within two weeks of Property Appraiser approval for eligible property owners
Need More Information?
For detailed requirements and application procedures, visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s homeowner guide at floridarevenue.com.
Hurricane Relief Resources
Emergency Resources:
- Stay Safe
- Online Disaster Guide
- HCFL Alert signup page
- Evacuation Zones vs. Flood Zones
- Find My Flood Zone
- Find My Evacuation Zone
City Resources
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
Traffic
Florida 511 – Get up-to-the-minute, real-time traffic conditions and incident information for the State of Florida with Florida 511.