ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Renters struggling with electric, sanitation, or water bills from the City of St. Petersburg and Duke Energy can now apply for help. 

What You Need To Know

  •  St. Petersburg received $3 million of federal money for their Rent Utility Relief Program

  • Applicants need to be a renter within St. Pete city limits or a landlord whose utility costs are part of a rental agreement

  • The program a continuation of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program that distributed more than $7 million between April 2021 and July 2022

The City of St. Petersburg announced $3 million of federal money for their Rent Utility Relief Program, which can cover up to 18 months of past utility bills.

It’s a continuation of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program that distributed more than $7 million between April 2021 and July 2022. 

St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth Welch said the program is a beacon of hope for those struggling to pay their utility bills. 

“We hear stories all the time about folks who need that assistance, can’t pay their water bill. It impacts other components of their life and they’re making that choice. Do I pay the water bill? Do I pay this medical bill? So there’s a lot of need in our community and that’s why this program is so important,” Welch said.

Kendra Ross, an approved applicant for the program, said without the program, she would be in trouble. 

She received a surprise water bill after a leak at the home she was renting last summer for more than $8,000. 

Kendra got some help from the city of St. Petersburg, but her monthly bill jumped from $200 a month to around $400. 

“I was very stressed out because I have four kids, and I’m a single mom, and I have to get my kids prepared for school,” she said.  

With few options left, she applied for the program. The call she got from the city changed her situation. 

“I was very grateful that she was able to help with that bill and cover almost 95% of it,” she said. “The amount I have to pay is very minuscule compared to the $8,000 I was responsible for paying.” 

There are a few criteria to qualify for the program. 

The applicant is a renter within St. Pete city limits or a landlord whose utility costs are part of a rental agreement. 

The renter has experienced financial hardship from Covid-19. 

The renter is at risk of housing instability or homelessness. 

Lastly, the renter household is at or below 80% area median income, around $48,000 for a single person.