When to Call 211 vs. Pinellas County Information
Use First Contact/211 for community and crisis referrals; use the county line for government departments, programs, and services.
Start here
Dial 211, call 727-210-4211, or text your ZIP code to 898211 for community and crisis referrals. Call Pinellas County at 727-464-3000 for county departments and government services.
24/7 community and crisis routing; alternate 727-210-4211
See First Contact optionsWhat to have ready
- Pinellas ZIP code
- One-sentence description of the need
- Deadline, shutoff, eviction, discharge, or safety concern
- Preferred language and accessibility needs
Words you can use
“I am in Pinellas County ZIP code [ZIP] and need [specific help]. Which program owns this, is it accepting applications, and what begins the process?”
Steps in order
- 1
Use 211 for broad community, crisis, food, housing, and social-service referrals.
- 2
Use 727-464-3000 for county departments and services.
- 3
Ask for the program name and direct number.
- 4
Confirm current eligibility, funding, and appointment rules with the program itself.
If the first answer is no or wait
Ask for another route and whether funding is temporarily closed. Call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency.
Official sources
Sources checked August 9, 2026. Confirm eligibility, hours, cost, service area, and current availability directly.
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