What Is Elevate Florida?
Elevate Florida is a first of its kind state-wide mitigation program designed to protect and fortify homes and communities, by reducing damage caused by hurricanes and floods. The program is designed to pay via grant up to 75% of the cost of elevating your home to protect it against future flooding events like Hurricane Helene.
Who’s Eligible?
To participate in this transformative program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age & Citizenship: Be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen
- Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen
- Ownership: Legally own a residential property in Florida. Ownership must be in an individual’s name, not held by a corporate entity like an LLC.
- Financial Commitment: Be ready to contribute up to 25% of the project’s total cost.
Eligible Properties and Projects
Properties: Elevate Florida isn’t just for single-family residences. It’s designed to assist a wide range of property types including:
- Single family homes
- Duplexes and triplexes
- Townhomes and apartments
- Manufactured homes
- Condominiums
Eligible Projects:
The program supports several types of mitigation projects:
- Structure Elevation: Physically raising your home above the base flood elevation.
- Mitigation Reconstruction: Rebuilding an improved and elevated structure when the original building or foundation has been demolished or destroyed.
- Acquisition & Demolition: Purchasing a structure from a voluntary seller to convert the site into community open space.
- Wind Mitigation: Implementing measures such as window replacements to reduce future wind damage.
Program Benefits
Homeowners who participate in Elevate Florida can enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- Flood Risk Reduction: A primary defense against future flooding events.
- Insurance Savings: Potential reductions in insurance premiums.
- Increased Property Value: Elevating your home can boost its market value.
- Cost Savings: The grant covers at least 75% of your project costs, making this a cost-effective way to protect your home.
Funding and Application Details
Funding for Elevate Florida comes from federal grants that will be administered through the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM). These grants will cover at least 75% of your project’s total construction cost. The final cost is determined during an initial review, based on factors such as:
- The type of project
- The square footage of the living space
- Foundation and construction type
While the state covers the majority of costs, property owners are responsible for up to 25% of the cost-share. Although the state does will not fund this portion, Small Business Administration loans may be available to help cover your contribution.
When you apply, be ready to provide the following:
- Combined household income information
- Flood declaration page (if applicable)
- Elevation certificate (if applicable)
- Photos of any flooding
- Insurance claim details
- Letters confirming substantial damage (if applicable)
- Geotechnical reports (such as soil studies, if applicable)
How to Apply
Starting your journey with Elevate Florida is straightforward. You will create an account and complete your application HERE. Depending on how organized your documentation is, the application process should take about 20–30 minutes.
Project Timeline
The Elevate Florida program unfolds in five key stages:
- Application Submittal:
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed for completeness, typically within a week. A dedicated case manager will be assigned to help you complete all required forms and additional requests. - Application Review:
This phase, which may take between one and four months, confirms your eligibility and includes pre-construction assessments of your structure. - Decision & Approval:
If your project meets all the program requirements, an application package is prepared and submitted to FEMA for final approval. You can expect this step to take an additional two to three months. - Construction:
Upon signing the construction contract and providing your cost-share, construction can begin. At this stage, the state assigns a contractor to manage the construction services. It’s important to note that you will need to vacate your property during this phase, though temporary housing assistance is available for up to 75% of your costs. - Closeout:
After construction is completed, a final inspection will be scheduled. If required, property owners must also provide proof of satisfactory NFIP insurance before the grant is officially closed out.
Our Thoughts
Elevate Florida marks a transformative leap in fortifying our state’s infrastructure against the rising threat of natural disasters. The devastating floods caused by hurricanes such as Helene, Milton, and Ian have highlighted the critical need for proactive solutions to protect and elevate our homes. With this program, Floridians can continue to enjoy the beauty and lifestyle of living near the water, while safeguarding their properties from the devastating impact of future storms.
