TALLAHASSEE, FL – A new state program is aimed at helping Florida residents better protect themselves from future storms after the damage caused by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, WTSP reports.
The Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced the launch of the Elevate Florida Residential Mitigation Grant Program.
Billed as an effort to strengthen community resilience, the first of its kind initiative provides property owners with federal and state-funded grants to elevate their property structures in order to reduce the risk of damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.
Funding from a federal grant will cover at least 75% of the project’s cost. The cost will include relocation expenses during construction. Property owners will be required to cover up to 25% of the total project cost.
Elevate Florida opened its portal for applicants this month and is accepting applications for funding for different resiliency projects, including raising homes.
“We have this brand-new program — it’s the first of its kind in the country,” Department of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie told a Senate committee. “We can actually make a homeowner whole between their insurance payout and the Elevate Florida program. With access to this money, what has to come out of their pocket is nothing.”
State officials said the program can help homeowners save 75–100 percent on the cost of protecting their property from future flood damage, while also reducing flood insurance costs through improved property resilience.
Elevate Florida would prioritize homes that have been hit with repeated losses that are covered by the National Flood Insurance Program.
Several project options will be available, including the construction of an improved, elevated building on the same site where an existing building and/or foundation has been partially or completely demolished or destroyed.
After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our Florida Hurricane and Storm Damage Claims Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want insurance companies to be held accountable for fully compensating their customers so that our communities can recover. We are here to be your legal advocates to ensure that you recover what you are rightfully owed from your insurance company or FEMA. We can walk you through how to prevent delays, make sure you understand FEMA’s regulations, and fight for maximum compensation for your claim. Call us now at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.