**UPDATE JULY 2025**
Due to funding cuts to FEMA’s mitigation grant programs, the Elevate Florida program will now be funded by Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Swift Current funding and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) . Swift Current and HMGP provide funding to mitigate buildings insured through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) after a major disaster declaration following a flood-related disaster event to reduce risk against future flood damage. Funding will only be available for Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) properties and only after a disaster declaration. Read more about the funding cuts here.
Elevate Florida is a first-of-its-kind, groundbreaking statewide residential mitigation program. Led by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), this program is designed to protect homes and communities by reducing damage caused by natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.
Elevate Florida works like FEMA’s FMA grant funding program that was previously administered by Monroe County, only Elevate Florida hopes to expedite the process. If you have applied for FMA grant funding with Monroe County, you can also apply to Elevate Florida, increasing your chances of obtaining funding faster.
COSTS
Federal grant funding will cover at least 75 percent of the project cost, meaning property owners only need to invest up to 25 percent—a significant savings. Property owners will be required to provide up to 25% of initial inspection costs prior to inspections being completed. Approved property owners will receive a detailed breakdown of their construction cost-share and will have time to decide if they would like to move forward with the project’s next phase. The cost-share will also include relocation expenses during construction, meaning the program will pay at least 75 percent of these expenses.
ELIGIBILITY
- Be over the age of 18
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be the legal property owner of a residential property in the State of Florida
- Be able to contribute up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the project’s total cost
- Multi-family real estate such as duplexes, triplexes, condos, townhomes, semi-detached homes, apartments and manufactured homes may be eligible.
PROJECT OPTIONS
- Structure elevation
- Mitigation reconstruction
- Acquisition/demolition
- Wind mitigation
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
FDEM will be using $234 million from HMGP (Florida Hurricanes’ Allocations) and $100 million from “Swift Current” (Repetitive Loss and Sever Repetitive Loss rapid funding-annual allocation). The Department is hoping to procure its own contractors and move the project at a rapid pace.
FDEM is still working on developing their policies and procedures for the Elevate Florida program; however, it should be a lot faster than the FMA process. Elevate Florida grant applicants won’t be competing with other states for federal funding, and FDEM staff can review feasibility faster and work directly with residents.
This new program is a great opportunity for folks who have flooded in the past, don’t have or cannot get flood insurance, and have the 25% share of the funding on hand and ready to move quickly.
For more information on how to apply visit the program’s page on the FDEM website.