Resources

The Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance

Since April 2013, GNO, Inc. has led the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI), a national coalition of approximately 250 organizations across 35 states, formed during the implementation of the Biggert-Waters Act. CSFI was a driving force behind the passage of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA), compromise legislation that was cosponsored by more than 235 Members of the House and supported by 306 Members, representing the overwhelming support of both caucuses, and passed the Senate with the support of 72 Senators.

There are four primary policy areas CSFI has focused on that will provide for this stronger framework – mitigation, mapping, affordability, and program participation.  CSFI is currently assembled around the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0 and enactment of a long-term NFIP reauthorization.

CSFI is an initiative of Greater New Orleans, Inc.  For more information, please contact Peter Waggonner, GNO, Inc.’s Public Policy Manager, at pwaggonner@gnoinc.org or (504) 527-6980.

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 applications administered by Monroe County but is designed to expedite the entire process and complete a resident’s mitigation project.

Wind Mitigation Home Inspections  All owners of site-built, single-family, residential homes or townhouses are eligible to make application for a wind mitigation home inspection. This inspection will identify those elements of your home’s construction which could be improved to mitigate your home against future wind damages. All inspections will be provided to eligible homeowners free of charge by the State. Applications will be reviewed and approved in the order in which they are received until current funding is exhausted.
Wind Mitigation Grant awards for home construction (DFS anticipates awarding between 11,000 and 12,000 grants based on current funding.)

Wind Mitigation Home Inspections  Eligible condominium associations will receive a complimentary inspection to identify existing hurricane-resistant features of their buildings. The inspection will also highlight necessary recommendations for improvements to protect against hurricane winds in order to receive reductions in insurance premiums.Applications will be reviewed and approved in the order in which they are received until current funding is exhausted.
Wind Mitigation Grant awards In addition to the free inspection, eligible associations can apply for grants to implement specific wind mitigation improvements identified in the free inspection report. 

The Office of Insurance Regulation is providing a new resource on FLOIR.com to encourage Floridians to be proactive and take measures to prevent and reduce windstorm losses. The new webpage provides details for consumers regarding the process of requesting a wind mitigation inspection, updating and submitting necessary wind mitigation forms, obtaining information about mitigation programs available, as well as other mitigation resources to benefit consumers. 

FIRM works closely with local, state and U.S. legislators. We often ask our members and friends to contact these elected officials. Use our handy guide for contact information.