Protect Your Florida Home Before the Next Storm

Living in Florida means enjoying sunshine, beautiful beaches, and vibrant communities. But it also means facing serious hurricane threats and devastating flood risks that can destroy everything you’ve built.

What if you could protect your home BEFORE the next storm hits—and get up to 75% of the cost paid for?

The Elevate Florida Program is changing the game for homeowners across the state, offering comprehensive financial assistance to strengthen your property before disaster strikes.

The Problem: Rising Costs and Increasing Risks

Why Florida Homeowners Need Protection Now

Traditional homes in Florida weren’t built for what’s coming:

• Stronger hurricanes with increased wind speeds
• Higher flood waters threatening coastal and inland properties
• Skyrocketing insurance costs that burden homeowners

Many Florida homeowners now pay $3,000, $5,000, even $10,000 per year in flood insurance alone.

The Solution: State-Funded Protection

Here’s what most people don’t know: Florida now offers comprehensive financial assistance to strengthen your property BEFORE disaster strikes.

This isn’t just about surviving storms. It’s about:

• Substantial insurance savings
• Increased property value
• Peace of mind for your family

Your Protection Options: Three Proven Solutions

Option 1: Structure Elevation

What it is: Your entire home is carefully lifted above dangerous flood levels using hydraulic equipment, then secured to a new elevated foundation.

How high: Most homes are elevated 6 to 14 feet, depending on your specific flood risk zone.

The benefits:

• Dramatic flood risk reduction
• Significant insurance premium savings
• Usable space below for parking and limited storage
• Increased property value

Option 2: Wind Mitigation

Flooding isn’t your only threat. Hurricane-force winds require comprehensive protection measures.

Wind mitigation strengthens critical vulnerability points:

• Enhanced roof-to-wall connections using hurricane straps and clips
• Impact-resistant windows and doors meeting hurricane standards
• Reinforced garage doors that won’t fail under pressure
• Engineered continuous load paths from roof to foundation

These improvements can reduce homeowner’s insurance premiums and dramatically reduce the risk of catastrophic wind damage.

Option 3: Complete Reconstruction

For homes with severe structural damage, complete reconstruction offers a fresh start.

Advantages include:

• Build better from the ground up with modern hurricane-resistant materials
• Optimal elevation from initial construction
• Maximum insurance premium reductions
• Modern, energy-efficient design

How to Apply: The 5-Step Process

The application process is straightforward and completely online.

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

• Property deed
• Flood insurance policy
• Any historical damage records
• Property photos

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Apply through the Florida Division of Emergency Management portal. The application is completely online and user-friendly.

Step 3: Property Assessment

If preliminarily approved, qualified professionals will assess your property and determine the best mitigation approach for your specific situation.

Step 4: Receive Your Determination

You’ll receive an official determination including:

• Recommended mitigation approach
• Estimated total costs
• Your required 25% contribution

Step 5: Project Completion

State-vetted professional contractors complete your project with full project management oversight to ensure quality and compliance.

Who Qualifies: Eligibility Requirements

Basic Requirements

To qualify for the Elevate Florida Program, you must:

1. Own a residential property in Florida within a FEMA-designated flood zone
2. Have current flood insurance or obtain it before approval
3. Have financial capacity for the 25% cost-share

Priority Ranking

Priority is given to:

• Properties with previous flood losses
• Homes in highest-risk flood zones
• The most cost-effective mitigation projects

Important Ongoing Requirements

Alternative Funding Options

If government funding isn’t available immediately or if you’d prefer more control over your property improvements, you still have options.

Private Mitigation Financing

Consider these financing alternatives:

• Home equity loans for leveraging existing property value
• Construction loans specifically for renovation projects
• SBA disaster loans and specialized disaster financing programs

Benefits of private financing:

• Build protection on your own timeline
• Choose your own contractors and specifications
• Retain full control over project decisions

Local and County Programs

Don’t overlook additional support options:

• County-specific flood mitigation programs
• Municipal resilience incentives
• Local grant opportunities
• Community development block grants

Take Action: Protect Your Investment Today

Your home is your largest investment and your family’s shelter. Protecting both isn’t optional in Florida—it’s essential.

Don’t wait for the next hurricane warning to wish you had acted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Elevate Florida Program cost homeowners?

Homeowners pay 25% of the total project cost, with the state covering up to 75%. For example, on a $200,000 project, you would pay $50,000.

How long does the application process take?

Based on homeowner testimonials, it typically takes 6-10 months to receive an acceptance determination, with the complete process taking approximately 24 months from application to project completion.

Do I need to have flood insurance to apply?

Yes, you must have current flood insurance or obtain it before approval. You’ll also need to maintain flood insurance for the life of the structure.

Can I choose my own contractor?

No, the Elevate Florida Program determines the mitigation solutions, contractors, and budget. All contractors are state-vetted professionals.

Will this affect my property value?

Generally, elevation and wind mitigation increase property value. However, the requirement to maintain flood insurance transfers to future owners, which may impact marketability.

What if I’m not in a flood zone?

The program requires properties to be in FEMA-designated flood zones. However, you may still qualify for wind mitigation assistance or explore private financing options.