Florida Construction News staff writer
The State of Florida has launched a first-of-its kind statewide residential mitigation program.
Led by the FDEM (Florida Division of Emergency Management), the Elevate Florida program is designed to protect homes and communities by reducing damage caused by natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.
Properties do not need to have experienced flooding or damage to be considered. However, applications may be prioritized based on history of loss. Property owners must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien
- The legal owner of the residential property in the State of Florida
- Be able to contribute up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the project’s total cost
Total project cost will vary based on factors such as project type, square footage of living space, foundation and construction type, and any necessary project activities. 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.
Multi-family real estate such as duplexes, triplexes, condos, townhomes, semi-detached homes, apartments and manufactured homes may be eligible.
Eligible construction projects:
- Structure Elevation: Physically raising an existing structure.
- Mitigation Reconstruction: 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. These activities result in the construction of code-compliant and hazard-resistant structures. Mitigation Reconstruction is the alternative to Structure Elevation when the structure is not sound enough to elevate, as determined during application review.
- Acquisition/Demolition: A structure is purchased from voluntary sellers and demolished, to be maintained by the local community as open space. The local community must agree to participate in this project type.
- Wind Mitigation: Measures that reduce the risk of future wind damage to structures. This may include alterations to the roof, windows, doors, and other vulnerable components of structures. Wind mitigation is another alternative for homes that are not sound enough to elevate.
Property owners can save 75–100 percent on the cost of protecting their property from future flood damage and assistance, from application to construction, including contractor services, temporary housing support, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations.
