Florida Proposes $200 Million Expansion for Home Elevation and Flood Mitigation Program

Florida’s government is taking significant steps to combat the growing threats of flooding and storm surge due to climate change and intensifying storms. The popularity of the state’s wind-mitigation grant program has prompted the governor to propose an additional $107 million this year. Experts are emphasizing home fortification as a crucial strategy to minimize insurance losses from hurricanes.

New legislative proposals, Senate Bill 1208 and House Bill 1143, aim to expand the My Safe Florida Home mitigation program with over $200 million in funding. These bills, introduced by Senator Jonathan Martin and Representative Lindsay Cross, respectively, offer matching grants up to $10,000 for eligible homeowners. These grants, similar to those for wind protection, are designed for homes built before 1982, located in the 100-year floodplain, carrying flood insurance, and with an insured value of less than $700,000. The funds are intended for structural elevation or floodproofing measures like water barriers and flood vents.

The bills stipulate that the Florida Department of Financial Services contracts with certified floodplain managers for home inspections and recommendations. Although the bills have not been assigned to committees and lack legislative staff analysis, they highlight a growing consensus on the need for enhanced mitigation programs in Florida. This need is underscored by the $4 billion in flood insurance losses from Hurricane Ian, as reported by FEMA.

However, the proposed $10,000 grant may fall short of covering the substantial costs of elevating homes, with estimates ranging from $28,000 to $100,000. The legislative session in Tallahassee will be pivotal in determining the support and future of these bills.