New Program Offers Relief for Flood-Prone Homes in Flagler County and Florida Homeowners. This is not only a great solution for addressing issues in flood-prone areas and homes, but it should also become a standard feature in all new home construction. Elevating homes by increasing zone heights can be implemented with ease and efficiency. This approach not only provides a practical solution for flood-prone areas and future home construction but also ensures that aesthetic concerns can be easily addressed.
Flagler County homeowners and other Florida Residence dealing with flooding could soon see relief thanks to a new state program announced at the Florida Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit. Kevin Guthrie, Florida's emergency management director, unveiled the Elevate Florida program, which will provide grants and low-interest loans to help elevate homes above flood levels. This measure aims to reduce future insurance claims and litigation as storms and flooding become more frequent.
How the Program Works
Homeowners affected by recent hurricane storm surges and flooding can already apply for grants to rebuild and elevate their homes above the base flood elevation. However, to qualify, homeowners must contribute at least 25% of the grant's total cost. Under the Elevate Florida program, homeowners can apply for federal Small Business Administration (SBA) loans of up to $500,000 to cover their share of the grant. These loans come with attractive terms, including no interest for the first year and a low rate of approximately 2.8% thereafter.
SBA loans may also be used to refinance existing mortgages, offering Florida homeowners an opportunity for long-term savings through lower interest rates and extended repayment terms.
“This is a first-of-its-kind initiative,” Guthrie noted. “FEMA officials were impressed with the program’s innovative approach to leveraging SBA loans for disaster resilience.”
Federal Funding for Elevation and Mitigation
The program is primarily funded by federal disaster relief, with $2 billion allocated after Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton devastated parts of Florida in the fall of 2024. While exact funding levels for Elevate Florida are yet to be disclosed, much of the federal aid will go toward helping affected homeowners elevate and harden their homes against future flooding and wind damage.
Guthrie emphasized the importance of forward-looking measures. “We can’t just respond to disasters; we need to prevent them. Elevating homes out of flood zones will not only protect families but also help reduce insurance rates across Florida.”
Preparing to Apply
Flagler County homeowners impacted by recent storms are encouraged to begin preparing for the grant application process by:
- Taking photos of flood-damaged property, with clear high-water marks and measurements.
- Gathering insurance claims information.
- Keeping receipts and estimates for repairs.
For more details, homeowners can visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website or email
Other Mitigation Programs in Florida
The Elevate Florida program adds to existing state efforts, such as the My Safe Florida Home initiative, which provided $200 million this year for wind-mitigation retrofitting grants. While successful, the program quickly ran out of funds due to high demand.
Flagler County residents have faced challenges with flood insurance in recent years, as some insurers deny claims for flood-related damage not covered by standard homeowner policies. Guthrie hopes that Elevate Florida will provide both financial relief and a path to greater resilience for those in high-risk areas.
As sea levels rise and storms intensify, programs like Elevate Florida are becoming essential tools to protect Florida homeowners and their properties. Keep an eye out for more information about this innovative program in the coming weeks.
