Elevate Florida: FDEM's Residential Mitigation Program
Important Notice: Elevate Florida Application Closed
The application portal for the Elevate Florida program is currently closed. Because of exceptional interest in the program and existing limits to funding, Elevate Florida is no longer accepting new applications. If additional funding becomes available, the Elevate Florida will reopen the portal to accept additional applications.
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 is designed to expedite the entire process and complete a resident’s mitigation project.
Be cautious of unexpected phone calls, visits, or agreements from individuals, inspectors or contractors claiming to represent Elevate Florida. Before any home inspection for Elevate Florida, your assigned case manager will inform you of an inspection date and time in advance of any visit to your property. Be advised not to give money to any individuals claiming to be affiliated with our program. All official transactions will be conducted through our secure, authorized channels.
FDEM is seeking to establish a pool of qualified Respondents to provide Inspection and Assessment services to implement the statewide residential mitigation grant program, Elevate Florida. Please see the solicitation documents at the following link.
Link to My Florida Marketplace: https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids/detail/11961
Timelines vary based on project type, with some projects taking up to two years. There are five stages with estimated time periods of:
- Stage 1 Application Submittal: Less than one week.
- Once an application is submitted, it will be reviewed to determine if it is complete or if additional information is needed. Your case manager will work with you to fill out all required program forms and satisfy any requests for information during review.
- Stage 2 Application Review: One to four months.
- Once all required information is provided, the application will be reviewed to determine if the grant program requirements are met. If initial eligibility criteria are met, pre-construction assessments and studies will be completed for your structure. The property owner will work with the assigned case manager to sign a pre-construction contract and provide the resident cost-share for initial inspections. In addition to program eligibility, all applications must undergo reviews for cost-effectiveness and environmental and historic preservation compliance. In some cases, a more thorough environmental and/or historic review may be required which may extend the estimated timeline for application review.
- Stage 3 Decision and Approval: Two to three months.
- If the project meets all grant program requirements, an application package will be prepared and submitted to FEMA for final approval and award. Following the FEMA award, your project will undergo bidding and contracting, as assigned by the State. The property owner cost-share will be finalized before contracting and will be due at contract signing.
- Stage 4 Construction: Three to nine months.
- Once the contract is signed and the property owner cost-share is received, construction may begin. The State will assign contractors who will provide turnkey construction services. Occupants will be required to vacate the structure during the construction process and temporary housing assistance will be provided.
- Stage 5 Closeout: One to three months.
- After construction is complete, a final inspection will be scheduled to close out the project. Property owners will be provided with a closeout packet with all necessary documentation. If applicable, property owners will be required to provide proof of the updated and satisfactory NFIP insurance policy prior to grant closeout.
Federal grant funding will cover at least 75 percent of the project cost, meaning property owners only need to invest up to 25 percent—a significant savings. Property owners will be required to provide up to 25 percent of initial inspection costs prior to inspections being completed. Additionally, the total construction cost for each property will be determined during the initial review period 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 (moving out/in and storage) during construction, meaning the program will pay at least 75 percent of these expenses. The property owner must sign a Pre-Mitigation Agreement for Elevate Florida inspection and design services with FDEM, which will provide an estimate of the initial inspection costs. With this agreement, the property owner accepts and agrees to the cost share requirement to fund initial inspections. If your application is ineligible or you voluntarily withdraw your approved application or project, you are required to sign a Request to Withdraw form acknowledging and agreeing to reimburse any federal or state funds expended (including 100% of inspection costs) during the project to the FDEM.
Unfortunately, no assistance is available from the State of Florida to cover the property owner’s project cost (up to 25 percent) responsibilities for Elevate Florida. Property owners can utilize various funding options to cover their project cost-share, including personal savings or securing loans. In addition, they may use funds from a loan from the Small Business Administration to cover the property owner cost-share for mitigation activities. Property owners may also seek assistance from county programs or other entities such as voluntary or nonprofit organizations.
NFIP policy holders may be eligible to receive funding through NFIP, if they qualify for Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC). ICC consists of up to $30,000 coverage, which is a part of most standard flood insurance policies under the NFIP to assist in reducing out of pocket costs for eligible activities and may contribute to the cost-share required by the property owner. All property owners with active NFIP policies will sign the Assignment of Coverage D form during the application process. Elevate Florida will work with NFIP, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to file claims for mitigation activities for policies eligible to receive funds. Funds received from NFIP may be utilized to offset the property owner cost-share. In cases where the property owner has no cost-share, or when the received funds exceed the property owner cost-share, the funds will be utilized to offset the federal share of the project.
For questions and technical support, submit inquiries through the “Contact Us” page on the portal or email info@elevatefl.org.
You can also call the contact center Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET at 877-353-8835 (877-ELEV8FL). TTY services are available by dialing 711.
- Elevate Florida Cumulative Final Public Notice
- A Public Notice is required when states will be using federal funds to conduct activities that may be located within, affect, or be affected by floodplains or wetlands. The Cumulative Final Public Notice for the Elevate Florida Program was published on February 14, 2025.
