CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2025) – The Florida Division of Emergency Management has launched Elevate Florida, the state’s first residential mitigation program aimed at enhancing community resilience by protecting private residences from natural hazards.
The Elevate Florida application portal is now open. Residents can apply by creating an account and completing an application at https://fdem-resmit.my.site.com/Elevate.
Homeowners do not need to have experienced prior flooding or damage to be eligible. However, applications may be prioritized based on a history of loss. To qualify, property owners must:
- Be over the age of 18.
- Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
- Be the legal owner of a residential property in Florida.
- Be able to contribute up to 25% of the project’s total cost. Property owners will be required to provide up to 25% of initial inspection costs before inspections are completed. Total project costs will vary based on factors such as project type, square footage, foundation and construction type, and required project activities. Approved property owners will receive a detailed breakdown of construction costs and will have time to decide whether to proceed with the next phase. The cost-share also includes relocation expenses during construction, with the program covering at least 75% of these costs.
Multi-family real estate such as duplexes, triplexes, condos, townhomes, semi-detached homes, apartments and manufactured homes may be eligible.
Eligible construction projects include:
- 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 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.
Program benefits include:
- Significant cost savings – Homeowners can save 75-100% on flood mitigation costs.
- Lower insurance premiums – Strengthened structures may qualify for reduced flood insurance rates.
- Increased property value – Improved flood resilience can enhance home value.
- Comprehensive support – Assistance from application through construction, including contractor services, temporary housing support, and Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their homes. For more information or assistance with the application, visit the Contact Us page on the portal, email info@elevatefl.org, or call the contact center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday at 877-ELEV8FL (877-353-8835). For TTY services, dial 7-1-1.
Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.x.com/ccoem.
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