Elevate Florida: FDEM's Residential Mitigation Program

To become a potential participant of the Elevate Florida program, applicants must:

• Be over the age of 18,
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be the legal property owner of a residential property in the State of Florida, and
• Be able to contribute up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the project's total cost.

Multi-family real estate such as duplexes, triplexes, condos, townhomes, semi-detached homes, apartments and manufactured homes may be eligible. The property does not need to have experienced flooding or damage in the past to be considered. However, applications may be prioritized based on history of loss. Secondary residences may be considered if sufficient funding is available.

The property being submitted for a mitigation project must be owned by individual(s), not a corporate or commercial entity (including LLCs). Individual renters are not eligible. Although renters cannot apply directly, they are encouraged to share program information with the owner of the property.

Navigate to the Elevate Florida Portal to set up an account. Once registered, it will take approximately 20 minutes to fill out the application, assuming all the necessary information is available. Having the following information and documents on hand will expedite the submission review of your application:

Having the following information and documents on hand will expedite the submission review of your application:

• Photos of the structure (all four sides including front, rear, and both sides)
• Insurance Declaration pages (if available)
• Elevation Certificates (if applicable)
• Geotechnical Reports (Soil Studies) (if applicable)
• Flooding photos/high water mark photos
• Insurance claim information
• Substantial Damage Determination letters received from local government (if applicable)
• Combined income as reflected on the most recent federal tax return

When you apply, you must select one of the following project options:

• 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 sturdy enough to elevate.

It will take one to two years to go through the program. 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. 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% 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 during construction, meaning the program will pay at least 75 percent of these expenses. 

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. Residents may use funds from a loan from the Small Business Administration to cover the property owner cost-share.

The property owner must sign an agreement with FDEM that they accept and agree to the cost share requirement to fund initial inspections.

Elevating residential properties offers a multitude of advantages for individual property owners, neighborhoods, communities and the entire State of Florida. This proactive approach enhances the safety and value of individual properties while contributing to overall resilience and sustainability.

For property owners:

• Significant Cost Savings – Homeowners can save 75–100 percent on the cost of protecting their property from future flood damage, making it a cost-effective alternative to managing the project independently.
• Lower Insurance Premiums – Reduce flood insurance costs with improved property resilience.
  • Increased Property Value – Strengthen your home’s value with long-term flood protection.
  • Comprehensive Support – Enjoy end-to-end assistance, from application to construction, including contractor services, temporary housing support, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations.

For questions, technical support, or application assistance, 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-ELEV8FL (877-353-8835). TTY services are available by dialing 711.

Elevate Florida

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• 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.