Irrigation Recovery FAQs and Block Grant Program Presentation

Q: What is the block grant?

A: The block grant is a new grant program managed by the State of Florida specifically for Hurricane Michael. The block grant provides direct payment to landowners to reimburse them for repair or replacement of irrigation systems that were damaged or destroyed as a result of Hurricane Michael.

Q: How do I apply to the block grant?

A: Producers should first register for the block grant on our website: floridadisaster.org/irrigation. Once you have registered, an Account Manager will contact you within five business days and will assist you with the application process. Producers should wait until they are contacted by an Account Manager before completing an application.

Q: I have submitted an application to the block grant but I do not know if I am eligible. What are my next steps?

A: Your Account Manager will assist you with the application and eligibility verification process. To be eligible to receive payment for your damaged center pivot system, the crop under the center pivot must have sustained a 15% loss. To be better prepared for your appointment with your Account Manager, you can start collecting any documentation that will verify your crop loss, such as your annual production report and crop insurance information.

Q: If a producer owned property at the time of Hurricane Michael but sold it prior to applying for the block grant, are they still eligible to receive funds?

A: No, to be eligible to receive funds through the block grant, a producer must be the current owner of record or lessee of the property in an eligible county.

Q: What is an eligible county?

A: Eligible counties are those within Florida that received a Presidential Disaster Declaration as a result of Hurricane Michael. The following counties are eligible: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.

Q: Am I eligible to receive funds if I already repaired or replaced my damaged center pivot system?

A: Yes, you may still be eligible to receive funds through the block grant even if you have repaired or replaced your damaged center pivot system. The block grant payments are reimbursement based; staff will collect proof of expenses and proof of payment that is eligible for reimbursement under the program.

Q: If I am participating or have participated in other state or federal programs, am I still eligible to participate in the block grant?

A: Yes, you may still be eligible to receive funds through the block grant even if you have received funds from other state and federal grant programs. Please notify your Account Manager of any other grant funds you have received for Hurricane Michael related to your center pivot loss.

Q: If I received an insurance payment for my damaged center pivot system, am I still eligible to participate in the block grant?

A: You may still be eligible to participate in the block grant even if you received an insurance payment for your damaged center pivot system, but the insurance payment will be deducted from your total eligible block grant payment. Notify your Account Manager of any insurance payments that you may have received and they can assist with the process.

Q: Are non-citizens eligible to apply to the Block Grant?

A: To be eligible for the block grant, applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

• citizen of the United States;
• resident alien; for purposes of this part, resident alien means “lawful alien” as defined in 7 CFR part 1400;
• partnership consisting solely of citizens or resident aliens of the United States; or
• corporation, limited liability corporation, or other farm organizational structure organized under State law consisting solely of citizens or resident aliens of the United

Q: How do I get my block grant payment?

A: You need to register through the MyFloridaMarketPlace and MyFloridaCFO systems. There is a fact sheet available on the block grant website which provides directions for how to sign up. If you want a direct deposit, you can set it up in MyFloridaCFO. If you want a hard copy check, do not complete your direct deposit information. We advise that you wait until your Account Manager contacts you as they can assist you with this process.

Q: How is my block grant payment calculated?

A: Payments are made based on a fixed dollar amount per linear foot of your center pivot system. You will be required to provide proof of expenses and proof of payment up to the amount you are eligible to receive. A detailed breakdown of the formula is available in the IRBG Application and website.

Q: If I received funds through the block grant, do I have to purchase crop insurance?

A: Yes, producers who receive funding through this program are required to obtain Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance (NAP) for the next available two consecutive years for which such coverage is available (either 2021 and 2022 or 2022 and 2023). This applies to the crop(s) under the center pivot irrigation on October 10, 2018. Crop insurance must be purchased at the 60/100 level of coverage (or equivalent) where insurance is available. Whole Farm Revenue Protection at the 60 percent level may also be purchased.

Q. How long does it take to get my payment once everything is properly signed and submitted?

A: The time for receipt of payment varies. Once all required documentation is executed and approved, payment should be received in less than forty (40) days.

Q. How many payments can I expect?

A: Only one payment will be made to eligible producers under the IRBG.

Q. How are payments made if I share ownership on my property, do you split up the payments for each owner?

A: The current owner of record is required to be the applicant for eligibility determination procedures. Should the owner of record elect to delegate authority to another individual or entity, a power of attorney will need to be submitted prior to processing the subject application. Payment will be processed to the applicant as registered in the State payment systems. Your Account Manager can assist with any unique situations; please let them know at the time of application.

Contact Us

For questions not addressed in this FAQ, please call 850-270-8317.