7/5/2018

FEMA Approves FDEM’s 2018 Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan 2018 Update

The Florida Division of Emergency Management announced that FEMA has approved the state’s 2018 update of the Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan.  FEMA approved the plan for five years, effective through August 2023.

A FEMA-approved mitigation plan is required for states to apply for certain federal disaster assistance grants; however, states with Enhanced Plan Status are also eligible to receive 5% in additional funds under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) following a disaster.  For Florida, this status has resulted in an additional $52,000,000 in HMGP funding between 2007 and 2016.  The Enhanced designation recognizes states that are leaders in implementing a comprehensive statewide hazard mitigation program resulting in safer, more sustainable communities.  Florida is one of only 12 states with Enhanced Status.

In its approval letter, FEMA commended Florida for its commitment to reducing risk from natural hazards with a solid plan to guide the state’s mitigation activities.

FEMA’s approval highlights the Division’s mitigation efforts statewide, which were further reinforced by the Florida Legislature in establishing Statute 252.3655, creating the Natural Hazards Interagency Workgroup, coordinated by Division staff.

A FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan is required for states to apply for the following FEMA grants:

•           Public Assistance Categories C-G (PA C-G)

•           Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG)

•           Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

•           Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM)

•           Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)

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