Division of Emergency Management outlines Elevate Florida mitigation program; reports 12,000 applications

Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, presented Elevate Florida, an initiative that allows homeowners to apply directly to the state for federally funded mitigation projects (including elevation, mitigation reconstruction, acquisition/demolition and wind mitigation). Guthrie said Elevate Florida combines components of existing federal mitigation grants — primarily the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Flood Mitigation Assistance — and that the program is a 100 percent federal-funded initiative administered by the division.

Guthrie explained the program’s priorities: emphasize elevation projects where feasible to reduce repetitive flood losses and avoid buyouts that require local governments to take ownership of property in perpetuity. He said the program requires homeowners to contribute 25 percent of project costs; applicants must be legal owners, primary residents and U.S. citizens and applications are prioritized for severe repetitive loss properties, properties in FEMA-designated special flood hazard areas and locations impacted by recent storms (Debbie, Helene, Milton).

Guthrie reported program metrics: over 12,000 total applications received statewide, approximately 1,500 prioritized for further review, roughly 500 placed on a wait list and 305 applications submitted to FEMA and awaiting final funding determination. He said the division competitively procured a contractor pool per federal procurement rules and added 27 general contractors to the list for homeowners to work with once FEMA approves projects.

On questions about affordability for fixed-income homeowners who cannot provide the 25 percent match, Guthrie said the program does not currently provide a separate state match. He noted many eligible properties in the National Flood Insurance Program classified as repetitive loss may receive insurance payouts that homeowners could apply toward the 25 percent match. Guthrie also said some counties have contributed additional local funds to increase participation; he listed examples of county contributions and encouraged local governments to add funding where available.

Guthrie characterized Elevate Florida as a national model and said elements of the program have been incorporated into federal legislation (House bill HR 4669) as an example other states are exploring.