Florida's Elevate program funds home elevation projects

A new Florida program called Elevate Florida aims to help homeowners protect their properties from flooding. This state-run initiative offers financial support for at least 75% of the costs associated with various mitigation projects. Homeowners can receive assistance for lifting their homes, reconstructing properties, or making them more resistant to wind damage. Leonard Berner, a homeowner affected by Hurricane Helene, is considering using this program. He hopes it will help save money on repairs and insurance. However, he has concerns about the limited $400 million budget available for the initiative and whether it will be enough for all the applicants. Elevate Florida is managed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. This program targets homes that repeatedly suffer flood damage or are in flood-prone areas. Homeowners must contribute up to 25% of the total project cost, but this amount could be lower for properties that frequently flood. The application process for Elevate Florida has received significant interest, with over 1,500 applications filed so far. Pinellas County has the highest number of applicants, making up about 75% of the total. The state projects that it could fund around 950 properties, but many questions remain regarding contractor availability and project timelines. Homeowners may be worried about the lead time for projects, especially with hurricane season approaching in June. Some may not receive help in time to prepare for the storms. Those who have applied, like Jack Dougherty, are concerned about delays and the possibility of being told their applications are unsuccessful, forcing them to start the process over. Overall, while Elevate Florida offers a promising way to protect homes from flooding, challenges regarding funding and timely assistance remain uncertain for those affected by recent hurricanes.