Florida homeowners looking to protect their properties from future flooding have until 7 p.m. tonight (Friday) to apply for Elevate Florida, a state-run program that offers significant financial assistance for raising homes above the floodplain.

The initiative, overseen by the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), is funded with $400 million in federal money. It provides tiered financial aid based on a property’s history of hurricane-related damage.

Homeowners who’ve experienced four or more insured losses are eligible for 100% coverage of the elevation costs. Those with two to three prior losses can receive 90% assistance, while those with one loss may qualify for 75% coverage.

The application period opened in February, offering funding for not only home elevation but also wind resiliency improvements and other structural upgrades. In many cases, the program covers more than half the cost of these projects.

FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie emphasized the long-term goal of keeping elevated properties on local tax rolls.

“If we can elevate them out of the floodway, that property stays on the tax rolls at the local level in perpetuity,” Guthrie told the Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. “We’re moving from just accusations to home elevations and reconstructions—this is the wave of the future.”

Home elevation is just one of four assistance categories available through Elevate Florida. Homeowners may also qualify for:

• Mitigation reconstruction, used when a building isn’t structurally sound enough to be elevated
  
• Acquisition and demolition of vulnerable structures
  
• Wind mitigation improvements
  

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older
  
• Be a U.S. citizen
  
• Be the legal owner of a residential property in Florida
  
• Be able to contribute up to 25% of the project’s total cost
  

Local officials are urging residents to take action before the deadline. In Volusia County, which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Milton last year, officials say there’s still time to apply—even if all documents aren’t ready.

“As of last week, more than 225 projects have been submitted on behalf of property owners,” said Clayton Jackson, Volusia County’s public information officer. “Even if your application isn’t complete, it’s critical to create an account, fill out what you can, and hit submit before the deadline.”

Find the official website and application here: https://www.floridadisaster.org/dem/mitigation/elevate-Florida/

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