Florida Homeowners May Get Up to 75% Covered for Home Elevation and Flood Mitigation

Florida homeowners in flood-prone areas may be able to get major help through the Elevate Florida program. The program is run by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and uses federal grant funding to lower the cost of flood and storm mitigation work.

The big number: the program can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs. Homeowners are generally responsible for the remaining 25% cost share.

What the program can help pay for

Elevate Florida can support several types of projects:

• Structure elevation: raising an existing home higher above flood risk.
• Mitigation reconstruction: rebuilding a damaged or unsafe home at a higher elevation.
• Acquisition and demolition: buying and removing high-risk structures when a local community agrees to keep the land open.
• Wind mitigation: roof, window, door, and other upgrades that reduce future wind damage.

Who may qualify

According to the state program information, applicants must generally:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Own a residential property in Florida.
• Be able to pay the homeowner cost share, usually up to 25%.

Corporate or commercial owners are not eligible. Renters are also not eligible. A home does not always need to have flooded before, but homes with a history of loss may get priority.

How much help is available?

Federal grant funding can pay up to 75% of project costs. For mitigation reconstruction projects, Florida says the federal support cap for eligible hard costs was raised to $375,000 in September 2025. Costs above the cap, plus the homeowner share, are the owner’s responsibility.

How to apply

Homeowners apply through the Elevate Florida program page. The application asks for details about the home and may ask for photos, insurance documents, elevation certificates, flood photos, claim information, income information, and local damage letters if available.

The process can take time. The state says review, FEMA approval, bidding, construction, and closeout may take roughly one to two years. Homeowners should still apply as early as possible if they want to be considered.

Source: Florida Division of Emergency Management and 10 Tampa Bay.