Elevate Florida: A Bold Step Toward Resiliency, But Challenges Remain

The announcement of the Elevate Florida program at the Florida Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit is a promising step toward addressing the challenges homeowners face in the wake of increasingly destructive storms.

Spearheaded by Kevin Guthrie, the state’s emergency management director, this initiative aims to provide grants and low-interest loans to help Floridians elevate their homes above flood levels.

This effort is long overdue and has the potential to transform disaster recovery, reduce insurance claims, and build a more resilient Florida.

However, while the program shows great promise, its success will hinge on execution, accessibility, and ensuring that no homeowner is left behind.

The Promise of Elevate Florida

For decades, homeowners affected by flooding have been caught in a cycle of rebuilding, often to the same standards that left their homes vulnerable in the first place.

Elevate Florida seeks to break this cycle by providing the financial tools necessary to rebuild smarter and stronger.

Here’s how it works:

1. Grants for Elevation

Homeowners can apply for grants to elevate their homes above the base flood elevation, reducing their future risk.

2. SBA Loans for Grant Matching

To meet the 25% down payment requirement for these grants, homeowners can now apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans of up to $500,000, with favorable terms: no interest for the first year and a low interest rate thereafter.

3. Mortgage Refinancing

In a groundbreaking move, homeowners can use these SBA loans to refinance their existing mortgages, potentially lowering their monthly payments and freeing up resources for elevation projects.

4. Federal Disaster Relief Funding

The program leverages $2 billion in federal disaster relief funds made available after Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, ensuring that the initiative is well-funded from the start.

This innovative combination of grants, loans, and mortgage refinancing represents a coordinated effort to not only rebuild but to prevent future losses.

Challenges and Questions

While the program is ambitious, several challenges could hinder its effectiveness:

1. Accessibility for Homeowners

The program requires homeowners to provide 25% of the grant amount upfront, even if an SBA loan is available. For many families, especially those already burdened by flood damage, this requirement may still be out of reach. Simplifying access and reducing financial barriers will be key.

2. Demand Outpacing Funding

Previous mitigation programs, like the My Safe Florida Home initiative, ran out of funding within months due to overwhelming demand.

With Elevate Florida relying on federal disaster relief funds, there’s a risk that resources could be depleted quickly, leaving many eligible homeowners without support.

3. Coordination with Insurers

Elevating homes reduces flood risk, but it’s unclear how quickly these changes will translate to lower insurance premiums.

Homeowners need guarantees that their efforts will result in tangible financial benefits.

4. Uncovered Damages

The program highlights a glaring gap in disaster recovery: the lack of comprehensive flood coverage.

As seen after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, thousands of claims were denied due to non-covered flood damage, leaving homeowners without recourse.

Elevate Florida must be part of a larger conversation about expanding flood insurance options.

5. Equity and Implementation

While mitigation programs focus on future resiliency, they must not overlook the immediate needs of homeowners in the hardest-hit areas.

Florida must ensure that vulnerable communities aren’t disproportionately excluded from these opportunities.

A Transformative Opportunity

Despite these challenges, Elevate Florida represents a significant step forward.

For the first time, state and federal agencies are working together to create a comprehensive, homeowner-focused program to address flood risks.

As Guthrie noted, emergency management must extend beyond disaster response to encompass the broader economy and long-term resiliency.

Elevating homes out of floodplains and hardening them against wind damage will reduce the financial strain on both homeowners and insurers, ultimately leading to lower insurance rates and fewer claims disputes.

What’s Next?

For homeowners interested in Elevate Florida, preparation is key:

• Document flood damage with photos, including visible high-water marks.

• Save copies of insurance claims and receipts for repairs.

• Visit the program’s website at Florida Disaster or email ResidentialMitigation@em.myflorida.com for more information.

A Call for Continued Innovation

While Elevate Florida is a significant milestone, it’s only the beginning.

Mitigation and resiliency programs must continue to evolve to meet the growing challenges of climate change, rising sea levels, and more frequent severe storms.

State and federal officials must ensure that these programs are equitable, accessible, and adequately funded.

Kevin Guthrie’s leadership deserves recognition, but as homeowners prepare to rebuild, they will need clear guidance, swift support, and a system that prioritizes their long-term well-being.

Elevate Florida is a bold move in the right direction. Let’s ensure it delivers on its promise to create a safer, stronger, and more resilient Florida.