🏠 What Is the Elevate Florida Grant?

Elevate Florida is a state-funded mitigation grant that helps homeowners in flood-prone zones raise their homes above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) before the next big storm hits.

It’s free money (not a loan), designed to help you:

• Protect your home from flooding

• Lower future NFIP flood insurance premiums

• Comply with FEMA floodplain codes

• Boost your property’s value and resale potential

🧾 Who Qualifies in 2025?

✔️ Homeowners with NFIP flood insurance

✔️ Property is your primary residence

✔️ Home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

✔️ Property taxes are up to date

✔️ Home is structurally sound enough to be elevated

Not Eligible If:

✘ It’s a rental or second home

✘ You’re behind on your mortgage

✘ You lack flood insurance or don’t live in a mapped flood zone

💡 Trending Search: “Flood grant eligibility Florida 2025”

💵 How Much Can You Get?

• Average Grant Award: $100,000 to $175,000

• Your Contribution: Typically 10 to 25% of project cost

• Insurance Savings: Up to 60% off NFIP premiums after elevation

📈 Real Result: Homes elevated to BFE +2ft can cut annual flood insurance from $4,800 to $1,200.

🧰 Application Prep Checklist

🔐 Ownership & Insurance Docs:

• Proof of homeownership

• Flood insurance declaration page

• Mortgage statement

• Recent tax bill

📷 Damage & Structure Info:

• Pre/post damage photos

• Contractor estimates for elevation

• Elevation certificate (if available)

• Engineering report (if needed)

💡 Save both digital and hard copies in case of follow-ups.

🗓️ Step-by-Step Timeline to Apply (2025) Step Action Timeframe 1 Confirm eligibility and gather docs 2–3 weeks 2 Get contractor quotes and timeline 4–8 weeks 3 Submit full application 1 month 4 Application review and approval 2–3 months 5 Begin construction and elevation 6–12 months 🔑 Tips to Improve Your Approval Odds

✔️ Apply early. Don’t wait for hurricane season

✔️ Use licensed contractors with elevation experience

✔️ Triple-check documentation before submission

✔️ Stay organized. Keep all receipts and email confirmations

✔️ Follow up with the state or local mitigation office regularly

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Success Spotlight: The Johnsons of St. Pete

“We didn’t think we’d qualify, but we got $150,000. Our home is now safe, and our flood insurance dropped 75%.”

— Tom Johnson, St. Petersburg, FL

📈 Why Elevate? Long-Term Payoffs

• 🌀 Safer during major storms

• 💰 Lower insurance premiums

• 🏠 Increased resale value

• 💡 Reduced out-of-pocket risk

• ✅ Easier permitting and code compliance

❓ FAQs

Can I choose my contractor?

Yes, but they must be licensed and experienced with structural elevation.

Do I need to move out?

Usually, yes. Expect 2 to 3 months depending on the scope.

How long does it all take?

From paperwork to completion: 6 to 12 months

📞 How Homes Built Stronger Can Help

At HBS, we guide Florida homeowners through every step:

✅ Check your eligibility

✅ Help gather documents and estimates

✅ Connect you with trusted elevation contractors

✅ Help you stay compliant and funded

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