provided to The Santiva Chronicle
FISH of SANCAP is participating in Elevate Florida, a groundbreaking statewide residential mitigation program designed to help homeowners strengthen their properties against future storms and floods.
The initiative, led by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, allows eligible homeowners to elevate, reconstruct, or implement wind mitigation measures to their homes with up to 75 percent of the costs covered by the program.
FISH can guide homeowners through the Elevate Florida application process and assist with the required paperwork. The FISH team can also help residents navigate additional financial assistance opportunities, especially for homeowners struggling to cover the 25 percent cost-share requirement.
Elevate Florida is a proactive way for homeowners to protect their homes and reduce future risks, creating safer, more resilient communities. FISH is committed to helping neighbors access the resources they need to be safe in their homes, even while the funding details are finalized.
“Many of our residents are still working to fully recover from the financial and emotional tolls of recent storms,” said FISH Executive Director Maria Espinoza. “Elevate Florida offers a vital solution, and FISH is here to ensure that those who qualify don’t miss out on this opportunity.”
“We encourage anyone who might be eligible to apply to reach out to us for guidance,” said Espinoza.
Interested homeowners can call FISH at 239-472-4775 or complete a short online form here. The form will provide FISH with an overall view of involvement from the community and who would like assistance with the application.
Eligibility requirements are as follows: (Note: Homes do not need to have flooded or incurred hurricane damage to qualify.)
• Being a legal property owner in Florida
• Being at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien
• Being able to contribute up to 25% of the total project cost
Multi-family real estate such as duplexes, triplexes, condos, townhomes, semi-detached homes, apartments, and manufactured homes may be eligible. Eligible construction projects include:
• Structure Elevation – Physically raising an existing home above flood levels
• Mitigation Reconstruction – Rebuilding a storm-resistant structure when a home cannot be elevated
• Wind Mitigation – Strengthening roofs, windows, and doors to reduce wind damage
• Acquisition/Demolition – Voluntarily selling a home in flood-prone areas for conversion into open community space.
The Elevate Florida application portal is now open online. Homeowners can also call 877-ELEV8FL (877-353-8835) for assistance.
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