FEMA Announces Additional $89 Million for Florida

LAKE MARY, Fla. - FEMA approved more than $89 million in funding to support more than 70 recovery and hazard mitigation projects in Florida communities affected by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, Milton and other past disasters.

FEMA provided more than $14 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds to the state for its Elevate Florida initiative and other projects. The state-managed program funds cost-effective measures designed to protect lives and property during a future disaster. Approved funds include:

• $12 million to support 35 Elevate Florida homeowners across the state to physically raise an existing property, rebuild stronger, or implement other protective measures.
• More than $457,000 for Hillsborough County to harden utility equipment such as sanitary sewers, lift stations and electric panels.
• $415,000 for Citrus County for generators and emergency power.
• More than $250,000 for Putnam County for lift stations, generators and emergency power.

Florida received more than $69 million in awards under the Public Assistance program. The program helps fund emergency measures and permanent disaster recovery work for local communities. Notable projects include:

• $40.8 million to the Florida Division of Emergency Management and other state agencies for debris removal, emergency protective measures and state park and beach recovery projects following multiple disasters.
• $13.6 million for multiple healthcare facilities and counties across Florida for COVID-19 recovery.
• $7.1 million to reimburse Lee County School District for Hector A. Cafferata Elementary School's temporary facility expenses after Hurricane Ian.
• $2.5 million for Charlotte County for beach and dune erosion restoration caused by Hurricane Milton.
• Nearly $665,000 to West Villages Improvement District, in Sarasota County, for district-wide wayfinding replacement and utility restoration after Hurricane Ian.

Another $5 million from FEMA helps the state implement its disaster unemployment and disaster case management programs. Volunteer Florida manages the disaster case management program through local non-profit organizations located in the jurisdictions they serve. It assists survivors in developing and carrying out their disaster recovery plans.

Over the past 90 days, FEMA provided nearly $371 million to Florida from post-disaster grant programs.

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