Property Acquisitions Under Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

After flooding, many property owners may be undecided whether to repair or rebuild their flood-prone property. For some, participating in a voluntary property acquisition by their local community may be an option.

How It Works

Local communities may purchase flood-prone properties, remove the buildings and maintain the land as open space. FEMA may pay 75% of acquisition cost through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and 25% is non-federal, meaning the property owner would ultimately be responsible for 25% of the project cost. Acquisition may be an option for a property owner whose house is in a high flood risk area and who experienced substantial flood damage. The state manages the acquisition program, working with local communities.

FEMA does not buy houses directly from the property owners. In Florida, each county has a Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) Working Group. These groups are made up of community stakeholders who are responsible for coordinating mitigation within the county, including maintaining the LMS plan and a prioritized project list. If you are interested in acquisition, contact [email protected].

Will I be forced to sell?

No, participation in the acquisition program is voluntary. After a presidentially declared disaster, HMGP funding is available for local officials to apply to purchase properties that have either flooded or been determined to be substantially damaged.

Will my property be resold?

No, the land will be deed-restricted and maintained by the community as open space for the conservation of natural floodplain functions.

How long does the acquisition process take?

The HMGP is not an emergency recovery or repair program. Project work cannot begin until the project has been reviewed, approved, and a contract has been executed. Acquisition projects typically take two to three years or more to apply for and complete. Acquisition requires substantial coordination between the property owner, community, and the state.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

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