Home Elevation Program

FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Home Elevation Program

Nassau Bay’s Home Elevation program elevates flood prone properties considered severe repetitive loss or repetitive loss. Elevations are performed to raise structures two feet above the proposed base flood elevation (BFE). Severe repetitive loss usually occurs when a home is built below BFE. Homes built prior to federal flood guidelines are especially susceptible to repetitive loss

In Nassau Bay, there are several homes on FEMA’s severe repetitive loss list and the City has a goal to mitigate 100% of the homes on the list. Each of these homes needs to be elevated at least two feet above BFE in order to prevent future flooding and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood claims. NFIP losses for homes in Nassau Bay have totaled nearly $41 million over the last thirteen years.

Elevation of these properties will continue to benefit residents by reducing impacts of flood events and benefit the community from less economic impacts. Also, elevated homes will produce less debris after a flood disaster, resulting in recovery cost savings and less impact on landfills.

What is the FMA Grant? 

The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program is authorized by Section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended with the goal of to reduce or eliminate flood risk of severe repetitive and repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program provides funding to states, territories, federally-recognized tribes and local communities for projects and planning that reduces or eliminates long-term risk of flood damage to structures insured under the NFIP. Funding is also available for management costs.

The FEMA FMA grant may pay 75%, 90% or 100% of the cost of elevation, and the home-owner will be responsible for any HOA requirements or non-eligible work. Properties will be reviewed and a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) done to determine property eligibility.