FloridaCommerce announced on Mar. 31 that more than $1.5 million has been awarded to eight communities for long-term recovery from the 2023 and 2024 storms through the Rebuild Florida Hazard Mitigation Grant Match Program. The funding will help construct, rehabilitate, and expand critical infrastructure in areas impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton, and the 2024 North Florida Tornadoes.
The grants are intended to support local governments as they work to recover from severe weather events and strengthen their resilience against future storms. The program requires a 25% local match for projects eligible under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
“Under Governor DeSantis leadership, Florida communities are getting the support they need to fortify critical infrastructure—making them more resilient in the face of future storms,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Through these investments, Florida is ensuring these communities recover and build back stronger, supporting business growth and helping families thrive.”
Awarded projects include permanent generators at fire stations in Baker County ($18,637.50) and Gadsden County ($18,705), hardening of Gilchrist County’s Sheriff’s Office Saferoom ($485,213.50), flood risk reduction initiatives in Taylor County totaling over $773,000 across three projects (East Ellison Road, Dewey McGuire Road, Foley Cut Off Road), as well as similar efforts in Charlotte County ($45,269.50), Lake County ($2,884.75), Town of Howey-in-the-Hills ($44,425), and Wakulla County ($173,562.50).
In addition to direct grant programs like this one—which provide financial support through loans and grants to small businesses and targeted industries—the Florida Department of Commerce works statewide to foster economic opportunities benefiting both communities and individuals across rural and metropolitan areas alike according to its official website.
The department also aims to drive economic growth by partnering with public- and private-sector entities for workforce development while functioning as Florida’s primary agency for economic development under gubernatorial oversight according to its official website.
Looking ahead after allocating $25 million last year toward hazard mitigation matching funds for disaster-impacted regions—including those identified by federal housing authorities—state officials say continued collaboration will remain central as communities rebuild.
