Storm recovery grants awarded to Florida communities

FL Commerce News 2026

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected March 31st, 2026

Summary

FloridaCommerce awarded over $1.5 million in storm recovery grants to eight Florida communities through the Rebuild Florida 2023 and 2024 Storms Hazard Mitigation Grant Match Program. Funds support critical infrastructure projects including generator installations, facility hardening, and flood risk reduction measures. Awards require a 25% local match and target communities affected by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton, and 2024 North Florida Tornadoes.

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What changed

FloridaCommerce announced $1,560,066 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Match Program awards to eight Florida local governments for long-term recovery from 2023-2024 storm events. Recipients include Baker County ($18,637.50), Charlotte County ($45,269.50), Gadsen County ($18,705), Gilchrist County ($485,213.50), Lake County ($2,884.75), Taylor County ($773,827.75 total across three projects), Town of Howey-in-the-Hills ($44,425), and Wakulla County ($173,562.50). Projects include permanent generator installations at fire stations and lift stations, Sheriff's Office saferoom hardening, and flood risk reduction infrastructure.

Awarded communities must satisfy the 25% local match requirement and implement projects in accordance with HUD Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program guidelines. The funds target FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program eligible areas designated as Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) by HUD and the state. Non-recipient local governments and private entities are not affected by this announcement.

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FloridaCommerce Press 2026

Home > News Center > FloridaCommerce Press Releases > FloridaCommerce Press 2026

FloridaCommerce Awards More Than $1.5 Million for 2023 and 2024 Storm Long-Term Recovery

Mar 31, 2026 ~ Eight communities will receive funds to help construct, rehabilitate and expand critical infrastructure—supporting long-term recovery efforts in communities impacted by the 2023 and 2024 Storms.

Tallahassee, FL – Today, FloridaCommerce awarded more than $1.5 million for long-term 2023 and 2024 Storms recovery through the Rebuild Florida 2023 and 2024 Storms Hazard Mitigation Grant Match Program (HMGMP). Eight communities will receive funds to help construct, rehabilitate and expand critical infrastructure—supporting long-term recovery efforts in communities impacted by these storms. These awards will assist local governments affected by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton and the 2024 North Florida Tornadoes in areas eligible for the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)—requiring a 25% local match.

“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.”

Communities receiving awards include:

Baker County ($18,637.50) – for the purchase and installation of a permanent generator at the Fire Rescue Headquarters.
Charlotte County ($45,269.50) – for the purchase and installation of a permanent generator at the Eastport Lift Station.
Gadsen County ($18,705) – for the purchase and installation of a permanent generator at the Robertsville Fire Station.
Gilchrist County ($485,213.50) – for the hardening of the Sheriff’s Office Saferoom and for the purchase and installation of a permanent generator.
Lake County ($2,884.75) – for the purchase and installation of permanent generators at multiple county road intersections.
Taylor County:
- $356,318.75 – for the East Ellison Road Flood Risk Reduction project.
- $276,060 – for the Dewey McGuire Road Flood Risk Reduction project.
- $141,449 – for the Foley Cut Off Road Flood Risk Reduction project.
Town of Howey-in-the-Hills ($44,425) – for the South Dixie Drive Flood Risk reduction project.
Wakulla County ($173,562.50) – for the Wakulla Gardens Flood Risk reduction project. In 2025, FloridaCommerce announced that $25 million was allocated to the Rebuild Florida Hazard Mitigation Grant Match Program (HMGMP) to assist local governments in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and state identified Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) areas impacted by the 2023 and 2024 Storms. These funds are allocated to the state through the HUD Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program.