St. Augustine Gets Federal Grant for Flood-Prone Homes

St. Augustine is pursuing a federal grant to elevate 33 properties across the city, aiming to reduce flood damage and lower insurance claims.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Florida Division of Emergency Management are reviewing the city's application for a Flood Mitigation Assistance Program Grant. The project would raise eligible homes two feet above the Base Flood Elevation or their previous flood of record.

Property owners receiving funding must carry National Flood Insurance Program coverage and maintain it indefinitely. The city selected elevation over acquisition, relocation, or inaction because it reduces flood risk cost-effectively while allowing residents to stay in their neighborhoods and preserving the tax base.

Properties targeted for elevation include addresses on Coquina Avenue, Grant Street, Solano Avenue, Arpieka Avenue, and dozens of other streets citywide.

The public and government agencies can comment on the project through July 1, 2026. Send written comments to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Bureau of Mitigation, 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100.

For details, contact Richard Schauland, the city's building official, at (904) 209-4327 or rschauand@citystaug.com.