FDEP now Offers 100% Reimbursement for Sand Placement and Increased Limits for Shoreline Armament

Posted On: August 14, 2024

As of July 1, 2024, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) updated its guidelines for the Hurricane Restoration Reimbursement Grant Program (HRRGP) as a result of the most recent legislative session, significantly increasing the amount of financial reimbursement assistance available to oceanfront property owners impacted by the 2022 hurricanes.

100% Reimbursement for Sand Placement

Both individual homesteaded property owners and condominiums may now apply for 100% reimbursement for sand placement (sand, transport, placement, and permitting) seaward from their seawall, with no maximum threshold. Additionally, if sand placement seaward of a seawall was included in an original HRRGP application, the FDEP encourages them to reapply. Under the updated guidelines, 100% of the cost for sand placement is now reimbursable and is not counted toward the armament reimbursement limits. This change potentially allows for additional grant reimbursement.

If a homesteaded property owner or condominium still needs to complete a sand placement project in front of their permitted armoring structure, they should consider doing so now to take advantage of this funding opportunity.

Reimbursement Limits

The reimbursement limit for condominiums has been increased to $600,000, up from $300,000. For instance, a condominium that has spent $800,000 on armament repairs and previously received a $300,000 reimbursement can now apply for an additional $100,000 (totaling $400,000), which is 50% of the total expenditure for armament repairs.

Homesteaded property owners of single-family residences can claim up to $300,000 for armament reimbursement. This means that if a property owner has spent $600,000 on permanent armament repairs, they could now receive up to $300,000 in reimbursement.

Additional Assistance Available

If a homesteaded property owner or condominium has already received a reimbursement payment from the FDEP, they should consider applying for additional assistance under the new guidelines. The updated limits mean additional reimbursement may be available.

Program Already a Success in Volusia County

Since the program's inception, FDEP has issued payments totaling more than $19 million to nearly 300 applicants in Volusia County alone. This significant financial support has helped alleviate numerous residents' and communities' financial burdens of recovering and rebuilding stronger after hurricane impacts. The updated guidelines aim to continue this support, providing even greater assistance to those in need.

How to Apply

As only $30 million in HRRGP funds remain available across the state, residents should submit an application as soon as possible. For more information or to apply for reimbursement, visit the HRRGP homepage. For quick reference about the program, its FAQs are available here. If someone has questions about the program or would like to discuss their property’s situation with HRRGP staff, call 850-245-8558 or email hrrgp@floridadep.gov. Program-specific questions such as eligibility and application assistance must be directed to the FDEP.