Residents in Florida are getting a proactive boost in protecting their homes from natural disasters as the Florida Division of Emergency Management rolls out its first-ever statewide residential mitigation program. Dubbed Elevate Florida, this initiative aims to fortify residential properties against the whims of nature by offering a practical solution for homeowners looking to safeguard their investments from future catastrophes.

Now live is the application portal for Elevate Florida, where residents can set up an account and move through the process—no previous flood damage or loss has to have hammered your residence to qualify. According to an announcement on the Charlotte County website, though, those who have been thrashed by previous events might see their applications climb up the priority list.

While the program does not make previous flooding experience a prerequisite for eligibility, it does make a note of signaling out those who've felt the lash of natural hazards before. With a vision towards enhancing community resilience, Elevate Florida stands as a testament to the state's commitment to address and adapt to the inevitable environmental challenges posed by a changing climate.

The specifics of qualification cover a wide berth. Any property owner can toss their hat in the ring, but there's a caveat: a history of loss could bump your application further up in the queue.