FLOOD SOLUTIONS
City of Fort Lauderdale
Federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program to support recovery efforts following the April 2023 flood event
FLOOD RECOVERY GRANT APPLICATIONS
IMPORTANT UPDATES!
Community Development
Block Grant Disaster
Recovery (CDBG-DR)Application
The online housing application portal is open:
What You’ll Need Application Checklist
Spanish Checklist: Checklist in Spanish
Creole Checklist:Checklist Haitian
Apply Now Fort Lauderdale Application Intake - Smartsheet.com
Apply in Spanish (28) Registro de solicitud de Fort Lauderdale - Smartsheet.com
Application Assistance:
*Saturday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Mills Pond Park
2201 NW 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
*Saturday, October 10, 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Mills Pond Park
2201 NW 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
*Saturday, November 7, 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Southside Cultural Arts Center
701 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Residents who need assistance with the application process
can call 954-495-4533 for support.
Additional information, updates and application resources are available on the City’s dedicated CDBG-DR webpage: https://ftlcity.info/CDBG-DR
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NEXT MEETING!
Saturday August 1 - 10am -3pm!
Need Help Applying for Flood Recovery Assistance? Join Us Aug. 1 for In-Person Support
Residents affected by the April 2023 flood are invited to attend a free in-person application assistance event for the City's Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program.
City staff will be available to answer questions, guide residents through the online application process and help applicants upload required documents.
Application Assistance Event
Saturday, Aug. 1
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
South Side Cultural Arts Center
701 S. Andrews Ave.
T
he CDBG-DR Program provides funding for eligible homeowners impacted by the April 2023 flood through programs that include:
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Home rehabilitation
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Home reconstruction
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Home elevation
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Reimbursement for eligible repair costs
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Residents who have already started an application but need assistance are encouraged to attend. Those who have not yet applied are also welcome.
To help complete an application, residents should bring any available documentation related to their household, income and flood damage. Staff will explain what documents are required and assist throughout the application process.
For more information or to begin an application online, visit https://ftlcity.info/CDBG-DR.
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Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Neighborhood leaders,
The meeting on July 10th is being rescheduled to another time. When I have a new date and location details I will let everyone know.
Thank you,
Vicki Gargano | Outreach Director
Office of Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen | District 4
City of Fort Lauderdale
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Friday, July 10, 2026 1:47 PM -
RESCHEDULED!
Neighborhood leaders,
Good afternoon, I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to inform you of a upcoming CDBG-DR Mobile Outreach meeting.
Here are the details:
Date: Saturday, July 18th
Time: 10AM-3PM
Location: South Side Cultural Arts Center located at 701 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Walk-ins are perfectly fine, or neighbors may call (954) 495-4533 to schedule an appointment. There is currently no flyer, but when there is one I will share with you all. Please help spread the word to your associations and neighbors.
Let us know if you have any questions.
Vicki Gargano | Outreach DirectorOffice of Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen | District 4City of Fort Lauderdale
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Thursday, May 21, 2026
Flood Recovery Grant Programs (CDBG-DR):
NEW Community Meetings Added
The City of Fort Lauderdale has added additional Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) educational meetings to help residents learn more about available housing assistance programs and the application process related to recovery from the April 2023 flood event.
These informational sessions are designed to provide residents with an overview of available programs, eligibility requirements and guidance on how to apply for assistance.
Additional meetings have been scheduled for the following districts:
Community Education Sessions
Thursday, May 28, 2026
6 p.m.
Sanctuary Church – Banquet Hall
2501 NE 30th St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Monday, June 1, 2026
6 p.m. Croissant Park
245 W. Park Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Programs may include assistance for:
• Home rehabilitation and reconstruction
• Elevation of homes
• Reimbursement for eligible flood-related expenses
• Other recovery and mitigation activities
Residents who are unable to attend in person will be able to view recordings of the educational meetings on the City of Fort Lauderdale’s YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/live/PHn8XatjMc8?si=eKF03XwL_IRHy0D-
The online housing application portal is scheduled to open on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 9 a.m. Additional information, updates and application resources are available on the City’s dedicated CDBG-DR webpage: https://ftlcity.info/CDBG-DR
We encourage residents impacted by the April 2023 flood event to attend a meeting and learn more about available recovery assistance programs.
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Flood Recovery Application Portal Open
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s online application portal for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) housing assistance programs is open.
These programs are designed to support residents
impacted by the April 2023 flood event and may include assistance for:
• Home rehabilitation and reconstruction
•Elevation of homes
• Reimbursement for eligible flood-related expenses
• Other recovery and mitigation activities
Residents can apply online at: Fort Lauderdale Application Intake - Smartsheet.com
Residents who need assistance with the application process
can call 954-495-4533 for support.
Additional information, updates and application resources are available on the City’s dedicated CDBG-DR webpage: https://ftlcity.info/CDBG-DR
We encourage residents impacted by the April 2023 flood event to learn more about the available programs and apply if eligible.
__________________
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s online application portal for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) housing assistance programs will open on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. These programs are designed to support residents impacted by the April 2023 flood event and
may include assistance for:
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Home rehabilitation and reconstruction •
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Elevation of homes •
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Reimbursement for eligible flood-related expenses •
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Other recovery and mitigation activities
Residents can apply online at: Fort Lauderdale Application Intake - Smartsheet.com Residents who need assistance with the application
process can call - 954-495-4533
for support.
To help residents better understand available programs, eligibility requirements and the application process, the City has also scheduled additional community educational meetings. Community Educational Meetings:
Thursday, May 28, 2026 6 p.m. Sanctuary Church –
Banquet Hall 2501 NE 30th St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Monday, June 1, 2026 6 p.m. South Side Cultural Arts Center
701 S Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Residents who are unable to attend in person will also be able to view recordings of the educational meetings on the City of Fort Lauderdale’s YouTube channel. Additional educational meetings are currently being planned. Information on future meetings will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
Additional information, updates and application resources are available on the City’s dedicated CDBG-DR webpage: https://ftlcity.info/CDBG-DR We encourage residents impacted by the April 2023 flood event to learn more about the available programs and apply if eligible.
Learn More - https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/Home/Components/News/News/8425/16?widgetId=41
2023 FLOOD DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS
CDBG-DR Funding Allocation -
Fort Lauderdale Flood April 2023
On December 21, 2024, the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025 (Public Law 118-158)(‘the 2025 Appropriations Act”) made available an allocation of $88,051,000 in Community Development Block Grant -Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to the City of Fort Lauderdale.
Action Plan
City of Fort Lauderdale has completed an Action Plan for Disaster Recovery. The Plan provides a high-level strategy for how the funding will be used to address eligible communities' long-term resiliency and mitigation needs. The Action Plan was developed with the input from County Departments and Divisions, local jurisdictions, advocacy groups and community partners, as well as citizens, to determine the remaining long-term resiliency needs and the most critical disaster mitigation needs.
LATEST UPDATE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
IMPORTANT DATES!
Flood Recovery Grant Programs Update
(CDBG-DR):
Community Meetings and Application Information
The City of Fort Lauderdale is preparing to launch housing assistance programs and infrastructure initiatives funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program to support recovery efforts following the April 2023 flood event. As part of this process, the City will host a series of public meetings and outreach events to help residents learn more about available programs, eligibility requirements and how to apply for assistance.
Programs may include support for:
• Home rehabilitation and reconstruction
• Elevation of homes
• Reimbursement for eligible flood-related expenses
• Other recovery and mitigation activities
Residents are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming community education sessions:
Community Education Sessions
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
1:30pm
101 NE 3rd Ave., 11th Floor
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
6pm
Mills Pond Park
2201 NW 9th Ave.
LIVE STEAMING!
Because these meetings were scheduled on a limited timeline, the 1:30 p.m. session will be livestreamed, recorded and shared on the City of Fort Lauderdale’s YouTube channel for residents who are unable to attend in person. Access the livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/live/PHn8XatjMc8?si=B-Vo8o4bBc4CPbuw
The online housing application portal is scheduled to open on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 9 a.m.
In-person application assistance will also be available during the following mobile outreach events:
Mobile Outreach and Application Support
Saturday, May 30, 2026
10:30 a.m.
African American Research Library
2650 Sistrunk Blvd.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
10:30 a.m.
African American Research Library
2650 Sistrunk Blvd.
These outreach events are designed to assist residents who may not have internet access or who would prefer hands-on support completing the application process. Eligibility for assistance will depend on several factors, including household income, documented flood-related damages and prior assistance received through insurance or other programs.
For questions, please contact the City of Fort Lauderdale Customer Support Center at 954-828-8000.
We encourage residents impacted by the April 2023 flood event to attend a meeting, learn more about available resources and apply if eligible
88 Million Dollar
Community Development Block Grant for Flood Disaster Recovery- CDBG-DR
IT’S HARD TO CARE ABOUT WHAT
YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT!
That’s why R4R is committed to closing the information gap between government leaders, experts, scientists, and the general public — fostering education, communication,
advocacy, and collaboration.
Dear R4R Friends,
Flooding continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing our neighborhoods especially during our rainy season and King Tides. If you have experienced severe flooding in your home—or if you’re concerned about future risks—we’re here to help.
Floodplain Specialist Roderick Scott reminds us:
“Florida is estimated to have over a million older pre-FIRM (built before 1974) buildings in flood zones. NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) is now halfway to actuarial rates with a decade of annual increases left. Actual risk rates will devalue assets, starving schools and government of needed tax revenues.
Structural elevation is a proven method of flood risk reduction, and it stabilizes property values while engaging all the construction trades.”
👉 Learn more: FEMA Case Study – Flood Mitigation Solutions
To support resilience efforts and help residents rebuild stronger, the City of Fort Lauderdale has been awarded $88 million in federal disaster recovery funds through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. These funds represent a vital opportunity to not only repair what was lost in the 2023 floods, but also to invest in long-term solutions that make our homes, neighborhoods, and infrastructure more resilient to future storms and sea-level rise
💰 What We Now Know About the $88M in CDBG-DR Funds!
There has been a lot of discussion about the $88 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds awarded to Fort Lauderdale following the record-breaking floods of 2023. These funds are intended to provide financial relief for homeowners, support the repair and reconstruction of damaged homes, expand affordable housing, and improve critical drainage systems.
Here are the facts, based on updates from City leadership:
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Allocated but not yet accessible: The $88M has been awarded to the City, but funds cannot be spent until required administrative steps are completed.
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October 21, 2025 deadline: This is when the City must submit its Action Plan to HUD. It is not a homeowner application deadline.
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Next step – HUD approval: Once HUD approves the City’s Action Plan, projects in the plan will open for public applications, including homeowner assistance.
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City Hall concerns: Any use of funds for City Hall repairs would require a special HUD waiver, and only after unmet community needs are addressed
📊 Proposed Allocation Breakdown
🏠 Housing – 46% ($40.44M)
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Homeowner Repair & Reconstruction: $12.44M
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Homeowner Reimbursement: $9.5M
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Affordable Housing: $18.5M
👉 Less than half of the “housing” allocation (about $22M) goes to existing homeowners — far short of what’s needed when elevating a single home can cost $100K–$160K.
👉Another major concern for many homeowners is that Fort Lauderdale’s cost of living and property values are significantly higher than in many other parts of the state so how will they be able to qualify?
⚖️ R4R Recommendation: Adjusting Eligibility to Reflect
Fort Lauderdale’s Realities
R4R is encourages you to join us in asking City leaders to consider raising the Area Median Income (AMI) eligibility cap from 120% to at least 150%–160%, similar to what other South Florida cities such as West Palm Beach have done.
Fort Lauderdale’s cost of living, property values, and insurance burdens are significantly higher than average, meaning many middle-income households fall just above the current threshold — yet still struggle to afford vital flood-proofing and elevation measures.
Expanding the AMI cap would ensure that this recovery funding reaches more of the residents who were directly impacted by the 2023 floods, helping protect homes, preserve neighborhoods, and strengthen our city’s overall resilience.
🏗 Infrastructure – 22% ($19M)
Vital for the city’s resilience, but doesn’t immediately help families dealing with flooding today.
🌱 Mitigation – 15% ($13.2M)
Encouraging, but details matter. If this funds homeowner-level retrofits (drainage fixes, floodproofing, resilient landscaping), it could be transformative. If not, homeowners may once again be left out.
💼 Economic Revitalization – 5% ($4.5M)
Modest support for small businesses, despite their central role in recovery.
🤝 Public Services – 5% ($4.5M)
Covers homeless and general services — equal to the cost of administration.
📝 Administration – 5% ($4.4M)
Standard set-aside, but striking that it nearly equals the public services allocation.
October 21 is NOT a homeowner deadline.
It’s the City’s deadline to submit its Action Plan to HUD.
Homeowner applications will only open after HUD approval.
🔑 What This Means for Residents
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Homeowners cannot yet apply for assistance. Applications will only open once HUD approves the City’s plan.
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The October 7 public hearing is your chance to share input before the plan is finalized.
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R4R is urging the City to prioritize direct homeowner assistance and investments in parks that serve both recreation and stormwater storage.
📝 What Residents Should Know About Applying
R4R has asked the City for clarification on the criteria residents will need to meet to apply for assistance once HUD approves the Action Plan. While we await final details, here are the most common factors used in similar programs:
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Income: May prioritize households below a set income threshold.
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Damage / Unmet Need: Likely must show storm-related damage after insurance/FEMA/SBA.
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Ownership: Proof that the home is owned and a primary residence.
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Mitigation: Some programs require homes to be elevated or floodproofed.
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Cost-Sharing: In some cases, matching funds or contributions may be required.
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Out-of-pocket reimbursement —In some cases homeowners can apply for reimbursement for out-of-pocket money spent on repairs - as long as it meets the program's eligibility criteria.
📌 Tip: Start gathering documents now (ownership, damage photos, insurance/FEMA records) — these are almost always required.
💧R4R will share the final criteria as soon as they are released.
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📣 How You Can Help
We encourage you to:
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Attend upcoming meetings and hearings.
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Reach out to your elected officials to request more direct homeowner support.
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Support the idea of dual-purpose parks that store floodwater while providing safe recreation.
📩 Need help contacting your city, county, or state leaders? Email us anytime at: info@residentsforresilience.org.
Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more resilient future for all. 🌊⛈️💚💦
For more info - watch here - or check out the PDF ACTION PLAN BELOW - (since it’s long you may want to skip to page 45...)
Warm regards,
Suzee Bailey
Founder, Residents for Resilience (R4R)
