Blueprint includes strengthening building standards
Our beautiful Sunshine State is no stranger to natural disasters. With more than 75% of residents living in coastal counties, Florida is uniquely positioned as one of the states most vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding and the secondary storm surge. By the same token, these vulnerabilities could be the blueprint for adapting and growing, even under these circumstances. The Florida Council of 100 (FC100) echoed this sentiment in its recent research report titled “Resilience Reimagined: Modern Policy and Innovation for a Stronger Florida.” It offers policy recommendations to modernize infrastructure, streamline recovery, strengthen building standards, and advance resilience-focused innovation to protect communities − and set a standard for the rest of the country while doing so.
“Every dollar we invest today in preparedness more than pays for itself in economic benefits,” said Eric Silagy, Chair of the FC100 Resilience Committee, “Smart policy and investment choices today will reduce costs, shorten or eliminate recovery times, stabilize housing markets, and keep businesses and talent here in Florida.” According to the report, every dollar not put towards hurricane preparedness costs $7 in economic activity; every dollar not spent on flood prevention costs a whopping $25 down the road. The storms and their wakes are part of the “operating reality for … families, businesses, and communities across Florida,” says the report, which begs the question: What can we do?
FC100 suggests the following:
- Extend the pause on new construction moratoriums after storms under Section 252.422, F.S. from one year to two years
- Set a hard 180-day deadline for permit approval or denials, even with new information requests – if no decision has been issued after 180 days, automatic approval to get rebuilding underway
- Mandate that all utilities file and execute a 10-year storm protection plan to keep Florida online during crisis, even for the currently exempt municipal and cooperative utilities
- Amend the Florida Constitution to exempt flood mitigation improvements from property value assessments
- Require communities to adopt floodplain management ordinances to be eligible for flood disaster assistance
- Require that local governments with coastal management elements in their comprehensive plans incorporate an adaptation action area designation
- Increase statutorily obligated funding for the Resilient Florida Grant Program by $100 million each year until there is a minimum annual funding amount of $500 million
- Measure building height from the minimum permittable habitable floor (Design Flood Elevation – DFE) rather than existing grade to account for FEMA raising minimum flood elevations
- Require batteries and energy storage systems to be installed at least two feet above the base flood elevation, or at the design flood elevation
- Create a certification process to verify that after solar installation, buildings still meet wind load and envelope integrity standards – oftentimes poorly integrated systems weaken roof structures
- Create a zoning overlay provision which enables non-complying buildings or structures to be enlarged or converted when pursuing flood mitigation improvements
- Engage in a study to consider expanding HVHZ designation of its technical standards in any area where modeled wind speeds exceed 140 mph (Risk Category II) or other Risk Category thresholds
- Establish a certification program for homes that meet RIPL/SAMPL benchmarks and require insurers to provide premium discounts for certified resilient construction
- Amend existing tax credit programs to include resilience industry businesses, making it easier for them to fund early research and development
- Further connect resilience industry entrepreneurs with critical seed and growth-stage capita
- Launch an accelerator at Babcock Ranch in partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University and private sector investors
This robust list of changes would not only keep Florida on the fast track for economic development, but set a national standard for resilience-oriented innovation from construction to technology and everything in between. “Florida’s future will be defined by how well we prepare for and respond to storms and flooding,” said George S. LeMieux, Chair of The Florida Council of 100. “Resilience is not just about repairing damage. It is about protecting our economy, safeguarding communities, and ensuring Florida remains one of the most competitive places in the world to live and do business.”
LMA Newsletter of 1-26-26
