Duval County — If your home was badly damaged from Hurricane Irma and you don’t have the financial means, the state of Florida might be willing to take it off your hands.
In July, Action News Jax reported on the Hurricane Irma Voluntary Home Buyout Program.
It allows a Florida city to acquire a damaged home in a Special Flood Hazard or high-risk flood areas. Homeowners needed to meet certain financial criteria and apply by October.
Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis approved $44 million dollars in funding for this program. Duval and Clay county were each selected and granted $5 million dollars each.
Clay County told Action News Jax they received 23 applications, mostly in the Black Creek area. All applicants were approved.
The City of Jacksonville said they received 51 applications but not all have been approved at this time.
“An appraisal will be completed for each property and the property owners will then have the opportunity to decide whether they want to go through with the sale,” Sarah Bohentin with the city said. “All properties acquired through this Program will be deed-restricted and returned to green space.”
Bohentin said they focused their efforts on homes near Ribault River because of its repetitive flooding. Neighbors told Action News Jax they are grateful for the help.
“They were all devastated,” Linnell Stephens Little said. “Their homes were all ruined and they practically had to remodel and redo everything. They were out of their homes for several months.”
The City said the grant funs will be used to acquire and demolish the subject properties as well as for relocation assistance for property owners and current tenants.