What is a buyout program?
The Voluntary Home Buyout Program helps homeowners in flood-prone areas of Escambia County sell their homes and relocate to safer locations. The program’s primary goal is to reduce future flooding risks by purchasing 49 properties within the 100-year floodplain and converting them to open spaces. This initiative enhances public safety and promotes long-term environmental sustainability.
What properties are eligible?
The county has already identified 49 at-risk properties eligible for the program. To qualify, a home must be in a flood-risk area and have sustained damage from Hurricane Sally. Additionally, homeowners must provide proof of ownership at the time of the storm for their home to qualify for the program.
How is the program funded?
The Voluntary Home Buyout Program is funded by $18.5 million in federal recovery funds allocated to Escambia County, including $15.3 million from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and $3.2 million from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR).
Will there be future opportunities to participate in the program?
While the program is currently at capacity, the county is actively pursuing additional funding opportunities to potentially expand the program.
What is the buyout process?
The buyout process consists of seven steps:
Most applicants will complete their interactions with the program during step six, at the closing of their property.
Will I have support during this process?
Yes! Each applicant will be assigned a case manager who will guide them through the entire process, answer any questions, and provide step-by-step support as the main point of contact.
How long does the process take?
The timeline varies depending on individual circumstances. Your case manager will provide updates and keep you informed throughout the process.
Why are properties being divided into cohorts?
Grouping properties into cohorts ensures efficient processing and personalized support. Each cohort follows a structured timeline to complete the necessary steps of the acquisition process. The county provides regular updates to keep homeowners informed of their cohort’s progress.
Currently properties are divided into the cohorts listed below. These will be updated as needed.
Can I choose to withdraw from the program?
Participation in the program is voluntary. Homeowners can withdraw any time before step six by submitting a written request via letter, email, or a form completed by completing their case manager. This form can be returned by email, mail, or in person.
What documents will I need to provide during the process?
Case managers will work with each homeowner to ensure all necessary forms are completed. In some cases, additional documents may be needed to verify income, homeownership, or damages, or to assist with a duplication of benefits review. The Required Document Checklist outlines the documents that will be accepted.
Why am I being asked to verify my income?
Income verification determines eligibility for additional financial assistance through CDBG-DR funding. Participation in this process is voluntary. Homeowners who choose not to verify their income can provide written confirmation of their decision with their case manager’s help.
What is a Duplication of Benefits Review?
Federal regulations require the county to conduct a Duplication of Benefits (DOB) review for each homeowner. Homeowners will be asked to share information about any assistance they've received for Hurricane Sally recovery.
What is considered a Duplication of Benefit?
A duplication of benefit occurs when a homeowner receives more financial aid than needed for the same recovery purpose. To prevent this, case managers will review all recovery assistance, including National Flood Insurance Program claims and Small Business Administration loans, to identify any overlap.
How is my award calculated?
The county calculates the buyout award by subtracting any identified duplication of benefits from the property’s appraisal value. This ensures that homeowners receive an accurate and fair award while accounting for any assistance already received.
Can I appeal the award amount?
Yes, homeowners can appeal decisions affecting their eligibility or award amount. Here’s how the appeal process works:
Submitting an Appeal
Review Process
Decision
What additional assistance is available for homeowners who qualify for CDBG-DR funding?
Qualifying homeowners may receive up to $25,000 in Housing Replacement Assistance to help relocate to a safer area or to offset the costs of a previous qualifying relocation. The assistance is calculated by subtracting the buyout award from the purchase price of the new property.
To qualify for the assistance, both the homeowner and the new property must meet the following criteria:
Homeowners can request this assistance within one year of their closing date.
What are my responsibilities as a homeowner?
What happens to my property after the county takes ownership?
Once the county buys a homeowner’s property, the structure will be demolished and the land will be turned into green space, such as parks or wetlands, to help protect the area from future storms and flooding.
Why demolish structures instead of elevating or rebuilding?
Demolishing structures and converting the land to open space is a more effective long-term solution. This approach:
This strategy aims to protect people and property from future disasters, improving the area’s overall safety and resilience.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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