Charlotte County homeowner drops Elevate Florida after no answers

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—A Charlotte County man is pulling out of the Elevate Florida program after months of what he calls transparency issues.

Joseph Anderson's home near Placida has never flooded, but he doesn't know how many more hurricane seasons he'll get through before it does. With him pulling out of Elevate Florida, he's putting all his trust in storm shutters and sandbags.

"I think it could be a good program. I think they just, somebody needs to get in there, some auditor or something needs to get in there and get a hold of this thing, and say, look, here's the problems," Anderson said.

Anderson was approved for Elevate Florida in early 2026. He thought his home was going to get long overdue upgrades to protect his family during hurricane season.

"We thought this was great, you know, and we were ready to commit funds from our retirements to the project, but the further it went, and we have no idea how much we're going to have to even commit," he said.

Nearly six months later, Anderson has done everything on his end, even writing checks to get the process started. He is now pulling out of the program after several delays in getting a quote and plan for elevating his home.

"The program has never given me any solid figures, never given me any solid figures, so you know, I'm supposed to commit funds, but we have no idea how much, you know, it's very frustrating," Anderson said.

Anderson currently pays $3,800 for his home's flood insurance. The program told him he'd have to comply with FEMA's rules, which could run him anywhere between what he pays now and $12,000 to protect his home.

Anderson says his story is not to bash the program but instead to spread awareness so this doesn't happen to others in a similar position.

"I can't afford the alternative, you know. And if, if we get flooded, well, we'll start over. I mean, that's all," he said. "We're doing the best we can with what we have, you know, our resources aren't limitless."

WINK News reached out to Elevate Florida, asking about the status of Anderson's case and whether that flood insurance premium is normal for those involved in the program.