Fort Lauderdale is offering $12.4 million in flood recovery grants, but only 241 people have applied

Millions of dollars in grant funding remain available for Fort Lauderdale homeowners recovering from historic April 2023 flood damage, yet only a small fraction of eligible residents have submitted applications.When more than 2 feet of rain inundated Fort Lauderdale in April 2023, floodwaters surged through Anthony O'Gorman's home in the Edgewood neighborhood, causing about $80,000 in damage. Although $12.4 million in disaster recovery grant money is currently available, only 241 people have applied since May."I think people are afraid to even come forward for the money," O'Gorman said.O'Gorman noted that many neighbors worry that allowing a home inspector inside could result in higher property tax assessments or fines for unpermitted repairs."So imagine if they came in and re-evaluated my entire home and said, 'Hey, wait a second. It's not a $300,000 house. It's a $500,000 house. Now you're going to pay taxes on $500,000,'" O'Gorman said. "They come in and inspect it on me now. Now fi