As Florida’s Suncoast grapples with the rising tide of climate risks—from intensifying storms to flooding and wildfires—a growing question echoes through boardrooms, city halls, and living rooms alike: How are we going to pay for it? At the upcoming 5th Annual Florida Climate & Biodiversity Forecast Conference, economist and resilience expert Dr. Colin Polsky will tackle this very issue, exploring how communities can afford adaptation today—and safeguard Florida’s future.
1. A Billion-Dollar Problem Ahead
A recent analysis from the Urban Institute warns that by 2050, extreme weather—including hurricanes, coastal flooding, and heatwaves—could cost the Tampa Bay region more than $3.7 billion annually. These escalating losses follow last year’s nearly $5 billion in storm damages from Hurricanes Helene and Milton (Axios).
2. Relief Through Resilience: Grants for Florida Homeowners
As insurance premiums soar, Florida has revitalized its My Safe Florida Home program, topping up state funding with $280 million in the 2025–26 budget. The program helps homeowners retrofit homes—adding impact-resistant doors, windows, and roofs—so they can claim insurance credits while boosting resilience (Kiplinger).
3. Funding Shoreline and Community Resilience
At the statewide level, Florida is stepping up too. Through the Resilient Florida Program, the state awarded $1.8 billion across hundreds of planning and resilience projects—and backed over $3.8 billion in bridge upgrades and $1.1 billion for coastal port modernization efforts. These investments drive climate-safe infrastructure and economic continuity (Florida Governor’s Office).
Why These Investments Matter
These strategic investments are more than good for ecosystems—they’re smart economics. Fortifying homes, upgrading infrastructure, and rebuilding coastlines—all funded through state and homeowner grants—can reduce the cost of disasters, stabilize insurance markets, and preserve property values.
But adaptation isn’t just about money—it’s about equity and capacity. Programs like My Safe Florida Home, which offer full grants for low-income and senior residents, ensure that resilience doesn’t become a privilege but a shared community value.
Join the Conversation
At the conference, Dr. Colin Polsky will illuminate how government, philanthropy, and local business can unite behind sustainable adaptation strategies—and why investing now saves far more than it costs later.
Join us at the 5th Annual Florida Climate & Biodiversity Forecast Conference! Be part of the solutions.
Get your tickets here: https://theclimateadaptationcenter.networkforgood.com/events/85027-5th-annual-florida-climate-forecast-conference-climate-and-biodiversity