Florida Expands Wildfire Mitigation Program Amid Severe Drought Conditions
Florida has expanded its wildfire mitigation designation program, Wildfire Prepared, to address the increasing risk of wildfires due to severe drought conditions. The program, supported by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), offers designations for homeowners and builders who implement proven wildfire risk reduction measures. Nearly 80% of Florida is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought, raising concerns about an active wildfire season. The program, initially available in California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon, now includes Florida and nine other states. It provides two levels of protection: Wildfire Prepared Home and Wildfire Prepared Home Plus, which focus on reducing risks from wind-driven embers and direct flame contact. Homeowners can apply for these designations by completing science-based mitigation steps verified by a third party. The Florida Forest Service has reported over 1,500 wildfires burning more than 54,000 acres since January, with several counties enactin...