Residential Resilience

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Why Resilience Matters?  

Storm Cloud with rain

Sarasota’s bays, rivers, and waterways are a big part of what makes the area special and connect both coastal and inland communities. As hurricanes and severe weather continue to impact our region, keeping these waterways healthy and managing stormwater effectively can help reduce flooding and speed up recovery after storms. 

The City cannot build a more resilient Sarasota alone. Residents across the community, whether they live on the coast or farther inland, all play a role in reducing flood risks, protecting property, and helping neighborhoods recover more quickly after storms. Small actions taken by homeowners can make a meaningful difference in strengthening our community's ability to withstand severe weather. 

 

Resilience Tips 

These are some actions that homeowners can take to increase resilience and help support their local community: 

  • Plant native vegetation (e.g., saw palmetto, fakahatchee grass, firebush, and sea oats) to reduce water use, prevent erosion, and thrive in locevery real conditions.
  • Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for reuse and reduce stormwater runoff.
  • Create a rain garden to capture and filter stormwater, helping reduce flooding and pollution.
  • Keep storm drains clear of yard waste and debris to help prevent localized flooding.
  • Maintain living shorelines by preserving mangroves and planting sea oats to reduce erosion and buffer storm impacts.
  • Direct downspouts into landscaped areas to help rainwater soak into the ground instead of flowing into streets and storm drains.
  • Replace paved areas with landscaping to create permeable surfaces that absorb rainwater and reduce runoff.
  • Install pervious pavement, such as permeable driveways or patios, to allow rainwater to soak into the ground and improve water quality.

 

Available Incentives 

Sarasota County offers a Rain Check Program that provides rebates for projects that help to improve the water quality and reduce stormwater runoff. Visit the program webpage to explore the available rebates and to learn more about the program.  

My Safe Florida Home Program – Provides grants for eligible hurricane safe improvement such as roof, window, and door upgrades. 

Elevate Florida is a statewide residential mitigation program designed to protect homes and communities by reducing damage caused during natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. It is led by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and can be accessed here.

County Rain Check Logo image

 

Stormwater Management   

Anywhere it rains it can flood! Only flood insurance covers flooding.

 

While the City and County manage public stormwater drainage systems, many pipes, swales, ponds, etc. are privately owned throughout Sarasota. Residents, property owners, or HOA’s are responsible for maintaining the efficiency of these systems. This includes keeping systems

Image of elbow water pipe

clear of litter and debris to avoid clogged pipes. Improper maintenance leads to flooding and pollution of local systems. Ensuring proper maintenance is important for individual properties and those who are connected by related pipes.  

To find out if a specific stormwater asset is managed by the city/county or if it is private, search the address using the

Sarasota County Stormwater Maintenance Map.  

Switch to the Stormwater Infrastructure layer to view all infrastructure. 

Stormwater Tips 

  • Trim trees and shrubs to remove dead or loose branches that could cause damage or clog storm drains.
  • Properly dispose of household hazardous waste to prevent spills and contamination during storms.
  • Inspect and clean rain gutters and downspouts to keep water flowing away from your home.
  • Secure or bring in loose outdoor items, such as waste bins and decorations, to keep them from blocking storm drains or ditches.
  • Apply fertilizer responsibly by avoiding application before heavy rain, when it can wash into storm drains and waterways.
  • Keep yard clippings out of streets and storm drains to prevent flooding and reduce nutrient pollution that can contribute to algal blooms.

  

Important Resources  

Know your Flood and Hurricane Zone in case of a storm. Be prepared. You can find your zones using the Florida Division of Emergency Management Map.

Access the City of Sarasota Story Map here to learn more about what the city is doing to prepare for a more sustainable future.

Explore the city's resiliency initiatives by looking at Engage Sarasota.

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