Sanford Marina Hurricane Recovery &
FEMA Funding Update
The City of Sanford is actively working to restore the downtown marina following Hurricane Ian, while pursuing federal funding to support the full rebuild. Current Status:
- FEMA Appeal Pending
- Design & Permitting Underway
- Next Update Expected in April 2026
Project Overview: (See Spectrum News 13 Coverage)
The Sanford Downtown Marina sustained significant damage as a result of Hurricane Ian in September, 2022. The City estimates repair costs to be approximately $18.2 million to restore the Marina to pre-disaster design with certain alterations required by current codes and standards, as well as dredging work. As a result of this damage, the City filed a claim with FEMA under the Public Assistance Program and has worked with FEMA to conduct site inspections, capture disaster-related damages, and formulate a scope of work to restore the Marina.
In November 2024, the City inquired about the status of the Marina project. FEMA did not provide any update on the status of their review so the City requested assistance from Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and FEMA, specifically on the Environmental and Historic Preservation review. On February 20, 2025, the City, FDEM, and FEMA held a meeting to discuss the environmental review and seek assistance with the process. In this meeting, FEMA informed the City that FEMA now had unidentified questions about the project, and stated “it is not a $18 million project” and stated it would disregard the results of the previous site inspections conducted approximately two years earlier, and FEMA needs to conduct new site inspections.
In April 2025 FEMA conducted new site inspections. In May 2025, FEMA updated the Grants portal to estimate repair cost of $6.4 million, approximately $11.8 million lower than the City’s estimate. A determination letter was later sent to the City reflecting this estimate. FEMA provided no explanation or rationale for the changes. In October 2025, the City filed an appeal to FEMA that was submitted to FDEM by protocol, FDEM subsequently forwarded the appeal to FEMA on December 17, 2025. The deadline for FEMA’s response to the appeal is April 16, 2026.
Design & Permitting:
Dock replacement & dredging design and permitting work commenced in October 2025. The City is meeting all of the requirements of pre-application meetings with Florida Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and 5 other entities required to obtain permit approval.
Preparing, completing, filing, and approving permit applications can take up to 2 years with these agencies. Construction will begin after permit approval. Estimated construction time is unknown at this time until permits have been approved.
Commitment to Restoration:
The City remains committed to working with FEMA and FDEM to secure necessary funding to restore our Marina which is not only essential for its recreational and public use, but also as a significant economic driver for the region. The City’s claim focuses on restoring the Marina to its pre-disaster design with necessary codes and standards upgrades as required. We look forward to collaborating with our federal and state partners at FEMA and FDEM to complete our Marina restoration.
Marina Day Slips Now Available in Downtown Sanford!
Enjoy convenient, complimentary, docking in the heart of historic downtown Sanford. Thanks to the support of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the National Park Service, boaters can take advantage of free day slips along the east side of Veterans Memorial Park located at 110 E. Seminole Boulevard.
Dock, explore, and experience historic downtown Sanford – you are just steps away from unique galleries & shops, breweries & distilleries, theaters, eateries, festivals and parks. Sanford always has something wonderful happening and all are welcome!
Day slips are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are intended for daytime use only. Overnight docking is not permitted.
We look forward to seeing you!
