Get Help to Lower Your Property Insurance Premium
The My Safe Florida Home Program was created to strengthen Florida homes against hurricanes and save Florida homeowners money.
The My Safe Florida Home program was funded with non-recurring funds by state legislators in May 2022 during a special legislative session with $150 million to help Florida homeowners pay for storm hardening improvements.
The program was very popular, and legislators infused another $100 million in 2023 to incentivize homeowners of site-built homes and condos to invest in wind mitigation improvements by offering grants of up to $10,000. Site-built homes are defined as single-family homes constructed on a slab foundation and must be used as primary residences. For every $1 spent by the homeowner on qualifying improvements, they can receive $2 from the state, with a maximum grant amount of $10,000 for those who spend at least $5,000.
Funding Update: As of June 2023, the My Safe Florida Home program has allocated the original $150 million in grants. The program is currently receiving applications for the 2023-2024 budget period, which has $100 million in funding. The program operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
My Safe Florida Home Program
Part of the Florida Department of Financial Services, this program helps homeowners receive free home hurricane inspections, find out what recommended hardening they should do, and receive grant funding to help make needed upgrades to their homes.
What are the main categories of home improvements that qualify for grants?
- Brace gable ends
- Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections
- Improving the strength of roof-deck attachments
- Upgrading roof covering from code to code plus
- Secondary water barrier for roof
- Opening protection (windows)
- Exterior doors, including garage doors
*TOWNHOUSES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ROOF IMPROVEMENTS
Will the program help me with roof replacement costs?
Yes, the program grants can be used towards total roof replacement costs, including secondary water barriers and straps to secure the roof.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Homes with insured values of up to $700,000 are eligible.
Homes located anywhere in Florida may apply.
Will the program help me with impact window costs?
The grants from the My Safe Florida Home program are only eligible for improvements that lower home insurance costs. If your home already has hurricane shutters, installing impact windows and doors will not provide additional insurance credits, so the grants cannot be used for this purpose. However, if a home does not have shutters during the inspection, the homeowner can get reimbursed for installing impact windows as this will improve the wind protection of the home and qualify for an insurance discount that was not available without shutters.
What are the steps to apply?
Step 1: Apply for a home inspection by completing an inspection application.
Step 2: Once approved, schedule the inspection and receive your completed inspection report.
Step 3: Review your inspection report, assess potential insurance savings, and apply for a reimbursement grant if you meet all of the eligibility requirements.
Step 4: Once approved for a mitigation grant, select a contractor from the approved list.
Step 5: After construction is complete and payment to the contractor has been made, gather the required documents for submission and approval for reimbursement.
Step 6: Enjoy your lower windstorm insurance premiums.
How do I apply?
The program accepts applications through its website mysafeflhome.com or call 1-866-513-6734.