How to Qualify for a $10,000 Rebate with the My Safe Florida Home Program
Living in Florida certainly has its perks, from its virtually year-round tropical climate to its clear water and white-sand beaches. However, residents of the Sunshine State must also deal with their fair share of drawbacks, particularly hurricanes. These powerful storms bring heavy rainfall and strong winds that can wreak havoc on homes, leading to extensive and costly repairs. Fortunately, Florida homeowners have a proactive option to better prepare for hurricanes—the My Safe Florida Home Program
Receive up to $10,000 in Grant Money
The Department of Financial Service approved a matching grant to eligible homeowners up to $10,000 for qualifying hurricane safety projects.
Receive $2 for every $1 you spend
For every $1 you provide, the state will provide $2 toward the actual cost of an authorized mitigation project, including windows, doors and shutters.
Lower your Home Insurance Premium
Potentially lower your home insurance premiums by up to 50% by participating in the program, bringing significant savings for you over time.
About The Program
What Is the My Safe Florida Home Program?
Two Step Process
Step 1
Applicants must apply and receive their free wind mitigation inspection
Step 2
When that inspection is completed, and you receive your inspection report, then you are able to apply for a grant.
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Benefits of Signing Up for the My Safe Florida Home Program
By participating in the My Safe Florida Home Program, you can do more than safeguard your home from hurricanes. Some key benefits include:
Financial Assistance
You may be eligible to receive $2 in state grant money for every $1 you spend on approved home improvements, up to a maximum of $10,000.
Improved Home Resilience
Strengthening your home’s defenses against hurricane-force winds can prevent significant damage and save you thousands of dollars in potential repairs after a storm.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your home is better prepared for hurricane season can alleviate the stress of living in a hurricane-prone area.
Program FAQs
- Homeowners with homes insured for $700,000 or less, as well as homeowners outside of the Wind-Borne Debris region, will now qualify to receive grant funds.
- The low-income grants provided by the program have been increased from $5,000 to $10,000. This change aims to offer greater financial support to eligible homeowners with limited income.
- Townhouses, which are defined as single-family units constructed in a series or group of attached units separated by property lines, are now eligible for free wind mitigation inspections. Additionally, they can receive grant funds specifically for Opening Protection upgrades. It is important to note that townhouses must adhere to certain criteria, such as not exceeding three stories in height (as stated in § 481.203, F.S.).
Homeowners who have received a wind mitigation inspection can apply for a matching grant if they meet the following criteria:
- They must provide proof of homestead exemption.
- The home must be insured for $500,000. However, HB 811 extends this to $700,000 starting July 1.
- The home must be in the wind-borne debris region of the state. However, this requirement will no longer apply starting July 1.
- The building permit of the home must have been issued before Jan. 1, 2008.
- The homeowner must allow the home to be reinspected after the work is completed.
Owners of site-built, single-family residential houses or townhouses have the option to apply for and receive an inspection without any obligation to apply for a grant.
You may apply for your free wind mitigation inspection by clicking here.
The Legislature has granted authorization to the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to offer matching grants to eligible homeowners for qualifying home hurricane mitigation projects. Homeowners can receive a matching grant of up to $10,000, covering the actual cost of the projects. Under this program, for every $1 contributed by the homeowner, the program will provide $2 in grant funds. Additionally, low-income grants have been raised from $5,000 to $10,000, providing greater financial assistance to qualifying homeowners.
When recommended by a hurricane mitigation inspection, grants can be utilized for the following improvements:
ROOFS AND STRUCTURES
- Upgrading Roof Coverings
- Enhancing the Strength of Roof Deck Attachments
- Reinforcing Roof-to-Wall Connections
- Installing a Secondary Water Barrier for the Roof
* Please note that townhouses are not eligible for roof repairs.
OPENINGS
- Upgrading Exterior Doors
- Improving Garage Doors
- Upgrading Windows
The Department of Financial Services will furnish a list of contractors who have agreed to participate in the program. Once applicants have been approved for their grant, they will be provided with this list of approved contractors to choose from.
Your inspection report will be uploaded to the system. After it has been reviewed and processed, you will receive an email notification. You can then return to your inspection account to access and submit your grant application if desired.
As stated in Florida Statute 215.5586, 2(b), all grants provided through the program must be matched on a ratio of $1 contributed by the applicant to $2 contributed by the state. The state’s contribution is capped at a maximum of $10,000 towards the actual cost of the mitigation project. In simpler terms, homeowners are required to contribute funds equivalent to 1/3 of the project’s cost in order to be reimbursed for the remaining 2/3, up to a maximum state contribution of $10,000.
For instance, if an applicant pays $15,000 for new impact-rated windows, their required contribution would be $5,000, while the state’s contribution would reach the maximum grant amount of $10,000. If the windows cost $9,000, the applicant would pay $3,000 and receive a state-matched reimbursement of $6,000. However, if the windows cost more than $15,000, the applicant would still only receive a maximum reimbursement of $10,000.