If you are a Florida homeowner, you may be interested in the My Safe Florida Home Program, a state-funded initiative that aims to help you protect your home from hurricanes and reduce your insurance premiums. In this blog post, I will explain what the program is, how it works, and how you can apply for it.
History of My Safe Florida Home Program
The My Safe Florida Home Program was enacted by the Florida Legislature in 2022 to help single-family homeowners strengthen their homes against hurricanes and save money doing it. The program has two main components: a free home hurricane inspection and a grant for eligible home improvement projects.
The free home hurricane inspection is available to any owner of a site-built, single-family residential property in Florida. You can apply for the inspection online or by phone, and a certified inspector will visit your home and assess its vulnerability to hurricanes. You will receive a detailed report with recommendations on how to improve your home’s resistance to wind and water damage. The inspection is completely free and does not oblige you to do anything.
Grant Process for the Program
The grant for home improvement projects is available to homeowners who have completed the free inspection and have received recommendations for eligible mitigation measures. The grant can cover up to 50% of the cost of the approved projects, up to a maximum of $10,000. The eligible projects include:
– Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections
– Installing secondary water resistance for the roof
– Upgrading roof covering
– Improving the strength of roof deck attachments
– Upgrading exterior doors, garage doors, and windows
How To Apply for My Safe Home Program
To apply for the grant, you need to apply with a copy of your inspection report and a quote from a licensed contractor who is approved by the program. You can choose your own contractor from a list of qualified contractors provided by the program. Once your application is approved, you can start the work and receive reimbursement after it is completed and inspected.
The benefits of participating in the My Safe Florida Home Program are not only enhancing your home’s safety and durability, but also saving money on your insurance premiums. By completing the recommended mitigation measures, you may qualify for discounts on your windstorm insurance policy. You can also enjoy a state sales tax exemption (6%) on retail purchases of impact-resistant doors, garage doors, and windows from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024.
Apply Today for the My Safe Home Program
The My Safe Florida Home Program is a great opportunity for Florida homeowners to prepare their homes for hurricanes and save money in the process. The program has already helped over 62,000 homeowners across the state. If you want to join them, don’t wait too long. The program is limited funded and could end soon. To learn more about the program and apply for the free inspection and grant, visit //mysafeflhome.com/ or call 1-800-342-2762.
Click here to apply for the My Safe Florida Home Program.
Robert Macoviak is the President of Oyer, Macoviak and Associates. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates is the oldest independent insurance agency in Boynton Beach and has been in business since 1953. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates are vested members of the community who are committed to doing business face-to-face and being your insurance advocate in times of need.
