My Safe FL Home
The My Safe Home program provides free wind mitigation inspections to eligible homeowners who apply using the My Safe FL Home portal. These assessments evaluate a home’s construction to identify any weaknesses or areas that could be reinforced to better withstand high winds. Any owner of a site-built, single-family house or townhouse can apply, and applications will be approved in the order received until funding runs out. Additionally, there are Wind Mitigation Grant awards for home construction improvements. These grants help homeowners make recommended improvements identified in the wind mitigation inspections.
How My Safe FL Home Can Help You Save
The state is offering a Matching Grant program that could help cover costs for approved hurricane protection projects for your home. For every $1 you contribute toward an eligible project, the state will match $2 up to a maximum of $10,000 in state funds. This means you only pay 1/3 of the total project cost, with the state covering the remaining 2/3.
Additionally, there is currently a sales tax holiday in effect that eliminates the 6% sales tax on purchases of impact-resistant doors, garage doors, and windows made between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024. This tax break applies when you buy these items retail.
Finally, making hurricane safety improvements to your home through this program may lead to reduced homeowners insurance premiums. Strengthening your home against storm damage can demonstrate lower risk to your insurance provider.
How It Works
Once your application has been approved for your free wind-mitigation inspection, an assigned inspector will complete a thorough evaluation of your home. The inspector will identify areas where your home can use increased strength and protection. After the inspection, if your home has been approved for a Wind Mitigation Grant, the My Safe Home program will provide you with a list of local contractors who have agreed to work with the program (Including Nine Square Roofing!). The Grant can be used for approved repairs and improvements that are listed below:
- Upgraded Roof Coverings
- Improved Strength of Roof Decking Attachments
- Reinforced Roof-to-Wall Connections
- Secondary Water Barrier Installation for the Roof
- Exterior Door Upgrades
- Garage Door Upgrades
- Window Upgrades
(Please note that townhouses are not eligible for roof repairs)
Apply Today to the My Safe FL Home Program
If you own a single-family home, condo unit, mobile home or manufactured home in Florida, you may be eligible for up to $10,000 in grant funding to have qualifying improvements like roof repair, window and door replacements, and other hurricane protection measures completed on your home. The application period for 2023 My Safe FL Home grants is now open. Homeowners can apply online by providing information about their home ownership status, home details, household income, and the improvements they wish to make. The application process takes less than 15 minutes. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply today to secure your grant and make critical upgrades to strengthen your home against storms.