FL homeowners could receive up to $10,000 in grant funding for home hardening projects

On the first day of hurricane season, many homeowners are thinking about strengthening their properties against storms, and new state funding could help.

During the recent special legislative session, state lawmakers approved $150 M in state funding for the “My Safe Florida Home” program.

The funding will be doled out in grants up to $10,000 for select homeowners to make improvements to their properties.

It’s still not known exactly what types of improvements will be covered, but things like window replacements and roof repairs are expected to be part of the program.

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According to the bill, eligible properties are typically coastal properties located in the “wind-borne debris region” as defined under the Florida Building Code. Replacement value of qualifying homes must be $500,000 or less, must have been initially permitted for construction before January 1, 2008, and must be homesteaded.

In an email to CBS12 News, a spokesperson for the Department of Financial Services (DFS) which runs the program, said that the agency requested and was granted Emergency Rule Making to help expedite the establishment of the program.

A spokesperson wrote:

“As the Department works to stand up the program, we anticipate applications to be considered on a first come, first serve basis and DFS will be working to clarify eligibility requirements according to the insured value of the home, location, prior inspection history and home hardening needs.”

It’s still not clear when the applications will launch.