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FLORIDA - Florida homeowners can now apply for the My Safe Florida Home grant program, which provides financial assistance for storm-hardening improvements and may help reduce property insurance costs.
The program offers grants of up to $10,000 for eligible residents to make upgrades that strengthen homes against wind and other storm damage.
Applications opened on Monday for low-income homeowners of any age.
Low-income is defined as households earning at or below 80% of the median income for their county.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to low- and moderate-income households.
The program is being rolled out in tiers.
Homeowners age 60 and older who meet income requirements could apply starting August 4th.
All low-income homeowners became eligible on August 18th.
Moderate-income homeowners age 60 and older can apply starting September 1st, with all moderate-income homeowners eligible beginning September 15th.
The Florida Legislature has allocated $280 million in funding for the program.
To qualify, homes must generally be a single-family detached residence or a townhouse, be owner-occupied, and have insurance coverage of $700,000 or less.
Low-income households are exempt from the insurance limit.
The first step for applicants is to request a free, no-obligation wind-mitigation inspection to assess how well a home can withstand high winds.
Following the inspection, homeowners can apply for the grant to complete recommended upgrades.
The program is designed to support residents in reducing the financial and structural impact of storms while encouraging safer, more resilient homes.