My Safe Florida Home: Free Inspection and Up to $10,000 for Storm Upgrades
My Safe Florida Home is a state program that helps homeowners strengthen their homes against hurricanes. According to the program's website, it offers free wind-mitigation inspections by authorized Florida inspectors and grant assistance for approved upgrades.
What you can get
- A free wind-mitigation inspection. The report recommends improvements and can be shared with your insurance company so you can check that you are receiving the hurricane-related discounts you qualify for. See our guide to wind mitigation inspections.
- A grant of up to $10,000 for approved upgrades if your home qualifies after the inspection.
The program lists these as eligible upgrade types: roof improvements, impact windows and doors, garage door reinforcement, and secondary water barrier installation.
How the application works
According to the program's website, the steps are:
- Create an account in the program's Participant Portal.
- Complete the Prioritization Questionnaire.
- Wait to be placed in an inspection group (groups 1 to 5). You will be notified by email.
- Complete the inspection application in your account.
- Confirm the inspection date and time with the assigned inspector.
- Review your inspection report.
- If your home is eligible, submit a grant application.
Things to know
- Funding and timing change. The program's site does not list a deadline or say how much funding is left, and it says the Legislature has been considering changes. Check the website or email the program before you plan around a grant.
- Eligibility has rules. The website points to an eligibility quiz rather than listing every requirement, so use it before you spend time on an application.
- Choose contractors carefully. The program advises using a licensed contractor registered with the State of Florida and getting at least three bids. The program is not responsible for the work contractors do.
Why it can be worth it
Even without a grant, a free inspection report documents what your home already has, such as roof shape and shutters. That is the same type of report insurers use for discounts. See why Florida homeowners insurance costs so much for other ways to lower your premium.
Source
- My Safe Florida Home Program: mysafeflhome.com
General information. Program rules, funding, and deadlines change. Confirm details on the official program website.
Keep reading
- Why Is Homeowners Insurance So Expensive in Florida?What drives premiums and 8 practical ways to lower yours.
- Florida Hurricane Deductible ExplainedHow percentage deductibles work, with dollar examples.
- Florida Flood Insurance BasicsWhat it covers, the waiting period, and why homeowners insurance does not.
- Wind Mitigation & Four-Point InspectionsTwo inspections that can lower your premium or help you get covered.