Legislature funds popular home hardening program
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The state Legislature set aside hundreds of millions of dollars in this year's budget for a grant program that funds up to $10,000 worth of upgrades that strengthen your home against hurricanes.
Why it matters: The My Safe Florida Home program offers residents the means to safeguard their homes, which can lower their insurance bills.
Zoom in: Gov. Ron DeSantis asked for $600 million to fund the program, but lawmakers agreed on less than half that, $280 million. That's still an increase from last year, when the program got $200 million.
- The budget is not yet in effect and awaits DeSantis' signature.
The big picture: Demand for the My Safe Florida Home program has outpaced its funding. Last year, 45,000 homeowners completed inspections but lost out on grants because the funding ran out.
Between the lines: The program staggers its application process to prioritize those who need it most.
- Low-income seniors (aged 60 and older) are first in line. Next are other low-income homeowners. After that, those the state deems "moderate-income" can put in for the program.
How it works: When the program reopens its applications, homeowners can request a free inspection to identify areas of their home (like windows, doors and roofs) that could use improvement.
- They can then submit a grant application once the inspection is reviewed. If the application is approved, the program offers $2 in grant funds for every $1 the homeowner spends on construction.