Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund

• But with about $270 million in aid still available, state officials "remain confident that the program has the resources to continue delivering meaningful support to Florida homeowners," a spokesperson told the Times.

State of play: Lawmakers recently narrowed eligibility requirements to Floridians with homestead exemptions on homes or townhomes worth $700,000 or less.

• Of the $440 million in the program that remains unspent, $173 million is earmarked for about 17,340 homeowners who could receive grants down the line, the Times reported.

How it works: Homeowners can request a free inspection to identify windows, doors and roofs that could use hardening.

• They can submit a grant application once the inspection is reviewed and processed. If approved, the program offers a $2 reimbursement for every $1 the homeowner spends on construction.
• For example, a homeowner who paid $9,000 for inspection-recommended impact-rated windows would be reimbursed $6,000. The remaining $3,000 is the homeowner's match.
• Homeowners at or below 80% of their area's median income don't have to provide a match.

Go deeper: Click here for the state's guide on how to apply for a grant.