My Safe Florida Home: $280M From State Budget

• The state budget includes almost $300 million for the My Safe florida Home program.
• The program provides free home wind mitigation inspections and matching grants up to $10,000 for improvements.
• The budget awaits the governor’s signature and potential line-item vetoes.

Good news for Sunshine State residents: Despite the delay in the usual disaster-prep tax holiday, the state’s new budget, passed late on June 16, allocates nearly $300 million to the My Safe Florida Home program.

This popular program offers free home wind mitigation inspections and grants of up to $10,000 to help Florida homeowners fortify their properties against storms and reduce their insurance premiums.

The new budget specifically includes $94 million for mitigation grants, $1.5 million for inspections, $4.7 million for administrative costs,and a nonrecurring sum of $180 million for the program in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

While this amount is about half of what Gov. Ron DeSantis requested in February to cover the backlog of around 45,000 applicants who had inspections but didn’t receive grants before the funds ran out, it’s still a significant boost. The budget now heads to the governor’s desk for approval, which may include line-item vetoes.

Since its relaunch in 2022, the My safe Florida Home program has seen funds quickly depleted due to high demand. In May, then-Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis encouraged homeowners who had completed inspections but hadn’t submitted their grant applications to do so.

“There’s over $100 million in existing My Safe Florida Home funds and about 30,000 inspected properties where the homeowner has not completed the age and income questionnaire,” Patronis said in a release. “If you haven’t done so already, it’s critical to go online and provide this data as soon as possible.”

According to patronis, the Legislature has appropriated $576 million in funding for grants and over $28.5 million for 178,184 homes to be inspected as of May.

What is the My Safe Florida Home program?

The My Safe florida Home Program provides eligible Florida homeowners with free home inspections for hurricane readiness and offers recommendations for wind mitigation features. These features include roofing materials, better exterior and garage doors, storm shutters, and attachments for walls and roofs like hurricane clips.

Originally launched in 2006, MSFH was later defunded. It was revived during a 2022 legislative special session addressing the state’s property insurance crisis,spurred by complaints about Florida having the highest homeowner premiums in the nation.

Having an inspection can help homeowners save money on their insurance premiums if they already have wind mitigation features in place.Homeowners can also apply for matching grant funds to help pay for any recommended improvements, with the state matching $2 for every dollar the homeowners spend, up to a cap of $10,000.

Homeowners who have received grants, completed improvements, and disclosed their insurance premium discounts report an average savings of $1,014 per year, according to the News Service of Florida in 2024.

What types of mitigation projects are eligible for My safe Florida Home grants?

ROOFS AND STRUCTURES

• improving the strength of roof deck attachments
• Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections
• Installing a secondary water barrier for the roof

OPENINGS

• Upgrading exterior doors
• Upgrading garage doors
• Upgrading windows

In 2024, townhouses were made eligible for upgrades on openings (doors and windows) but not for roof repairs.

Will the My Safe Florida Home program pay for a roof replacement?

Grants generally do not cover roof replacements. Though, inspection reports recommending a secondary water barrier can justify funds for replacement, according to the program’s official site.

How can I get a free wind mitigation inspection through My Safe Florida Home?

Any owner of a site-built, single-family residential house or townhouse can apply for and receive an inspection. Applying for a grant is not required.

You can apply for a free wind mitigation inspection here.

How do I get discounts on my home insurance with my free MSFH inspection?

Share your report, which shows existing wind mitigation features on your home, with your insurance carrier to ensure you’re receiving all available discounts on your home insurance premium.

If you receive a grant and make improvements, contact your insurance carrier again for any new discounts. Wind upgrade discounts are required by Florida law.

Who is eligible for a my Safe Florida Home grant?

Once funding is approved and the grant submission portal reopens, homeowners who have had a wind mitigation inspection can apply for a matching grant if they meet the following criteria:

• the homeowner must have applied for, been approved for, and received a free home hurricane inspection through the program.
• They must provide proof of homestead exemption.
• The home must be insured to a maximum of $700,000.
• The building permit of the home must have been issued before Jan. 1, 2008.
• The homeowner must allow the home to be reinspected after the work is completed.

in 2024, new grant applications were weighted toward residents 60 and older, and those with low- or moderate-incomes, with a staggered application schedule giving them priority. It is yet to be announced weather the same will happen in 2025.

How can I tell if I need to complete my grant application?

If your status in the MSFH portal says “Grant App Prioritization Open,” you must complete the prioritization questionnaire to be eligible for a grant application when available.

If I applied for the My Safe Florida Home program but haven’t received a grant, what happens next?

If your application status in the application portal is labeled “submitted,” your application will remain on hold until funding is available and the agency resumes processing grants. applications are approved in the order they were received.

Ensure you log into your account and confirm your application is fully completed.

How much money was allocated to the My Safe Florida Home program?

The program received $115 million in its 2022 relaunch, with an additional $100 million added to the state’s fiscal 2023-2024 budget. That funding ran out in October 2023.The following month,lawmakers approved $176.17 million to keep the program going.

In 2024, another $200 million was added.

When will additional funds for My Safe Florida Home be available?

The My Safe Florida Home program has yet to announce when it will start reviewing applications again.

While the budget has passed the Legislature, DeSantis has not signed it, and it is unkown what vetoes he may apply.

My Safe Florida Home Program: What’s New for 2025?

The My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program is pivotal in helping homeowners fortify their homes against hurricanes. Given the recent budgetary allocations, it’s a good time to review the program’s status and what Florida residents can expect for the upcoming hurricane season.

Homeowners can breathe a sigh of relief: The program ensures safer homes and may considerably reduce insurance premiums. The program’s relaunch included funds that were quickly depleted due to high demand.

As of June 2025, the state budget has earmarked substantial funds to bolster the program, offering free inspections and grant opportunities. The My Safe Florida Home program is a key resource for Florida homeowners.

A Boost in Funding: Where the Money Goes

The new budget contains meaningful funding for the MSFH program. This includes a substantial allocation for grants and inspections. While the total amount is not as high as initially requested, it is indeed still a considerable investment in hurricane preparedness.

• Mitigation Grants: $94 million.

• Inspections: $1.5 million.

• Administrative Costs: $4.7 million.

• 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Allocation: Nonrecurring sum of $180 million.

The funds aim to continue offering free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants. These grants help homeowners invest in storm-resistant improvements.

Practical Steps and Timelines

If you’re already in the MSFH program,it’s essential to keep your request current. if your application status is “submitted,” it will remain on hold until funding is available. Ensure your account is fully completed in the online portal.

For those unsure how to proceed,make sure your profile is complete. Log in to the application portal and review the status. Be sure to complete the prioritization questionnaire to be eligible for a grant application when available.

tips for Homeowners

Make the most of the My Safe Florida Home program. If you’re a homeowner, these steps are crucial:

• get an Inspection: Apply for a free wind mitigation inspection to assess your home’s vulnerabilities.

• Apply for Grants: If eligible, apply for matching grants to cover the costs of recommended improvements.

• Update Insurance: Provide your inspection report and any completed improvement details to your insurance carrier. Make sure you’re receiving all available discounts on your home insurance premium.

Benefits & Improvements-What Exactly Gets Covered

The program covers various improvements that enhance a home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. These upgrades not only improve safety but can also reduce insurance costs through discounts.

Eligible projects include:

• Roof deck attachments.
• Roof-to-wall connections.
• Secondary water barriers for roofs.
• exterior doors and garage doors.
• Window upgrades.

Addressing Common Questions

Homeowners often have questions about the MSFH program. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Will MSFH grants cover a complete roof replacement?

Generally, grants do not cover roof replacements. However,if inspection reports recommend a secondary water barrier,funds are available for replacement.

How do I get a free wind mitigation inspection?

Any owner of a site-built, single-family house or townhouse can apply for and receive an inspection. Applying for a grant is not mandatory.

Key Takeaways

The MSFH program is an essential tool for Florida homeowners. By taking advantage of the program, homeowners can better prepare for hurricane season.

Even with recent funding boosts,this investment highlights the continuing need for vigilance and proactive hurricane preparation this year.

What is the primary goal of the My Safe Florida Home program?

The main goal is to help Florida homeowners reduce hurricane damage and lower their insurance premiums by providing free inspections and matching grants for wind mitigation improvements.

How much money is available through the My Safe Florida Home program in 2025?

The program will receive nearly $300 million, with specific allocations for grants ($94 million), inspections ($1.5 million), and administrative costs ($4.7 million), plus an additional $180 million set aside for the following fiscal year.

What types of home improvements are eligible for MSFH grants?

Eligible projects include reinforcing roof deck attachments, roof-to-wall connections, installing secondary water barriers, upgrading exterior doors, garage doors, and windows.

How can homeowners ensure they receive the most benefit from the MSFH program?

Homeowners should begin by getting a free wind mitigation inspection,applying for the grant if eligible,and sharing the inspection report with their insurance carrier to secure any available discounts.