CFO Jimmy Patronis announces reopening of My Safe Florida program’s grant application portal
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The My Safe Florida program’s grant application portal has officially reopened as of Monday, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced.
The program aims to enhance home resilience against storms by offering free inspections and grants of up to $10,000 for installing impact-resistant doors and windows. The ultimate goal is to reduce insurance costs by ensuring homes meet mitigation standards.
“The 2024 Hurricane Season is here, and now is the ideal time to fortify your home against storms and reduce your homeowner’s insurance costs,” Patronis said. “Don’t wait in protecting your most valuable investment – your home.”
The initiative will initially prioritize senior citizens and low-income homeowners through two dedicated application periods before becoming available to the general public.
Recently enacted legislation has allocated an additional $200 million to the program, specifically targeting enhanced services for seniors and low-income homeowners. Those dates for low-income homeowners 60 years of age and older to apply are from July 1 – July 15.
“This year, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have allocated an additional $200 million in funding for the My Safe Florida Home Program, effective July 1,” Patronis said. “This funding will benefit nearly 20,000 Floridians, prioritizing seniors and low-income homeowners to ensure those who need it most have access to these home hardening grants.”
Since its inception in 2022, the program has successfully conducted over 104,000 free inspections, approved 38,000 grant applications, and disbursed nearly $390 million in grants aimed at strengthening homes against natural disasters.
“The My Safe Florida Home program has been a huge success, helping thousands of Floridians harden their homes against hurricanes and storms while saving on insurance,” Patronis said.
Low-income homeowners of any age can apply between July 16 – July 30. Moderate-income homeowners 60 years of age and older can apply between July 31 – August 14. Moderate-income homeowners of any age can apply between August 15 – 29 and all other eligible homeowners in Florida can apply August 31.
