One of the results of the recent Special Session on Florida Property Insurance was the creation of Home Protection Grants.
If their home was built prior to 2008, a homeowner can apply for funds from the State to help harden and protect their home.
And the grant is very generous: The State will match $2 for every $1 the insured spends with a max state payout of $10,000.
New mitigations should result in discounts on home insurance while protecting your home and family in the event of a storm.
This is a Win-Win for homeowners.
Although the launch date has not been set yet, you can go HERE to be updated by the State about when the program begins.
Here’s a little more information on these new mitigation grants:
Who is eligible for these new Home Protection grants?
To be eligible for these new mitigation grants:
- The homeowner must have been granted a homestead exemption on the home.
- The home must be a dwelling with an insured value of $500,000 or less.
- The home must have undergone an acceptable hurricane mitigation inspection after July 1, 2008;
- The home must be located in the “wind-borne debris region” as that term is defined in the Florida Building Code
- The building permit application for initial construction of the home must have been made before January 1, 2008 (If you do not know when your home was built, please contact your local building department); and
- The homeowner must agree to make his or her home available for inspection once a mitigation project is completed.
What types of mitigation projects will be considered for homeowners?
When recommended by a hurricane mitigation inspection, grants may be used for the following improvements:
- Opening protection;
- Exterior doors, including garage doors;
- Brace gable ends;
- Reinforcing roof-to wall connections;
- Improving the strength of roof-deck attachments;
- Upgrading roof covering from code to code plus; and
- Secondary water barrier for roof.
How much can I receive through the grant process?
The Legislature has authorized homeowners to receive up to $10,000 for the actual cost of the mitigation project.
The program will provide $2 in grant funds for every $1 the homeowner provides.
In order to receive the maximum grant amount, homeowners must be able to provide $5,000 of their own funds toward the project.
The Department of Financial Services will provide a list of contractors that have agreed to participate in the program.
Applicants will be required to use a contractor from that list.
When can you apply for Home Protection Grants?
The Department of Financial Services is working to create an application process, but there is not an official launch date for this program.
Although the launch date has not been set yet, you can go HERE to be updated by the State about when the program begins.
Are there any other incentives to offset cost for mitigation?
Yes, the Legislature has also provided tax exemptions for home hardening initiatives.
Beginning July 1, 2022 until June 30, 2024, sales tax is exempt on purchases of:
- Impact-resistant doors,
- Impact-resistant garage doors, and
- Impact-resistant windows.
Please click here for additional information on tax breaks
If you’ve got a home built prior to 2008, the My Safe Fl Home program will pay your $2 for every $1 you spend to harden your home.
Take advantage!
You’ll save money on your Home insurance and your family will feel alot more secure during a hurricane.
As always, Contact Cronin Insurance, for all your home insurance needs and questions.
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