My Safe Florida Home is Florida's flagship hurricane hardening program that provides free inspections and grants up to $10,000 to strengthen your home against storms. Originally launched in 2006, the program was dormant for over a decade before being revived in 2022 due to Florida's insurance crisis. It offers two main benefits: comprehensive wind mitigation inspections at no cost, and matching grants to help pay for recommended improvements like impact windows, hurricane shutters, and roof reinforcements.
The program received $352 million for the 2025-2026 cycle when it reopened August 4, 2025, with eligibility now limited to low and moderate-income homeowners under HB 811. For 2026-2027, Florida lawmakers reached a $115 billion budget deal over Memorial Day weekend 2026 that reappropriates over $405 million in unused funds across My Safe Florida Home and the My Safe Florida Condo Pilot combined, much of it aimed at the backlog of roughly 45,000 homeowners with completed inspections still waiting for grants. The budget heads to Governor DeSantis after the May 29, 2026 floor vote, with signing expected in June. A separate $150 million tax-relief package layered onto the deal includes a three-year sales tax exemption on impact windows and doors -- a meaningful indirect home-hardening benefit even for homeowners outside the grant program.
Program overview & how it works
The program has two parts: a free inspection that identifies your home's hurricane vulnerabilities, and grants to help fund the recommended improvements. You don't have to accept the grant to benefit -- the inspection report alone can help you secure insurance discounts for existing hurricane features.
1. Free Wind Mitigation Inspection
Professional inspectors assess your home's current hurricane protection features and identify specific improvements needed. Completely free with no obligation to proceed.
Includes: Roof attachments, window protection, door reinforcement, garage door strength
2. Hurricane Mitigation Grants
After your inspection, you may qualify for grants up to $10,000 to fund recommended improvements. The state typically pays $2 for every $1 you contribute.
Includes: Up to $10,000 grants, 2:1 state matching, no matching for low-income
"There's incredible demand for this program because it works. It's just a fact that when homes are hardened to protect from storm damage, carriers see those properties as less vulnerable, and they reduce rates on policyholders."
-- Jimmy Patronis, then-Florida CFO (March 2025). Patronis resigned March 31, 2025; Blaise Ingoglia was appointed CFO in July 2025.
The data tells a more complex story than the headlines. Only about 23% of inspected homeowners actually receive grants, and of those who do, only about half report insurance premium reductions. The program runs out of funding quickly -- in 2024, $200 million was exhausted in just two weeks, leaving ~45,000 homeowners with completed inspections waiting for grant funding. Critics note that roof-only grants can yield as little as $18/year in premium discounts, while comprehensive packages (windows + roof + roof-to-wall + secondary water resistance) can deliver 20-30% reductions. The 2026-2027 budget deal moves over $405 million of unused funds across MSFH and MSFC combined into the new fiscal year, much of it aimed at the backlog. Focus on storm protection first and treat insurance savings as a bonus.
Eligibility requirements & timeline
Your property must meet specific criteria to qualify for both the free inspection and potential grants. The good news is that most Florida homeowners can at least get the free inspection.
Property eligibility requirements
Property type
Single-family detached home or townhouse (max 3 stories). Townhouses now explicitly qualify for inspections and opening protection grants under HB 811. Mobile homes and condos are not eligible for the main program. A separate My Safe Florida Condo pilot exists for condo associations.
Construction date
Building permit issued before January 1, 2008. Newer homes typically already meet current Florida Building Code hurricane standards.
Homestead exemption
Must be your primary residence with active Florida homestead exemption. Investment properties and second homes don't qualify.
Insured value (grants only)
Home insured for $700,000 or less (raised from $500,000 under HB 811). Low-income homeowners are exempt from this requirement. All applicants must now provide proof of homeowners insurance.
- Wind-borne debris region requirement eliminated -- homeowners outside the WBDR now qualify for grant funds, significantly expanding the program's geographic reach
- Insured value cap raised from $500,000 to $700,000
- Townhouses now explicitly eligible for inspections and opening protection grants
- Low-income grants doubled from $5,000 to $10,000 (no matching required)
Income classifications & priority groups
The 2025-2026 program is limited to low and moderate-income homeowners only. If there are unused inspection funds after all low and moderate-income households have been served, the program may open limited inspections for higher-income homeowners -- but they will not be eligible for grants. Income limits are based on your county's median household income using HUD calculations and vary by household size.
Low-income homeowners
- Household income at or below 80% of county median
- No matching funds required for grants
- Exempt from $700k insured value limit
- Highest priority for applications
Moderate-income homeowners
- Household income below 120% of county median
- 2:1 matching grants (state pays $2 for every $1)
- Must meet $700k insured value limit
- Second priority after low-income applicants
Sample income limits (family of 4)
| County | Low-Income (80%) | Moderate-Income (120%) |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | ~$73,000 | ~$109,000 |
| Broward | ~$87,000 | ~$130,000 |
| Palm Beach | ~$87,000 | ~$130,000 |
| Pinellas / Hillsborough (Tampa-St. Pete MSA) | ~$76,000 | ~$115,000 |
| Orange (Orlando) | ~$69,000 | ~$103,000 |
Approximate figures based on HUD FY2025 limits (FY2026 limits effective May 1, 2026). Visit mysafeflhome.com for exact county listings and household-size adjustments.
Application timeline (2025-2026 cycle)
The program reopened August 4, 2025 with applications processed in four priority groups, each opening roughly two weeks after the previous one. All four windows have now cycled and new applications are routed into the priority group assigned by your questionnaire and held first-come, first-served against remaining funds. The same priority structure is expected to carry into the 2026-2027 fiscal year once the budget is signed.
| Priority Group | Who Qualifies | Window Opened |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Low-income homeowners age 60+ | August 4, 2025 |
| Group 2 | Low-income homeowners of any age | August 18, 2025 |
| Group 3 | Moderate-income homeowners age 60+ | September 1, 2025 |
| Group 4 | Moderate-income homeowners of any age | September 15, 2025 |
Higher-income homeowners are not eligible for grants in the current funding cycle. Only low and moderate-income homeowners can apply. If unused inspection funds remain after all qualifying households are served, the program may open limited free inspections for higher-income homeowners -- but without grant eligibility. Funding can be exhausted quickly, so apply as soon as your group's window opens.
Don't overlook Florida's senior property tax exemptions if you're 65+. These tax breaks stack with hurricane grant savings. Also check if you're receiving your full homestead exemption -- many homeowners miss it. If you're a widowed homeowner, you may qualify for additional exemptions. And if you're considering modifications to stay in your home longer, our aging-in-place calculator can help estimate costs.
Complete 8-step application process
The full process typically takes 8-12 months from initial application to reimbursement. Understanding each step -- and the potential bottlenecks -- helps you avoid common mistakes that delay or disqualify applications.
According to CFO Jimmy Patronis, over 30,000 homeowners who completed inspections haven't filled out the required prioritization questionnaire (Step 4). Without this step, you will not receive a grant, regardless of your inspection results.
Step 1: Apply for free hurricane mitigation inspection
Visit mysafeflhome.com and create an account in the applicant portal. You'll need your property details, homestead exemption information, and basic household data. The application takes 10-15 minutes. Applications are processed first-come, first-served within your priority group -- expect 2-6 weeks for approval during high-demand periods.
Step 2: Schedule and complete your inspection
Once approved, schedule your inspection with a program-contracted inspector. The inspector assesses roof attachments, window protection, door reinforcement, and garage door strength. The inspection takes 1-3 hours depending on home size and is completely free with no obligation to proceed. Scheduling typically takes 2-4 weeks during busy periods.
Step 3: Receive your inspection report
Your detailed inspection report uploads to your applicant portal within 5-10 business days. It identifies current hurricane-resistant features and provides specific recommendations for improvements that could qualify for grant funding. Even if you don't qualify for a grant, share the report with your insurance company to ensure you're receiving all available discounts.
Step 4: Complete the prioritization questionnaire (critical)
After receiving your inspection report, you must log back into your portal and complete the prioritization questionnaire. This determines your priority group and is absolutely essential for grant eligibility. You'll need your Florida driver's license or State ID number (age verification), household size, and household Adjusted Gross Income (Form 1040, Line 11) for income verification.
Over 30,000 homeowners have completed inspections but failed to submit this questionnaire. Without it, you will not receive grant funding under any circumstances.
Step 5: Wait for your priority group window
Based on your questionnaire responses, you're assigned to a priority group. You must wait for your group's designated application window before applying for grant funding. The program emails you when your window opens. During this waiting period, research contractors, get quotes, and prepare your application materials -- but do not begin any work.
Step 6: Submit your grant application
When your priority window opens, submit a two-stage application. Stage 1 confirms eligibility and project details. Stage 2 requires your chosen contractor's name and license number. You can use any licensed Florida contractor -- verify licensing at myfloridalicense.com. Apply immediately when your window opens, as funding can be exhausted quickly.
Step 7: Complete your hurricane mitigation project
Once approved, begin work with your contractor. They must obtain all necessary permits and complete work to Florida Building Code standards. Keep all receipts and documentation. For matching grants, you'll typically pay the full project cost upfront and submit a paid-in-full invoice for reimbursement.
Step 8: Final inspection and reimbursement
After completion, schedule a final inspection through your portal. The inspector verifies all work meets specifications and building codes. Submit your draw request with the final inspection report and paid-in-full invoice. Reimbursement typically processes within 4-6 weeks. Share the final report with your insurance company for potential premium discounts.
- Fastest possible: 4-6 months for low-income 60+ with simple projects
- Typical timeline: 8-12 months for most applicants
- Longest reported: 18+ months due to contractor delays and inspection backlogs
Common mistakes that delay or disqualify applications
- Starting work before written grant approval -- automatic disqualification, the #1 cited denial reason
- Skipping the prioritization questionnaire after inspection -- ~30,000 inspected homeowners are stalled on this single step
- Withdrawing your application -- under current rules you are permanently barred from reapplying (Senate Bill 1148, filed 2026, would create a second-chance window but is not yet law)
- Missing the 60-day contractor confirmation deadline after receiving your grant award -- award emails sometimes land in spam folders, so check actively
- Failing your final wind-mitigation inspection -- a failed second inspection triggers a two-year wait before you can reapply
- Using a contractor who has not registered in the MSFH vendor portal (any DBPR-licensed Florida contractor can register, but they must complete it before contract submission)
- Name on the deed not matching the applicant name, or homestead exemption inactive at time of application
- Insured value over $700,000 (low-income applicants exempt)
- Original building permit dated on or after January 1, 2008
Selling or moving? Your biggest tax benefit is on the line.
Most Florida homeowners have tens of thousands of dollars in Save Our Homes protection — and lose it by accident when they move. Check what yours is worth and what happens to it if you sell.
Grant amounts, calculator & approved projects
Understanding exactly how much funding you can receive and what projects qualify is crucial for planning. The program offers two grant types with different financial structures based on income level. All grants work on a reimbursement basis for standard matching grants -- you typically pay your contractor in full and submit documentation for reimbursement after final inspection.
Two grant types: standard vs. low-income
Standard matching grant
For moderate-income homeowners
- 2:1 matching: You pay $1, state pays $2
- Maximum state contribution: $10,000
- Covers 67% of project costs up to $15,000
- Must meet $700k insured value limit
- Reimbursement after completion
Low-income grant
For households at 80% or less of county median
- 100% funded: No matching required
- Maximum grant: $10,000
- Zero out-of-pocket cost for qualifying projects
- Exempt from insured value limit
- May not require paid-in-full invoices
Grant calculator: see your costs & reimbursement
Project Details
Your Financial Breakdown
Remember: You typically pay upfront and receive reimbursement after final inspection approval.
Approved hurricane mitigation projects
Grants can only be used for improvements specifically recommended in your inspection report. The most common and effective projects fall into two categories.
Opening protection
- Impact-resistant windows -- hurricane-rated to Florida Building Code
- Hurricane shutters -- permanent or removable storm protection
- Reinforced entry doors -- impact-rated doors and storm doors
- Garage doors -- wind-load rated with proper reinforcement
- Skylights -- impact-resistant or protected
Roof-related improvements
- Roof-to-wall connections -- hurricane clips and reinforced attachments
- Roof deck attachment -- enhanced fastening systems
- Secondary water resistance -- underlayment and water barriers
- Roof covering replacement -- impact-resistant shingles or metal
Contractor requirements
You can use any licensed Florida contractor for your project. Verify licensing at myfloridalicense.com. Get quotes from 3+ contractors, check references and reviews, and ensure proper insurance coverage.
Starting any work before your grant is approved automatically disqualifies you from receiving funding, even if you meet all other requirements. Wait for official approval before your contractor begins.
My Safe Florida Condo Pilot (for HOA & condo boards)
If you live in a condominium, the main My Safe Florida Home program is closed to you as an individual owner. Instead, your association can apply to the My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program -- a separate $30 million state grant governed by Florida Statute 215.55871, administered by Michael Baker International under contract to the Florida Department of Financial Services.
As of May 2026, the MSFC online application portal has been closed. Associations now submit inspection and grant applications by email to condopilot@myfloridacfo.com or by phone at (850) 413-2971. Earlier portal submissions are still being honored.
Who qualifies (current rules, May 2026)
Building requirements
- 3 or more stories
- 2 or more residential units per building
- Within 15 miles of the coastline
- Not detached single-family condo units on separate parcels
Association requirements
- Board of administration vote (majority) to participate -- a separate 75% unit-owner vote is required for grant work touching individual unit openings
- Current on Milestone Inspections (F.S. 553.899)
- Current on Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)
- Documentation: declaration, articles, bylaws, insurance dec page, building specs
The bill that would have removed the 15-mile coastal eligibility limit and refocused MSFC on pre-2008, low-income complexes died in the House State Administration Budget Subcommittee on March 13, 2026. The Senate companion SB 1706 passed the Senate 37-0 but died in House messages the same day. Current eligibility rules above remain in force.
What MSFC pays for
Roof improvements
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Roof deck attachment
- Secondary water resistance
- Roof covering replacement (when paired with the above)
Opening protection
- Exterior doors
- Garage doors
- Windows
- Skylights
Grant structure & caps
| Cap | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per window or door | $750 | State pays up to this amount per opening |
| Per residential unit | $1,500 | Combined across all openings serving that unit |
| Per association | $175,000 | Combined roof + opening projects, lifetime cap |
| State match | 2:1 ($2 state / $1 association) | State covers approximately 66% of qualifying project cost |
| Per-project share | Up to 50% of project cost | Subject to the dollar caps above |
For a 60-unit mid-rise that maxes the per-association cap, MSFC works out to roughly $2,900 per unit -- significantly less per-door than the single-family MSFH program. Smaller associations near the $175,000 cap come out ahead on a per-unit basis.
How an association applies
- Board vote -- majority of the board (or a majority of total voting interests per the declaration) authorizes participation. If the planned work touches individual unit openings, you also need 75% unit-owner approval for that scope.
- Submit inspection application to condopilot@myfloridacfo.com with declaration, articles, bylaws, insurance dec page, building specs (year built, stories, unit count), and proof of board vote.
- Free wind-mitigation inspection -- a licensed inspector completes the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection (Form OIR-B1-1802), the same form insurers use for premium credits.
- Inspection report delivered with recommended improvements and projected insurance discounts.
- Grant application submitted to DFS based on the inspection findings.
- Pay contractor, then reimburse -- like MSFH, this is a reimbursement program, not advance funding. The association fronts the cost and is reimbursed after final inspection.
If your building is behind on its Milestone Inspection or SIRS, the association is ineligible for MSFC. Boards typically sequence Milestone -> SIRS -> MSFC inspection so the engineering record supports the mitigation scope. A SIRS-identified deferred roof item can sometimes be addressed with MSFC dollars if the scope is wind mitigation (roof covering, deck attachment, secondary water resistance), though SIRS funds and MSFC grant proceeds must remain in separate, protected reserve accounts. HB 913 (2024) raised the SIRS replacement-cost threshold to $25,000, narrowing the overlap.
Can a unit owner in an MSFC building also apply to MSFH?
Generally no. Per the MSFH governing statute (F.S. 215.5586), a unit owner in a multi-story condo "may participate in the pilot program through a mitigation grant awarded to the association but may not participate individually." The only narrow exception: a unit owner in a 3-story townhouse-style condo holding an active homestead may independently qualify for MSFH opening-protection funding, but DFS will catch any double-dipping with a concurrent MSFC association grant on the same openings during underwriting.
Insurance savings reality check
The program markets potential insurance savings as a key benefit, but the reality is more nuanced. While some homeowners see significant reductions, others report no savings despite completing expensive upgrades. Success largely depends on completing comprehensive home hardening rather than piecemeal improvements.
| Metric | Number | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Total inspections completed | 109,443 | -- |
| Grants received | 25,530 | 23% of inspections |
| Reported insurance savings | 12,570 | 49% of grant recipients |
Data from Florida Department of Financial Services and legislative analyses. Insurance savings figures based on voluntary reporting -- actual rates may differ.
Factors that influence insurance savings
Increases your chances
- Complete home hardening -- upgrade all openings and roof systems
- Major improvements -- roof replacement generates larger discounts
- Responsive insurer -- some companies apply wind mitigation credits more aggressively
- Proactive communication -- submit reports promptly and follow up
Reduces your chances
- Partial improvements -- upgrading only some openings often doesn't qualify
- Conservative insurer -- some rarely apply wind mitigation credits
- Already modern features -- additional improvements may not move the needle
- Rising market costs -- insurance increases can offset savings
"In order to get the statutory discount, you have to protect the entire bubble. That means your doors, that means your windows, and then we come out and inspect it."
-- CFO Jimmy Patronis
"What we found is consumers on average, of course every house is a little different, they will save 39% if they fully mitigated their homes."
-- Melissa Burt DeVriese, President of Security First Insurance
Participate primarily for storm protection. The program provides valuable hurricane hardening and potential property value increases. Treat insurance savings as a bonus. If you want to explore other ways to reduce homeownership costs, check your property assessment and exemptions, see if you can appeal your property taxes, explore veteran or senior tax exemptions, or look into estate planning tools like Lady Bird deeds and quitclaim deeds to protect your home for the future.
Frequently asked questions
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