My Safe Florida Home Program Faces Hurdles Amidst Relaunch
The My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program has recently relaunched with new funding and revised rules, aiming to assist homeowners with storm-mitigation improvements. However, the program is encountering several challenges, including technical difficulties during the application process and continued exclusion of certain homeowner groups, leaving many frustrated.
Key Takeaways
- The program has $280 million in new funding for $10,000 grants.
- Applications are being prioritized for low-income seniors for the initial two weeks.
- Condo owners remain largely excluded, with only associations eligible for a pilot program.
- Grant recipients cannot transfer their grants to new properties.
- The program experienced initial online overload and long wait times.
Program Reopens with New Structure
The My Safe Florida Home program has restarted, introducing new guidelines and a phased application process. For the first two weeks, the program is exclusively accepting applications from low-income seniors. These applicants are further categorized into groups based on age and income levels. Group 1 includes individuals aged 60 and older with household incomes at or below 80% of their county’s median income, born before July 1, 1965. Subsequent groups also focus on low-income and moderate-income individuals, with specific age requirements for some categories. Notably, Group 5 from the previous year, which had no age or income limits, has been eliminated under the new rules.
Persistent Challenges for Homeowners
Despite the influx of new funding, the program’s relaunch has not been without its difficulties. Many prospective applicants experienced significant online congestion and long hold times when trying to submit their applications, leading to frustration. For instance, one applicant reported being on hold for about an hour before successfully submitting her application for an initial inspection. The program director encourages patience and suggests utilizing online support channels for assistance.
Condo Owners Still Excluded
A significant point of contention remains the program’s exclusion of individual condo owners. While $280 million has been allocated for grants, these funds are primarily designated for single-family homes and townhomes. A pilot program for condominiums is in its second year, but only condo associations can apply for grants to improve entire buildings, leaving individual unit owners unable to directly benefit from the grants for personal improvements like impact windows. This has led to disappointment for many condo residents who are seeking financial assistance for necessary home upgrades.
Grant Transferability Issues
Questions have also arisen regarding the transferability of grants. Homeowners who were approved for grants but sold their homes before the work could be completed are finding that these grants cannot be transferred to a new property. The program’s rules, as stated on its website, indicate that grants are tied to the specific home that underwent the initial inspection. This means that individuals who move would likely need to reapply and undergo the inspection process again for their new residence.
Sources
- Condo owners still left out of My Safe Florida Home grants, WPTV.
- My Safe Florida Home restarts with new money for homeowners, WPTV.
- Can you transfer grants received through My Safe Florida Home program?, WPTV.