The My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program, designed to help Floridians harden their homes against storms, is facing significant hurdles as it prepares for a relaunch. Applicants are encountering frustrating account issues, with some finding their previous progress erased, while others are blocked from receiving grants due to a strict insurance requirement.
Account Access Woes Plague Applicants
Many homeowners are experiencing technical difficulties with the MSFH program’s online portal. Aileen Flanagan, a Jensen Beach resident, reported that her account, which contained her application for an initial inspection and grant, inexplicably disappeared. Despite having completed an inspection last year, she is now unable to access her information, leaving her uncertain whether she needs to restart the entire application process when the program reopens in August.
Grant Eligibility Blocked by Insurance Rule
Another major challenge for applicants is a specific grant rule: homes must have an insured value of $700,000 or less to qualify for a grant. This requirement is proving to be a significant barrier for some homeowners, like Mark Test of Wellington, who had to drop wind coverage due to high premiums. Test, who wishes to replace his roof and doors to fortify his home, questions the relevance of an insurance requirement for a program focused on home hardening.
Key Takeaways
- The My Safe Florida Home program is set to restart in August with new funding.
- Applicants are reporting issues with lost account data and inability to access previous applications.
- A rule requiring homes to have an insured value of $700,000 or less is preventing some homeowners from receiving grants.
- Low-income homeowners are exempt from the insured value requirement and do not need to provide a matching amount for grants.
- The program offers free hurricane mitigation inspections and matching grants up to $10,000 for approved home improvements.
Program Details and Future Outlook
The MSFH program, which received an additional $280 million in funding this year, aims to provide matching hurricane mitigation grants to eligible homeowners. These grants cover two-thirds of the total project cost, up to a maximum state contribution of $10,000. Low-income homeowners are eligible for grants up to $10,000 without a matching requirement and are exempt from the insured value cap. While lawmakers have discussed potential changes, such as requiring guaranteed premium reductions for grant recipients, the current rules are expected to remain in place until the next legislative session. Homeowners are encouraged to visit the MSFH website for updated eligibility criteria and information.
Sources
- This rule can block some My Safe Florida Home applicants, WPTV.
- My Safe Florida Home Program Updates, | Florida Realtors.
- My Safe Florida Home applicant ‘at a loss right now.’ Here’s why, WPTV.