For Immediate Release: Monday, November 21, 2022
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

DFS Announces Launch of the My Safe Florida Home Program

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced the launch of the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program and the opening of the application process for free wind mitigation home inspections and up to $10,000 in storm mitigation grants for Florida homeowners. In October, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis directed the program to be expedited during the procurement process for home inspectors to ensure Floridians can fortify their homes quickly and obtain premium reductions as soon as possible. The agency conducted a soft-launch earlier in the month, and the agency has already received over 400 applications by homeowners for inspections. DFS encourages Floridians to take advantage of the home mitigation grant program to harden their home against storms and help lower their property insurance premiums through mandatory storm mitigation discounts.

What is the My Safe Florida Home Program?

The My Safe Florida Home Program, passed by the Florida Legislature in 2022, will provide eligible Florida homeowners the ability to obtain free home inspections that would identify storm mitigation measures and provide grants to retrofit homes, hardening properties from storm damage and helping decrease the cost of residential property insurance in the state.

The My Safe Florida Homes Program consist of two primary components:

·         Wind Mitigation Home Inspections. All owners of site-built, single family, residential homes are eligible to make application for a wind mitigation home inspection. This inspection will identify those elements of your home’s construction which could be improved to mitigate your home against future wind damage. All inspections will be provided to eligible homeowners free of charge by the State. Applications will be reviewed and approved in the order in which they are received, until current funding is exhausted. (DFS anticipates completing between 140,000 and 145,000 initial home inspections.)

·         Wind Mitigation Grant awards for home construction. Homeowners who have received a wind mitigation inspection, may be eligible to apply for matching grant funds to make improvements to their home. (DFS anticipates awarding between 11,000 and 12,000 grants based on current funding.)

The Legislature has authorized DFS to provide a matching grant to eligible homeowners up to $10,000 for the actual cost of qualifying home hurricane mitigation projects. The program will provide $2 in grant funds for every $1 the homeowner provides. To receive the maximum grant amount, homeowners must provide $5,000 of their own funds toward the project. For more information, please click here.

How do I apply for the program?

Eligible Florida homeowners can start the My Safe Florida Home application process by visiting HERE.

Before you apply, homeowners should familiarize themselves with the eligibility requirements and begin collecting the required documentation to make the application process go smoothly. Click here for full eligibility information.

How do I apply to become a MSFH approved contractor?

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.

Contractors interested in participating in the MSFH Program and be added to the list of approved contractors, should follow instructions found HERE.

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis  
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).