As a homeowner in Florida, you know how important it is to protect your property from the effects of severe weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at the My Safe Florida Home program, a state-funded initiative that provides eligible homeowners with free wind inspections and matching grants of up to $10,000 for qualified home improvements.
Here’s what you need to know about the program and how it can benefit you.
What is the My Safe Florida Home program?
My Safe Florida Home is a state-funded program designed to help Florida homeowners better protect their homes from the damaging effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. The program provides free wind inspections to eligible homeowners and offers matching grants of up to $10,000 for qualified home improvements that can help reduce the risk of damage from high winds.
THE PROGRAM WAS CREATED TO STRENGTHEN FLORIDA HOMES AGAINST HURRICANES AND SAVE FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS MONEY.
- You may be eligible to apply for $2 in state grant money* for every $1 you spend on eligible home strength improvements (*up to $10,000, the home must be located in designated wind-borne regions).
- NO state sales tax (6%) on retail purchases of impact-resistant doors, impact-resistant garage doors and impact-resistant windows from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.
- Potentially lower your home insurance premiums by participating in the program.
How does the program work?
The first step in participating in the My Safe Florida Home program is to request a free wind inspection from the program’s certified wind inspectors. During the inspection, the inspector will evaluate your home’s current wind resistance and make recommendations for improvements that can help strengthen your home’s ability to withstand high winds.
If your home is deemed eligible for the program, you may apply for a matching grant of up to $15,000 to make qualified home improvements. Examples of eligible improvements include installing hurricane shutters, reinforcing roof-to-wall connections, and upgrading your roof’s shingles or tiles.
To receive the matching grant, you must hire a contractor who is licensed and insured in Florida and who has been approved by the My Safe Florida Home program. Once the work is completed, you will need to provide documentation to the program showing that the work has been done in accordance with the program’s guidelines.
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
By participating in the My Safe Florida Home program, you can enjoy several benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of hurricane and tropical storm damage: By making qualified home improvements, you can strengthen your home’s ability to withstand high winds and reduce the risk of damage from hurricanes and tropical storms with roof, door, and window replacements.
- Lower insurance premiums: Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who have made qualified home improvements through the My Safe Florida Home program, which can help lower your insurance premiums.
- Increased home value: By making improvements that increase your home’s resistance to wind damage, you can increase your home’s overall value and appeal to potential buyers.
How can Firstline Roofing help?
As an approved My Safe Florida Home contractor serving Florida homeowners, Firstline Roofing is well-versed in the requirements and guidelines of the My Safe Florida Home program. We can work with you to schedule a free wind inspection and provide recommendations for qualified home improvements that can help strengthen your home’s ability to withstand high winds.
We can also help you navigate the process of applying for the matching grant and ensure that any improvements we make to your home are done in accordance with the program’s guidelines. By partnering with Firstline Roofing, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected against the damaging effects of hurricanes and tropical storms.
To learn more about the My Safe Florida Home program and how Firstline Roofing can help, contact us today!
Firstline Roofing is a State Certified Roofing Contractor & Certified General Contractor specializing in Residential Roofing & Commercial Roofing.