Exciting Updates to the My Safe Florida Home Program
The My Safe Florida Home Program has undergone significant changes that make it easier for homeowners to safeguard their properties against storms and potentially lower their insurance premiums. These updates, effective July 1, bring more flexibility and access to funding for homeowners across the state. Here's what you need to know about the recent developments:
Increased Funding and Accessibility
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced an additional $200 million allocated to the My Safe Florida Home Program in the recent legislative session. This boost in funding is accompanied by several key changes aimed at improving the program's accessibility for property owners.
Key Changes to the Program
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Freedom to Choose Any State-Certified Contractor:
- Homeowners can now select any contractor certified by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to perform retrofit upgrades on their homes. This change eliminates the need to rely on the current contractor list maintained by the program, which will be discontinued on July 1, 2024. This move is expected to foster competition and lead to better pricing for homeowners.
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Direct Distribution of Funds:
- To streamline the reimbursement process, all grant dollars will be paid directly to Florida homeowners. This includes grants for low-income residents, allowing them to manage and distribute the funds themselves. This consolidation of the reimbursement process aims to simplify and standardize the distribution of funds.
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Prioritized Application Process:
- A new tiered application process will be implemented to prioritize grants for low- and moderate-income Floridians, especially those aged sixty and older. This approach ensures that the most vulnerable populations receive the assistance they need in a timely manner.
Resources Available
The DFS has released a video outlining these program updates and a concise one-page document explaining the changes in detail. Homeowners are encouraged to review these resources to fully understand how the updates might benefit them.
With these enhancements, the My Safe Florida Home Program continues to support Floridians in making their homes safer and more resilient against storms, while also providing financial relief through potential insurance premium reductions.
Take Action Today!
Don't wait to protect your home and take advantage of these new opportunities! Visit the official My Safe Florida Home Program to learn more and apply for grants. Secure your home, reduce your insurance premiums, and gain peace of mind knowing you're prepared for the next storm season.
Stay informed and take advantage of these opportunities to protect your home and family.
For more information and to access the resources, visit the official My Safe Florida Home Program website.