July 8, 2024, WFLA-TV, Tampa – “There’s not going to be enough money for every Floridian,” said Lisa Miller, an insurance consultant with Lisa Miller and Associates. “$200 million will go quickly. That’s about 20,000 at $10,000 – a maximum of $10,000. Apply early and try to get in the program.” (Original story location, including video version: https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/confusing-and-frustrating-some-homeowners-left-waiting-after-applying-to-florida-property-insurance-program/)
TAMPA, Fla. – Florida is spending big money on a program that promises to bring down property insurance premiums.
Some saw the benefits, but others say they were stuck on a waiting list.
The state allocated an additional $200 million for this year’s program, but there’s still concern there won’t be enough to meet the demand.
“The My Safe Florida Home program has been a huge success, helping thousands of Floridians harden their homes against hurricanes and storms while saving on insurance,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis in a statement. “This funding will benefit nearly 20,000 Floridians, prioritizing seniors and low-income homeowners to ensure those who need it most have access to these home hardening grants.”
Right now, homeowners who are seniors and considered low-income can apply for the “My Safe Florida Home” program.
It offers free home inspections and up to $10,000 for home improvements and upgrades.
However, several critics of the program are concerned that they could face another year of disappointment if there isn’t enough funding to meet the demand.
Joe Fabrizio says he’s still left in limbo.
“The purpose of doing this was to help us secure our homes and make them a little safer,” said Joe Fabrizio. “There was no direction on whether that was just going to stay in a queue or if I had to reapply or what was going to happen. I didn’t receive anything. There was no money left, according to what they told me, so I was not funded.”
His home in St. Petersburg was inspected through the program last year, but he was put on the waiting list when the funding was depleted.
“It’s confusing and frustrating because you don’t know where you stand,” said Fabrizio. “It’s the second go around and I’m still sort of in the same point I was after the first go around.”
In a statement, the Chief Financial Officer’s office wrote:
All grant applications received were approved last fall. No one who applied for a grant was left unfunded. However, there were several thousand who had completed their initial home inspection but were unable to submit a grant application because the application portal was closed. It’s important to note that an application for an inspection is not and application for a grant. These are two different applications per statute.
“There’s not going to be enough money for every Floridian,” said Lisa Miller, an insurance consultant with Lisa Miller and Associates. “$200 million will go quickly. That’s about 20,000 at $10,000 – a maximum of $10,000. Apply early and try to get in the program.”
According to the My Safe Florida Home website, new funding for the program will be tied to new prioritization requirements as enacted by the Legislature. Applications will be accepted and prioritized in 15-day increments:
- Grant Group 1 – Low-income homeowners age 60+ – July 1 – July 15
- Grant Group 2 – Low-income homeowners of any age – July 16 – 30
- Grant Group 3 – Moderate-income homeowners age 60+ – July 31 – Aug. 14
- Grant Group 4 – Moderate-income homeowners of any age – Aug. 15 – 30
- Grant Group 5 – All other eligible Florida homeowners – Aug. 31
Once all funds are awarded, the portal will close and will not accept any additional applications until additional funding is provided.
For more information, please visit MySafeFLHomes.com.
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