News & Media
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The My Safe Florida Condo initiative officially launched this week, offering free inspections and grant funding for wind mitigation improvements to help eligible condominium associations strengthen their properties against hurricanes.
The program, similar to the successful My Safe Florida Home program but limited in scope due to its initial pilot phase, will have the added benefit of potentially lowering wind insurance premiums. Both programs were Florida Realtors®’ 2024 legislative priorities.
Under the pilot program, eligible condominium associations will receive a free initial inspection to identify existing hurricane-resistant features of their properties and potential recommendations for approved improvements. Eligible condominium associations can apply for a mitigation grant to implement the improvements recommended in their initial inspection.
In addition, the following mitigation projects are authorized by the program:
- Opening protection, including exterior doors, garage doors, windows and skylights
- Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections
- Improving the strength of roof-deck attachments
- Secondary water resistance for roof
Condominium associations must be within 15 miles of the coastline to be eligible, and the maximum grant contribution per association is limited to $175,000. The grants are matched based on $1 provided by the association for every $2 provided by the program.
Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Nothing is more important than investing in the safety and security of Floridians, especially when it comes to hurricanes. I have witnessed storm devastation up close and have served countless victims of Hurricanes Helene, Milton and many others — I am fully committed to helping Floridians however I can.
The My Safe Florida Condo pilot program is a first step to helping Florida’s condo community in the same ways that we have been able to help tens of thousands of homeowners through the My Safe Florida Home program. Ultimately, what we learn from My Safe Florida Condo will help determine the future of the pilot program going forward.”
The Florida Legislature created the pilot program during the 2024 legislative session and provided $30 million in funding statewide. The Florida Department of Financial Services will oversee the program and provide, among other things, fiscal accountability, contract management and strategic leadership.
Learn more and apply at MySafeFLCondo.com.
© 2024 Florida Realtors®
