Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has received a proposal to pump another $200 million into a home-hardening grant program designed to reduce property insurance costs.
The measure (SB 7028) was passed during the 2024 legislative session that ended last month.
During a November special legislative session, lawmakers steered $176.17 million to the popular My Safe Florida Home program to cover a backlog of 17,600 grant applications.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Highlights Funding For Land Conservation And Red Tide Mitigation
The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to help residents upgrade homes and qualify for property insurance discounts for residences valued up to $700,000.
A separate measure (HB 1029), also awaiting action by DeSantis, would create a pilot program that would allow condominium associations to be eligible for My Safe Florida inspections and grants.
Lawmakers in 2022 earmarked $215 million for the grants as they relaunched the program, which is administered by the state Department of Financial Services, to address the state’s property insurance problems.
Read: Florida AG Ashley Moody Jumps Into FSU-ACC Dispute
The program was initially created in 2006 but later became dormant.
As part of this year’s proposed increased funding for the program, the department would be prohibited from accepting applications or creating a waiting list when funding runs out. DeSantis has until May 7 to act on both bills.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.