Brenda Lyle – Florida Today
By Brenda Lyle
Q: How does the My Safe Florida Home program work?
A: Hurricane season is almost here and the My Safe Florida Home Program (MSFH) may be able to help you prepare. Administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services, the program helps Florida homeowners protect their properties from hurricane damage by offering free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants of up to $10,000 for upgrades like impact windows, roof reinforcements, and storm shutters. $280 million has been allocated for 2025-26, with priority given to low-income and older homeowners.
Seniors aged 60 and older are at the front of the line for assistance. Applicants must follow a multi-step process through the MSFH Participant Portal, which begins with creating an account and completing a prioritization questionnaire. Age and household income determine your placement group, with low-income seniors given highest priority, followed by those with moderate incomes.
Income limits vary by location. In Brevard County, the low-income limit is $55,950 for a one-person household and $63,950 for two people. Moderate-income limits are $83,925 for one person and $95,925 for two. These figures are based on data from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and local sources.
Low-income seniors may qualify for grants up to $10,000 with no personal match required. Moderate-income seniors receive a two-to-one match, meaning the state contributes $2 for every $1 the homeowner spends, up to the same $10,000 cap.
The next step is to apply for a free wind-mitigation inspection from a licensed Florida inspector, to assess your property’s ability to withstand hurricane conditions. Afterwards, you’ll receive a report in your portal outlining recommended improvements—such as impact-resistant windows or roof upgrades—and an estimate of your grant eligibility. Gather estimates from licensed contractors after receiving your initial wind mitigation inspection report and before submitting your formal grant application.
Access the grant application through the portal and identify the Florida state-certified contractor you have chosen (and their license number). Be diligent, as applications are accepted during specific windows, and funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If your application is approved, you will receive an official grant approval letter. No contracts should be signed or work begun beforehand. Once approved, your contractor can complete the recommended improvements on your inspection report.
After all work is finished and permits are closed, request a final inspection through the portal. This step verifies that the improvements were completed as required. To receive reimbursement, submit a draw request, including proof of payment and final documentation.
For more, visit www.MySafeFLhome.com. And for hurricane preparedness, consider the special event on May 27 at One Senior Place in Viera, with National Weather Service representatives, Brevard Fire/Rescue and Nurse Care Management. RSVP to 321-751-6771.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
