Lawmakers are expected to review the governor’s request for the program, a Florida Realtors' legislative priority, during the session beginning March 4.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Who knew? A lot of Floridians, it turns out, would like some free government money to harden their homes.
Since the state’s My Safe Florida Home grant program was revived in 2022, about 29,000 homeowners have received up to $10,000 each to strengthen or replace their roofs or to install impact-resistant doors, windows or storm shutters.
But the application portal has been closed since July 17 of last year, leaving about 45,000 applicants on a waiting list after undergoing free windstorm mitigation inspections.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking the state Legislature to fund grants to clear that waiting list so fresh applicants can line up this year.
DeSantis’ 2025-26 budget request seeks $590 million in additional funding for the popular program. If approved, it would be the largest single-year outlay since the program was revived. Of the total, $480 million would be earmarked for homeowners on the waiting list and another $109 million would fund grants for 10,000 new applicants.
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