Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis and the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) launched the “My Safe Florida Condo” pilot program, a new initiative that helps condominium associations strengthen their properties against hurricanes.
The pilot program supports eligible condominium associations by providing free inspections and grant funding for wind mitigation improvements that have the added benefit of potentially lowering wind insurance premiums.
“My Safe Florida Condo” is similar to the widely successful “My Safe Florida Home” program but is limited in scope at this time due to its initial pilot phase.
Click HERE to learn more and apply.
“Nothing is more important than investing in the safety and security of Floridians, especially when it comes to hurricanes,” Patronis said.” 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 Department will oversee the program and provide, among other benefits, fiscal accountability, contract management and strategic leadership. 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 on the basis of $1 provided by the association for every $2 provided by the Program.
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.
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 may then apply for a mitigation grant to implement the improvements recommended in their Initial Inspection Report. Learn more and apply at MySafeFLCondo.com.
