This week, state Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis highlighted the Florida Home Hardening Initiative, a two-year sales tax exemption on the retail sales of items like impact-resistant windows, doors and garage doors.
Championed by Patronis and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax exemption allows Florida homeowners to harden their homes against storms while making them eligible to save money on their insurance premiums.
At a press conference in Tampa this week, Patronis was joined by representatives of PGT Innovations, a Florida-based manufacturer of impact-resistant building products.
“I made it my priority this legislative session to use every tool in the toolbox to help insurance consumers lower their premiums and combat rising insurance rates in our state. Starting in July, Floridians will be able to harden their home against storms while saving tax dollars with the Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption initiative. This is a historic $462 million tax savings plan to help Floridians strengthen their homes by installing impact-resistant items like windows, doors, and garage doors that will make them eligible for insurance premium savings. Unfortunately, Mother Nature loves paradise, and in Florida it’s not if, but when a hurricane is going to make its way to our state. That’s why I encourage all Floridians to use this program to protect your biggest investment – your home. Thank you to Governor DeSantis for approving this tax exemption to protect Florida homes and thanks to PGT Innovations, a Florida-based company working to provide impact-resistant products to keep Floridians safe,” Patronis said.
During the special session on insurance reform, the Legislature also provided $150 million in funding for the My Safe Florida Home grant program. That’s up to $10,000 per home for Floridians to make storm improvements. Combined with the CFO’s priority Home Hardening Tax Savings Initiative, that’s more than $612 million in consumer relief, a remarkable amount of savings for Florida consumers to shield their homes from storms.
Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier said, “Living in Florida, storms are just a fact of life and the Home Hardening Tax Exemption initiative is a tremendous way for Florida consumers to protect their home against storms while saving money on their insurance premiums. Once the necessary wind-storm mitigation products are installed on your home and an inspection is complete, it’s required that you receive a discount from your insurance company. This is a great way to save money while protecting your home. Thank you to Governor DeSantis for signing this legislation and to CFO Patronis for championing this initiative to help Floridians harden their home.”
Insurance Consumer Advocate Tasha Carter said, “Florida insurance consumers are looking for premium relief and there is no better way to protect your home while saving money then investing in home hardening. By saving on impact resistant items like doors, windows, and garage doors, you are fortifying your home and lowering your insurance premiums at the same time. I encourage every Florida homeowner to take advantage of this initiative starting July 1st. Thank you to CFO Patronis for advocating for this tremendous tax savings to allow Floridians to protect their biggest asset.”
CEO and President, PGT Innovations Jeffrey Jackson said, “Thank you to CFO Jimmy Patronis for joining us in Tampa today to highlight this amazing tax savings initiative and how important it is to harden your home against storms. PGT Innovations is committed to providing home hardening solutions so Floridians can protect their home from storms. We are a proud Florida-based company, with a goal of helping all Floridians fortify their home so more families are prepared for the next storm that strikes our state.”
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