The Florida program that offered free home inspections and up to $10,000 for home improvements and upgrades has now run out of money.
In less than two weeks, from July 1st through July 12th, the ‘My Safe Florida Home’ program churned through its allocated funding for 2024.
The state program was so popular that Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $200 million for the new fiscal year. Homeowner demand became overwhelming, and within 10 days, the funds were completely spent.
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The My Safe Florida Home website said the money set aside for it this year is gone, and nothing more can be done for new applicants applying for new home inspections.
“With the popularity of the program, new funding for initial inspections has been exhausted,” The site reads. “As a result, only the initial inspection applications process has been paused. The remaining funds will be utilized for home hardening grants and final inspections. If your home has already been inspected, you may apply for a grant based on the timeline outlined by the Legislature. The My Safe Florida Home program remains fully operational for grant applicants who have completed their initial inspection.”
Florida homeowners who applied for a grant last year and were eligible may also have to wait until next year, when new funding is approved.
Some are asking if $200 million was enough. Insurance analysts tell Florida Daily, that while that amount sounds like a lot, it really isn’t when you compare it to the number of consumers who are requesting help.
Analysts point out that the state granted $200 million, but that amount only covers 15,000 or 20,000 Floridians, and in the state, there are over 7.5 million property insurance policies.
One state government worker told Florida Daily that the system is so overloaded with requests that there is no telling which groups’ claims will be processed when all applications are reviewed by the state.
State officials have encouraged consumers not to give up and continue to keep checking the My Safe Florida Home website for updates on funding for next year.
As of now, the current funds will be allocated for home hardening grants and final inspections.
Insurance consultants tell Florida consumers to keep their homes up to date and stormproof and advise them to check with their local governments about possible local funding programs.
- The My Safe Florida Home Condo Pilot program was appropriated $30 million and is expected to launch in Fall 2024. Click here for more information.
- Click here to stay tuned for more information on future funding timelines.
- Click here for answers to additional frequently asked questions about recent changes.
