First checks cut for My Safe Florida Home program
 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – April 2, 2007 – Florida officials say they’ve cut the first checks for a handful of residents who strengthened their home’s storm preparedness under the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program.

It’s a drop in the bucket – only $30,000 to 10 homeowners in five counties – but more checks will be sent during this phase of the program. The homeowners, who received free wind inspections during the pilot phase of the program, are being reimbursed for half the cost of a variety of home improvements, including hurricane shutters, reinforced garage doors and roof enhancements.

More than 4,000 homeowners who participated in the pilot phase of the program have applied for matching grants from the MSFH program. These homeowners are currently working with licensed contractors approved by the MSFH program and making recommended improvements to their homes. Once the work has been completed, the state will reimburse the homeowners for 50 percent of the actual cost of the improvements, up to $5,000.

 “It is my goal to increase awareness about the financial and safety incentives available to homeowners that choose to mitigate their homes and better protect their families,” says Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services.

The MSFH program offers eligible homeowners a free home inspection by trained and qualified hurricane mitigation inspectors. Homeowners who have received these inspections also have the opportunity to apply for a matching grant of up to $5,000 to make recommended improvements.

During the MSFH program’s 2006 pilot phase, more than 14,000 free wind inspections were conducted in 17 counties. Along with an inspection report, the 14,000 homeowners received a grant application to apply for matching funds, and the department received applications from more than 4,000 homeowners to date.

The MSFH program is currently on hiatus but Sink says it will resume statewide. For more information, visit the MSFH Web site at http://www.mysafefloridahome.com
 

© 2007 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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