Mitigation Grants Showing up in Florida Mailboxes

The My Safe Florida Home program mailed 10 mitigation grants totaling almost $30,000 to Florida homeowners from five counties who hardened their homes against hurricanes per the program stipulations, according to officials.

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 state and are 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.

The MSFH program helps Floridians identify how they can strengthen their homes and reduces the overall potential for hurricane damage. To achieve this goal, the 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, these 14,000 homeowners received a grant application to apply for matching funds, and the department has received applications from more than 4,000 homeowners to date.

Source: www.fldfs.com