Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget includes $600 million for the My Safe Florida Home and Condo grant programs, aimed at strengthening homes against hurricanes and reducing property insurance costs.

Of the nearly $600 million allocated for homeowners, $480 million would assist approximately 45,000 homeowners who have completed inspections and are awaiting funding to move forward with improvements. Another $109 million would fund around 10,000 new inspections to help additional homeowners begin the process.

Condo owners would receive $30 million under the proposal. The pilot program, launched late last year, quickly exhausted its initial funding.

Greg Wickham, President of the Land’s End Community Association in Treasure Island, began preparing for the program in early 2024. He and fellow residents gathered the necessary documents in anticipation of the application window. When the application period quietly opened in September or October, they acted immediately.

“We were quickly notified that funds had already been depleted,” Wickham said. “A few of our residents got in, but many others did not. We were told to wait for a state representative to assess the property, but we’re still waiting.”

Despite the delay, Wickham is encouraged by the renewed funding push in the 2024 legislative session.

“There are others in even worse shape than us,” he said. “If this funding helps them, it’s a good thing.”

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