Governor Ron DeSantis aims to extend the benefits of the “My Safe Florida Home” program, which helps homeowners strengthen their properties against storms. As the 2025 legislative session begins in Tallahassee, discussions around securing additional funding for the program have resurfaced.

“We recently proposed in the special session for the legislature to fund the folks that are on the waitlist. That did not happen. We still think that needs to be done,” DeSantis stated.

The My Safe Florida Home and My Safe Florida Condominium programs remain highly popular, prompting lawmakers across the state, including those in Tampa Bay, to push for their expansion.

In the first week of the legislative session, 15 bills were introduced to enhance these programs. Among them, State Representative Lindsay Cross (D-St. Petersburg) is renewing efforts to include flood mitigation grants.

“I think it’s really important that we, as a state, invest in our residents and ensure they can continue living in safe homes. It’s heartbreaking to see people lose their belongings and memories to hurricanes,” Cross said. “We want to build more resilient communities, and this is a step toward that goal.”

Amid the legislative efforts, DeSantis has proposed allocating $600 million from the state budget to support home and condo grant initiatives. This follows consecutive years of funding shortages for the My Safe Florida Home program.

“We have homeowners who completed inspections, qualified for grants, and are now stuck waiting because the program ran out of money,” DeSantis explained. “We are funding the waitlist and ensuring $100 million in recurring funds moving forward.”

However, as enthusiasm for the program grows, so do concerns about ongoing funding challenges.

“Can we meet total demand? Maybe not, because demand is likely unlimited,” DeSantis acknowledged. “But we want to ensure those already on the waitlist get the help they need.”.

State Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland) emphasized the need for balance when asked whether current funding efforts are sufficient.

“There’s always room for more funding, but we also have to ensure we’re not overextending our budget,” Hunschofsky said. “We’d love to see more funding, but we must weigh this program’s needs against other statewide priorities.”

Hunschofsky is sponsoring legislation to improve access to the My Safe Florida Condo program.

With multiple bills now on the table, homeowners may soon gain better access to grant funding. But with past shortages in mind, the question remains—how long will the money last?

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