The My Safe Florida Home program is expanding eligibility for hurricane-hardening assistance, with new grant opportunities set to open this month.

Low-income homeowners are now eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help cover upgrades such as impact-resistant windows, roofing reinforcements, and other safety measures.

St. Petersburg resident Michelle Adams calls herself a program “success story.” She applied in 2023 and received the maximum $10,000 toward a $50,000 project that replaced her windows and sliding doors with hurricane-rated glass.

“We were able to redo all of the sliders and the windows,” Adams told WFLA. “We got the full amount. Now, when a storm comes, we don’t have to put up shutters—we feel safer.”

This year, the Florida Legislature allocated $280 million for the program, prioritizing support for low-income and senior households. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications opening in phases:

• Aug. 4 – Low-income homeowners, age 60+
• Aug. 18 – All low-income homeowners
• Sept. 1 – Moderate-income homeowners, age 60+
• Sept. 15 – All moderate-income homeowners

Insurance experts say these improvements can also bring steep savings. Jake Holehouse, CEO of HH Insurance, explained that hurricane retrofits—such as clips, impact-resistant glass, and stronger roof fasteners—can reduce hurricane-related premiums by as much as 88%.

To qualify, applicants must own a home valued at $700,000 or less (low-income homeowners are exempt), built before 2008, and must undergo an initial inspection. Work must be completed by a licensed contractor, followed by a final inspection.

Applications are available at mysafeflhome.com.

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