Florida homeowners may be able to receive up to $10,000 through the My Safe Florida Home Program to make qualifying hurricane mitigation improvements recommended by a program inspection.
As of August 2026, the My Safe Florida Home Program is accepting applications, subject to prioritization requirements and available funding.
The program provides eligible homeowners with hurricane mitigation inspections and grant funding for specific improvements that can make a home more resistant to hurricane damage.
For homeowners considering impact windows, hurricane shutters or impact rated exterior doors, the program can potentially offset a significant portion of the project cost. However, receiving an inspection does not automatically mean you qualify for grant funding, and only improvements specifically recommended in your My Safe Florida Home inspection report can be funded.
Mr. Build has served homeowners in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice and surrounding Gulf Coast communities since 1976. Our team installs impact windows, hurricane rated doors and storm protection systems that can satisfy eligible opening protection recommendations when they meet the requirements listed in your MSFH inspection report.
The My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) Program is administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services. It provides free hurricane mitigation inspections for eligible homeowners and grant funding to help pay for specific hurricane protection improvements recommended by the inspection.
The inspection evaluates the hurricane resistant features already present in your home and identifies improvements that may make the property more resistant to storm damage. If eligible improvements are recommended, qualifying homeowners may then apply for grant funding to help complete them.
This is not a loan. Grant funding is used for approved improvements that are verified through the program’s inspection process.
The program has separate eligibility requirements for the hurricane mitigation inspection and the grant itself. Qualifying for an inspection does not automatically mean you qualify for grant funding.
To qualify for a hurricane mitigation inspection:
To qualify for grant funding, the applicant must also meet the current grant requirements, including:
Properties that do not qualify for the standard inspection program include, mobile and manufactured homes, multi-family properties such as apartments, duplexes and triplexes, second homes, vacation homes and rental properties.
Condominiums do not qualify under the standard My Safe Florida Home Program. Florida operates a separate My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program for qualifying condominium associations.
⚠ Receiving a hurricane mitigation inspection does not guarantee grant approval. Grant funding can only be used for eligible improvements recommended by the initial MSFH inspection, and applicants must meet the program’s additional grant requirements.
There are two types of grants under the My Safe Florida Home Program: a Matching Grant for qualifying moderate-income homeowners and a Low-Income Grant. Both provide up to $10,000 in state funding, but the homeowner contribution is different.
For qualifying moderate-income homeowners, the state provides $2 for every $1 the homeowner contributes toward eligible improvements, up to a maximum state contribution of $10,000.
To receive the full $10,000 grant, an eligible project would need to cost at least $15,000. The homeowner would contribute $5,000, and the state would contribute up to $10,000.
If the eligible project costs less, the same 2-to-1 matching structure applies. Matching Grant recipients must pay for the completed work and submit a paid-in-full invoice as part of the Draw Request process before reimbursement.
Qualifying low-income homeowners may receive up to $10,000 toward the actual cost of eligible improvements without providing matching funds.
Unlike Matching Grant recipients, low-income homeowners are not required to pay the full project cost upfront or submit a paid-in-full invoice with the Draw Request.
Low-income applicants must still meet the program’s other grant requirements, including the current $700,000 maximum insured dwelling value.
For income eligibility, the program generally defines low income as household income at or below 80% of the applicable median income and moderate income as household income below 120%. Homeowners should confirm their current income category through the My Safe Florida Home Program and its referenced HUD income limits.
Funding is limited and subject to legislative appropriations. Current law prioritizes applications in this order:
Application access is phased in at 15-day intervals between these groups. Homeowners should apply as soon as their eligibility group becomes available and confirm current funding status through the official My Safe Florida Home Applicant Portal.
The My Safe Florida Home Program funds four specific types of hurricane mitigation improvements. Only improvements recommended in your initial inspection report and verified during the final inspection are eligible for grant funding. You cannot simply choose an upgrade because you want it; the project must follow the recommendations in your inspection report.
Opening protection can include impact-rated windows, hurricane shutters, impact-rated exterior doors, garage doors, and qualifying skylights.
Only openings identified as eligible for improvement in your initial inspection report can receive grant funding. You do not necessarily have to replace every window or door, but any opening you choose to improve must be listed as eligible in the report.
⚠ If an opening already has compliant hurricane protection, the grant generally cannot be used simply to replace that protection with a different product. For example, if a window already has compliant hurricane shutters, the program will not reimburse you for replacing those shutters with an impact window.
Roof-to-wall attachments strengthen the connection between your home’s roof trusses or rafters and the walls, reducing the risk that the roof will lift away from the structure during high winds.
Depending on the home, these connections may sometimes be upgraded without replacing the roof. Contractors may access the connections through the attic, soffit area, or by removing a portion of the roof sheathing.
To qualify for the applicable windstorm mitigation credit, the upgraded attachment must be completed at every truss or rafter. New connectors must also meet the program’s installation and product requirements.
Roof deck attachment strengthens the connection between the roof sheathing and the trusses or rafters underneath it.
This can involve adding more nails, using longer nails, or correcting the nail spacing so the roof deck is better able to resist high winds. When a roof is installed under the current Florida Building Code, a licensed roofing contractor should install the roof deck fasteners using the required nail type and spacing.
Secondary Water Resistance helps reduce water intrusion if the roof covering is damaged during a hurricane.
Depending on the project, qualifying methods can include:
Not every underlayment method qualifies. Hot mop, tar, a single layer of felt, and peel-and-stick installed over another type of underlayment are examples of methods that are not eligible under current program guidance.
Sometimes, but a roof replacement by itself is not an eligible MSFH improvement.
If replacing the roof covering is necessary to complete a recommended roof-to-wall attachment, roof deck attachment, or Secondary Water Resistance improvement, the associated roof-covering replacement costs may qualify for grant funding.
When roof covering replacement is part of an eligible project, the entire pitched roof, entire flat roof, or both must be replaced as applicable. Roof patching and other partial roof repairs are not eligible for grant funding.
The free hurricane mitigation inspection is an important first step in the My Safe Florida Home Program. You must receive an eligible MSFH initial inspection before applying for grant funding, but the inspection can also provide useful information even if you do not ultimately receive a grant. Take note that a private wind mitigation inspection does not replace the Initial Inspection required by the program.
An inspector assigned through the MSFH Program evaluates the hurricane-resistant features already present in your home. This includes features such as your roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, roof geometry, secondary water resistance, and the protection provided for windows, doors, garage doors, and other openings.
The inspection is not a pass-or-fail test. Its purpose is to document your home’s existing hurricane mitigation features, identify areas that may need improvement, and determine which improvements may be eligible for funding through the program.
For a deeper explanation of what inspectors evaluate and how the results can affect insurance, read our wind mitigation inspection guide.
After the inspection, you should receive notification when your Initial Inspection Report is available. The report includes:
The OIR-B1-1802 is also important for homeowners insurance. It documents the wind mitigation features the inspector verified at your property and can be submitted to your insurance company to determine whether you qualify for available wind mitigation discounts.
You may already qualify for certain discounts based on features your home currently has, even before making any new improvements. If you later complete grant funded improvements, the Final Inspection Report can be submitted to your insurer again to request any additional discounts that may apply.
⚠ Receiving an inspection does not guarantee a grant or an insurance premium reduction. Grant eligibility depends on the recommendations in the Initial Inspection Report and the program’s other requirements, while insurance discounts are determined by your insurance company.
The My Safe Florida Home process starts with an inspection and then moves into the grant phase if your home, income, and recommended improvements qualify.
Create an account in the MSFH Applicant Portal and complete the Prioritization Questionnaire. Your household income, age, and property information determine your priority group and when you can apply for an inspection.
When your inspection application becomes available, submit it through the portal. If approved, an inspector assigned through the program will evaluate your home’s existing hurricane mitigation features.
Your Initial Inspection Report will identify any improvements that may qualify for grant funding.
If your inspection recommends eligible improvements and you meet the grant requirements, indicate your interest in receiving a grant through the portal.
When your Grant Application becomes available, you will select the recommended improvements you want to complete and provide your homeowners insurance and contractor information.
⚠ Do not begin mitigation work before your Grant Application is approved. Work completed before approval is not eligible for grant funding.
After grant approval, your licensed Florida contractor can complete the approved work.
The improvements must match the recommendations in your Initial Inspection Report and meet applicable building code and program requirements. Make sure all required permits and local inspections are completed and closed.
Once all approved work is complete, request the MSFH Final Inspection through the Applicant Portal.
The inspector verifies that the recommended improvements were completed. Under current 2026 law, construction must be finalized and the Final Inspection requested within 18 months of Grant Application approval.
Send the Final Inspection Report to your homeowners insurance company so it can determine whether the completed improvements qualify for additional wind mitigation discounts.
You must obtain the insurer’s response even if no additional discount is provided.
Return to the MSFH Applicant Portal and submit the Draw Request with the required contractor invoice, insurance response, and payment documentation.
Matching Grant recipients must provide proof that the contractor has been paid in full. Low-Income Grant recipients are not required to provide proof of full payment.
Once the Draw Request is approved, the program issues the grant payment to the homeowner.
Important: Grant funds can only be used for improvements recommended in the Initial Inspection Report and verified during the Final Inspection.
A few mistakes can prevent an otherwise eligible project from receiving grant funding.
Common mistakes include:
Homeowners may choose their own contractor, but the contractor must be properly licensed in Florida for the work being completed. The My Safe Florida Home Program does not select, recommend, or endorse contractors.
Before moving forward, confirm that:
Contractor licenses can be verified through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Using an improperly licensed contractor can make the completed work ineligible for grant funding.
If your MSFH inspection recommends opening protection, Mr. Build (link to new page) can review the recommended openings and provide an estimate for eligible impact windows, exterior doors, or storm protection options. Mr. Build has served Bradenton, Sarasota, and Florida’s Gulf Coast since 1976 and is a Florida Certified General Contractor, License #CGC1527282.
Bring your Initial Inspection Report when requesting an estimate so the recommended improvements can be reviewed alongside your project options and applicable permitting requirements.
Can I use a private wind mitigation inspection instead of the program's inspection?
No. Grant eligibility requires an Initial Inspection completed through the My Safe Florida Home Program. A private wind mitigation inspection completed for insurance or another purpose cannot replace the program’s required inspection.
How long does the My Safe Florida Home process take?
There is no standard timeline. Processing depends on your priority group, available funding, inspection scheduling, Grant Application review, contractor availability, construction, Final Inspection, and Draw Request processing. Check your MSFH Applicant Portal for current status.
Can I use the grant for just a few windows instead of replacing everything?
Yes. You can improve only certain openings if they are identified as eligible in your Initial Inspection Report. You do not have to replace every window or door. Openings that already have compliant hurricane protection generally cannot be upgraded with grant funds.
What happens if the inspector finds nothing to improve?
If your Initial Inspection Report includes no Recommended Improvements, you cannot continue to the grant phase. The report can still be useful for insurance purposes because it documents existing wind mitigation features your insurer may consider for applicable discounts.
How long do I have to complete the project after grant approval?
Under current 2026 law, you must complete construction and request your Final Inspection within 18 months after Grant Application approval. If you miss the deadline, your application may be considered abandoned and the reserved grant funds can return to the program.
Can impact windows or hurricane shutters lower my homeowners insurance?
They may. Qualifying impact windows, shutters, doors, and other mitigation features can make your home eligible for wind mitigation discounts. Your insurer determines whether a discount applies and how much it is. Savings are not guaranteed.
Is the My Safe Florida Home Grant taxable income?
Florida law states that MSFH grants are intended to be treated as disaster-relief assistance under Internal Revenue Code §139. Individual federal tax treatment can vary, so homeowners should consult a qualified tax professional about their specific situation.
If your My Safe Florida Home inspection recommends opening protection, the next step is understanding which windows, doors, or storm protection products fit those recommendations. Mr. Build has served homeowners in Bradenton, Sarasota, and Florida’s Gulf Coast since 1976. Our team installs impact windows, exterior doors, hurricane shutters, and other storm protection systems designed for Florida homes.
Bring your MSFH Initial Inspection Report when requesting an estimate so the recommended openings can be reviewed alongside your project options.
