TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Condo owners in Florida can now get free inspections and grant funding through a new pilot program aimed at helping them strengthen their properties against hurricanes.
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Florida Department of Financial Services announced the launch of the “My Safe Florida Condo” pilot Thursday.
“Nothing is more important than investing in the safety and security of Floridians, especially when it comes to hurricanes,” Patronis said. “I have witnessed storm devastation up close and have served countless victims of Hurricanes Helene, Milton and many others — I am fully committed to helping Floridians however I can.”
Under the pilot program, eligible condominium associations will receive a free initial inspection to identify existing hurricane-resistant features of their properties and potential recommendations for improvements.
Owners may then apply for a mitigation grant to implement the recommended improvements, officials said. The following mitigation projects are authorized by the program:
- Opening protection, including exterior doors, garage doors, windows and skylights
- Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections
- Improving the strength of roof-deck attachments
- Secondary water resistance for roof
In addition to making properties safer, officials said the program may also help lower costs, with the added benefit of potentially lowering wind insurance premiums.
The Florida Legislature created the “My Safe Florida Condo” pilot program during the 2024 legislative session and provided $30 million in funding statewide.
According to Patronis, the program bears similarities to the “My Safe Florida Home” program, which offers homeowners inspections and grants to strengthen their houses. However, the “My Safe Florida Condo” program is limited in scope at this time due to its initial pilot phase.
“The ‘My Safe Florida Condo’ pilot program is a first step to helping Florida’s condo community in the same ways that we have been able to help tens of thousands of homeowners through the ‘My Safe Florida Home’ program,” Patronis said. “Ultimately, what we learn from ‘My Safe Florida Condo’ will help determine the future of the pilot program going forward.”
Condominium associations must be within 15 miles of the coastline to be eligible for the pilot program. The maximum grant contribution per association is limited to $175,000.
To find our more information or apply, visit MySafeFLCondo.com.
