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FLORIDA - Governor Ron DeSantis announced plans to significantly increase funding for the 'My Safe Florida Home' program to enhance hurricane preparedness for Florida residents during a press conference on Wednesday.
Speaking at Florida International University's Wall of Wind research lab, Governor DeSantis emphasized his commitment to eliminating the current backlog of applicants awaiting assistance.
He stated, "Before next hurricane season, I'd love to get everybody off the waitlist who is now on the waitlist and approved."
The governor expressed his initial desire to allocate additional funds during the recent special legislative session.
However, lawmakers preferred to address the funding during the regular session scheduled for March.
In his forthcoming budget proposal, Governor DeSantis is advocating for an infusion of approximately $600 million into the program.
This proposal includes the introduction of a pilot initiative named 'My Safe Florida Condo' aimed at extending support to condominium owners.
Currently, numerous homeowners are awaiting final approvals to receive grants, which can be as much as $10,000, for storm-related home improvements.
Additionally, about 50,000 homeowners have completed their initial inspections and are pending new funding to commence their grant applications.
If the legislature approves the proposed funding this spring, the new funds are expected to become available with the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
The 'My Safe Florida Home' program has experienced high demand in the past.
After reopening on July 1, 2024, with an additional $200 million in funding, the program exhausted its resources for new inspections within just 10 days, leading to a pause in new applications.
For more information on the 'My Safe Florida Home' program and updates on application availability, homeowners are encouraged to visit the official program website.
