Newly created Florida Statute 215.5587 establishes the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program- a grant program to help condominiums within 15 miles inward from the coastline offset the cost of certain building improvement projects to strengthen their buildings against hurricanes. The grant program was funded by a thirty-million-dollar appropriation, with a maximum grant of $175,000.00 per association. There are additional funding limits. Roofing projects are limited to $11.00 per square foot multiplied by the square footage of the replacement roof, not to exceed $1,000 per unit, with a maximum grant award of 50 percent of the cost of the roofing project. Window and door replacement projects are limited to $750.00 per window or door, with a maximum grant of $1,500.00 per unit.
Any grant application for improvements to a building must be supported by a hurricane mitigation report finding the requested building improvements necessary to reduce the property’s vulnerability to hurricane damage. The mitigation report must also: 1.) recommend the specific improvements requested in the grant application; 2.) give a range of cost estimates for the improvements; and 3.) include information about expected insurance premium reduction for completion of the mitigation projects.
The grant program is not yet accepting applications. Florida’s Department of Financial Services’ website reports that the grant program will not be “publicly available for use” until the Fall of 2024. At that time, the DFS website will be updated to contain instructions, applications, and statutorily required disclosure forms. Funds are limited and the process is expected to be very competitive. Once the disclosure forms and applications become available, it is imperative any interested Association move quickly to complete the application process.
