MAKE USE OF "MY SAFE FLORIDA CONDOMINIUM PILOT PROGRAM"!
An Opinion By Milena Macias, Esq.

Published July 15, 2025

It’s  summer – hurricanes, flash floods, heavy thunderstorms.   Danger lurks. 

The issue that presents itself is –   can you balance ways to reduce such danger and the cost into your already tight budget?   

And has your board and/or management company researched any way to make it easier and safer for you, or do they sit back and figure you will pay for it on your own dime – or use it as another way for “special assessments” to hit your pocketbook.

Well, for condominium owners in mandatory community associations here in Florida, some relief is available – the passage of HB 393.

It may be beneficial to remind your board (especially the ones who are always “taking care of business”), your CAM (whose replies to your email are slower than molasses) or the management company (who condones or promotes the actions of your CAM) for your association about the below.

And for homeowners (including those not in mandatory community associations) there is also help available.

Condominiums

If you are a member of a condominium owners association (“COA”), did you know that the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot program initiative is available to assist your association to protect your property? 

https://mysafeflcondo.com/#resources

• Eligibility.    If you association is located within the 15 miles from the coast (a/k/a the Program’s Service Area) your association is eligible (don’t worry the Program staff will confirm this during the eligibility review process) if your board (through a majority vote as stipulated in the Association’s bylaws)  consents.

• Free Inspection.  The website states: “Eligible condominium associations will receive a complimentary inspection to identify existing hurricane-resistant features of their buildings.” The inspection includes highlighting necessary recommendations for improvements to protect against hurricane winds in order to receive reductions in insurance premiums.

• Grant Funding: Additional money not coming out of your pocket is always a plus.    The website states:
  “Eligible associations can apply for grants to implement specific wind mitigation improvements identified in the free inspection report.”

And this may potentially reduce your Wind Insurance Premium.  What’s not to like?

Moreover, the website states:

“Opening protection, such as impact-rated windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and skylights; roof-related improvements, including reinforcing roof-to-wall connections, strengthening roof-deck attachments; adding secondary water resistance; or replacing the roof covering. Improvements must be recommended in the mitigation inspection report and result in a mitigation credit, discount, or other rate differential on the building’s insurance policy.”

And reimbursement grants with a 2-to-1 state match. The website states:

“For every $1 your association spends, the state contributes $2, up to a total maximum state contribution of $175,000 per condominium association.”

Phew!   If it were me, lowering special assessments on this issue – up to $175,000.00 for an association should be met with “sign us up -- here we come!”

The complete instructions are found at:

https://mysafeflcondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Form-DFS-O1-009-Condominium-Association-Guide_English.pdf.

In Spanish,  instructions can be found in

https://mysafeflcondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/4a.-Form-DFS-O1-009-Condominium-Association-Guide-Spanish.pdf

In Creole:
https://mysafeflcondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Form-DFS-O1-009-Condominium-Association-Guide-Haitian-Creole.pdf

Homeowners

Applications for the My Safe Florida Program for homeowners start on August 4^th, 2025.  

https://mysafeflhome.com/

          The Program allows homeowners to apply for grants to strengthen roof to deck attachment, reinforcement of roof to wall connections, installation of secondary water resistance for roof and opening protection window upgrades and exterior door and upgrades (including garage doors.

The Program is designed for homeowners who are considered:

1.      Low Income Homeowners who are 60 and over as determined by HUD. 

2.      Low-income Homeowners.

3.      Moderate income homeowners aged 60 and over.

4.      Moderate income owners of any age.

Both homeowners in mandatory community associations (as well as homeowners in non-mandatory associations) are eligible if:

·    Are they the owners of a single-family, detached residential property or a townhouse as listed on the Property Appraiser’s website?*

• Is the property your primary residence (not rented or leased)?

• Is there a current homestead exemption on this property?

• The property has an insured value of $700,000 or less.

• The property was constructed prior to January 1, 2008.

• You must be willing to find an appropriately licensed Florida Contractor to complete the work if approved.

• You are able to provide documentation of the homeowners insurance premiums to the Program.

The Program is designed for first come, first served, so if you are eligible, don’t forget to apply.

Please don’t forget to tell your friends and neighbors about these programs.    

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