Yes, this is real - and it could help you protect your home and save on insurance.
With hurricane season in full swing and insurance premiums at an all-time high, Florida has stepped in with a powerful resource that many homeowners still don’t know exists. On July 8th, Florida Realtors® announced that the state has allocated an additional $280 million to the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program for 2025–2026.
This state-backed program provides Florida homeowners with:
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Free hurricane mitigation inspections, and
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Up to $10,000 in matching grant funds to harden their homes against storm damage
If you're living in Southwest Florida - especially in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Naples, or nearby communities - this program could offer major peace of mind and long-term savings.
Let’s walk you through how it works, who qualifies, and why now’s the time to act.
🔍 What Is the My Safe Florida Home Program?
The My Safe Florida Home program was created to help homeowners make their properties more resistant to hurricane damage. It includes:
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A free inspection of your home’s current storm protection features
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A personalized list of recommended upgrades
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Access to state matching funds (up to $10,000) for eligible improvements
The ultimate goal? To make Florida homes safer and reduce long-term insurance costs for homeowners.
This isn’t new - but the recent $280 million in new funding means thousands more homeowners can now take advantage of it.
🛠️ What Kind of Upgrades Are Covered?
If your home qualifies, you could receive reimbursement for 2/3 of the cost (up to $10,000 total) for these types of storm-ready improvements:
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Impact-resistant windows and doors
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Hurricane-rated garage doors
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Roof deck reinforcements
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Roof-to-wall connectors
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Secondary water barriers
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Storm shutters and other approved wind-mitigation measures
These aren’t just upgrades - they’re long-term protections that can lower your insurance premiums, increase your home value, and give you more confidence during hurricane season.
✅ Who Is Eligible?
You’ll need to meet the following criteria:
To Get the Free Inspection:
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Your home must be a site-built, owner-occupied property
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You must have a homestead exemption
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Home must be a single-family detached house or townhouse
(No condos, duplexes, apartments, mobile/manufactured homes, or vacation/rental properties)
To Get the Grant:
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The home must have been built before January 1, 2008
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The home must be insured and valued under $700,000
(Low-income homeowners are exempt from the value cap) -
You must use a licensed contractor
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You must complete the initial inspection before applying for funding
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You must submit invoices and documentation once work is complete to be reimbursed
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You’ll also be required to report any resulting insurance discounts from the upgrades
💵 What About Low-Income Homeowners?
This part is even better: If you meet low-income guidelines, you may qualify for:
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The full $10,000 grant amount
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No matching contribution required
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No need to submit a paid invoice up front
This makes the program more accessible for homeowners on fixed incomes or those who may not have the resources to pay for improvements up front.
📌 Why This Matters for Southwest Florida
Living in Florida means weathering more than sunshine. With hurricane season, any opportunity to strengthen your home AND reduce your risk should not be overlooked.
Here's why this program is especially important for our local communities:
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Many homes built before 2008 are not up to today’s wind mitigation standards
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Insurance premiums have been rising year-over-year in Florida, with some homeowners seeing double-digit percentage increases
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Improving your home’s storm resilience may make it more attractive to future buyers
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Upgrades like impact windows don’t just protect your home—they add comfort, energy efficiency, and peace of mind
🕓 But Here’s the Catch: It’s First Come, First Serve
Funding for this program is limited, and in the past, it has run out fast. Once the budget is gone, homeowners have to wait until the next legislative funding cycle (which could be a year or more away).
So if you’re even thinking about taking advantage of this, now is the time to start.
🔗 How to Apply
Here’s where to begin:
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Visit the official My Safe Florida Home website:
👉 https://mysafeflhome.com -
Sign up for the free inspection
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Wait for your personalized mitigation report
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Apply for the matching grant once eligible
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Complete improvements with a licensed contractor
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Submit documentation for reimbursement
🏡 Treeline Realty: Your Local Resource
At Treeline Realty, we don’t just help you buy or sell - we help you protect your investment. Whether you’re a current homeowner or planning to purchase in the near future, this program could be a game changer.
💬 Final Thoughts
This program isn’t just about storm prep - it’s about protecting what matters most, saving money, and creating long-term value in your home.
If you or someone you know might qualify, don’t wait. Funds are limited, and the sooner you start the process, the better your chances of locking in that $10,000.
Send this to a friend who needs it!
📍 Serving SWFL
📞 239-303-9108
📚 Sources & Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is based on publicly available resources and official updates from the Florida Department of Financial Services and Florida Realtors® as of July 2025. All program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and funding details are subject to change at the discretion of the State of Florida.
Official sources:
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Florida Realtors® – My Safe Florida Home Program Updates (July 2025)
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or insurance advice. Homeowners are encouraged to verify current eligibility and application details directly with the My Safe Florida Home Program at https://mysafeflhome.com.