Free home inspections were scheduled to begin in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties for nearly 3,300 homeowners who applied through the My Safe Florida Home program. The program, funded with $250 million by the Florida Legislature, was created to help people strengthen their homes against hurricanes and reduce the state's exposure to hurricane damage.
Following an inspection, homeowners will receive a report that outlines up to seven areas that could be improved to better protect the home against hurricanes, an estimate of how much the improvements would cost, the expected insurance savings the home-owner would receive if improvements were made, and a rating of the home's current ability to withstand hurricanes and its future ability to withstand hurricanes with improvements.
The expansion into Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties is possible thanks to a partnership with the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) to screen and train an additional 350 inspectors.
Applying and obtaining a free home inspection is just the first step of the program. Homeowners who undergo the My Safe Florida Home inspection may also qualify for matching grants of up to $5,000 to fortify their homes. As directed by the new law to reduce hurricane exposure and property losses in Florida, grants will be prioritized and awarded to homeowners who live in high-risk, hurricane-vulnerable areas of the state.
Since the My Safe Florida Home program launched in late August, approximately 7,500 inspections have been completed or scheduled in seven counties including Broward, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and St. Lucie.
Eligible Floridians must live in a single-family, site-built home with an insured value of $500,000 or less and have a valid homestead exemption.
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