What is the My Safe Florida Condominium program?
The My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was enacted during the 2024 Legislative Session and provided $30 million in funding statewide. This initiative aims to support eligible condominium associations by providing them with valuable resources to strengthen their properties against hurricane winds. Key elements of the Program include:
- Free Inspection: Eligible condominium associations will receive a complimentary inspection to identify existing hurricane-resistant features of their buildings. The inspection will also highlight necessary recommendations for improvements to protect against hurricane winds in order to receive reductions in insurance premiums.
- Grant Funding: In addition to the free inspection, eligible associations can apply for grants to implement specific wind mitigation improvements identified in the free inspection report. These enhancements are designed not only to protect your property from hurricane damage but also to potentially reduce your Wind Insurance Premium. The program offers a reimbursement grant and is eligible after the authorized improvements have been performed and validated by the free final inspection.
The Department of Financial Services will oversee the program and provide, among other benefits, fiscal accountability, contract management and strategic leadership. Condominium associations must be within 15 miles of the coastline to be eligible, and the maximum grant contribution per association is limited to $175,000. The grants are matched on the basis of $1 provided by the association for every $2 provided by the Program.
In addition, the following mitigation projects are authorized by the Program:
- Opening protection, including exterior doors, garage doors, windows and skylights.
- Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections.
- Improving the strength of roof-deck attachments.
- Secondary water resistance for roof.
Under the pilot program, eligible condominium associations will receive a free initial inspection to identify existing hurricane-resistant features of their properties and potential recommendations for approved improvements. Eligible condominium associations may then apply for a mitigation grant to implement the improvements recommended in their Initial Inspection Report. Learn more and apply at MySafeFLCondo.com.
What is Flood Mitigation Assistance For Monroe County?
Monroe County participates in a national grant program known as Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) to help with the cost to elevate, demolish/reconstruct and sell properties that are below base flood elevation, at risk for flooding or are so-called repetitive loss properties–properties that have had multiple flood claims.
Monroe County is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2024 FMA grant program. The deadline to apply through the Monroe County application process will close Oct. 30, 2024.
FIRM collaborated with the City of Key West, Monroe County and the municipalities to develop an education program that would help homeowners navigate the the elevation process.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE: You can learn more about the Keyswide Home Elevation Project on FIRM’s website including the steps to elevation, examples of elevation projects, requirements in each of the municipalities, and a list of contractors who have agreed to assist with the FMA grant application.
For more information and details on eligible costs, refer to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance Addendum or speak with a Monroe County representative.