Senator Justice Passes Bill to Continue My Safe Florida Home Program

From the Senate Dems:

Legislation sponsored by Senator Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersburg) which not only helps Floridians fortify their homes against storm damage, but fortifies their wallets by lowering property insurance won unanimous passage today in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

Senate Bill 2078 continues the My Safe Florida Home Program, first begun as a pilot program three years ago.

“The My Safe Florida Home program has succeeded in being one of the most effective tools in decreasing property insurance,” Senator Justice said. “This legislation will allow the program to continue to provide important mitigation opportunities for homeowners looking to keep their families safe in a storm.”

First passed by the Legislature in 2006, the My Safe Florida Home pilot program allows homeowners to apply for matching grants of up to $5,000 to purchase hurricane safe windows and doors. To date, the program has awarded over forty thousand grants in sixty-seven counties. The legislation adds a no interest loan program for condominiums that allows participants to go to home improvement stores and purchase approved mitigation materials at zero interest.

“I am proud to be part of ensuring this program stays afloat and helps as many homeowners as possible,” Senator Justice said.

The bill is now waiting to be heard in the Senate Criminal Justice committee.