Florida homeowners understand better than most: when hurricane season hits, your roof is more than just shingles and nails—it’s your home’s first defense against devastating wind and rain. The My Safe Florida Home program was created to help homeowners strengthen that defense without shouldering the entire financial burden themselves.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the Sunshine State, this grant can be a game-changer for protecting your home and reducing your insurance premiums.
What is the My Safe Florida Home Program?
The My Safe Florida Home program is a state-funded initiative designed to:
- Provide free wind mitigation inspections to determine your home’s current level of storm protection.
- Offer matching grants for specific home improvements proven to reduce wind damage.
- Help homeowners lower their insurance costs by upgrading to stronger, storm-resistant construction standards.
These improvements aren’t just for peace of mind—they can make the difference between minor repairs and catastrophic loss after a storm.
Types of Improvements Covered by the Grant (What They Are, Why They Matter & Insurance Benefits)
The My Safe Florida Home program focuses on upgrades proven to protect your home’s most vulnerable points during hurricanes. Here’s what each one is, why it matters, and what it means for your insurance rates.
1. Roof-to-Wall Connections
What it is: The hardware—often metal straps, clips, or hurricane ties—that secures your roof structure directly to the walls of your home. This connection makes it harder for high winds to lift your roof off during a storm.
Why it matters: In hurricane conditions, uplift forces can literally peel a roof away from the house. Reinforcing these connections keeps your roof firmly in place, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure and keeping your family safer.
Insurance benefit: Stronger roof-to-wall connections can qualify you for significant wind mitigation credits on your policy, lowering your annual premium.
2. Secondary Water Barriers
What it is: A waterproof membrane installed underneath your roof covering (shingles, metal panels, etc.) that acts as a backup layer of protection against leaks.
Why it matters: If shingles or panels are blown off in a storm, this barrier stops rain from entering your home. Preventing water intrusion avoids mold, drywall damage, and costly interior repairs.
Insurance benefit: Insurers see secondary water barriers as a major risk reducer—this can help lower your premiums and improve your home’s insurability.
3. Roof Covering Upgrades
What it is: Replacing your current roof covering with modern, wind- and impact-resistant materials such as GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles or metal roofing that meet current Florida Building Code standards.
Why it matters: Older roofs may not be able to handle the wind speeds common in today’s storms. Upgrading increases durability, extends lifespan, and enhances storm resilience.
Insurance benefit: A new code-compliant roof often results in the biggest insurance savings—sometimes hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.
4. Opening Protection
What it is: Installing impact-rated windows, doors, and garage doors, or adding storm shutters to protect your home’s largest openings.
Why it matters: When a window or door fails during a storm, wind rushes inside, creating pressure that can blow your roof off from the inside out. Opening protection prevents structural collapse and limits debris damage.
Insurance benefit: Homes with verified opening protection typically qualify for substantial windstorm discounts on their insurance policy.
2025 Rollout Schedule
- August 4, 2025: Low-income homeowners aged 60+
- August 18, 2025: Other low-income homeowners
- September 1, 2025: Moderate-income homeowners aged 60+
- September 15, 2025: Other moderate-income homeowners
- September 29, 2025: General inspection applications open to all eligible homeowners
Why Act Now?
Grant programs like this often receive more applications than they can fund. Acting during your application window gives you the best chance at securing assistance before funds run out.
For example:
- If your home was built before 2002, it likely does not meet current Florida Building Code standards for wind resistance.
- Even if your roof is in good shape, upgrades like secondary water barriers can dramatically increase protection—and lower your insurance rates.
How Superior One Roofing Can Help You Apply
- Free Roof Inspection: We’ll evaluate your home’s current storm-readiness and identify eligible upgrades.
- Detailed Estimate: You’ll get a project scope that matches the grant’s requirements so you can maximize funding.
- Application Guidance: While we can’t file on your behalf, we’ll walk you through each step so your submission is clear and complete.
- Professional Installation: Our GAF-certified crews ensure your upgrades meet or exceed code requirements.
- Insurance Follow-Up: We provide documentation for your insurance company so you can request policy discounts.
A Real-World Example
Last year, we worked with a homeowner whose roof was 15 years old. Through a similar matching grant program, they were able to:
- Replace their old shingles with GAF Timberline HDZ® impact-resistant shingles.
- Add a secondary water barrier.
- Reinforce their roof-to-wall connections.
The result? Lower insurance premiums, improved peace of mind, and a roof that’s ready for whatever hurricane season brings.
Next Steps
If you think you might qualify—or if you’re unsure—don’t wait until the next storm is in the forecast.
- Check your eligibility & application dates: My Safe Florida Home Program
- Schedule your free inspection with Superior One Roofing to prepare your estimate and application.
Your roof is too important to leave to chance. Let’s protect it—and your wallet—before the next big storm arrives.