My Safe Florida Home is a state program that pays for a free hurricane-mitigation inspection and, for eligible homeowners, a grant toward approved upgrades (most homeowners pay a matching share) such as impact windows and doors, roof-to-wall connections and a stronger roof deck attachment. The inspection always comes first. No grant is issued without it.
See also:Free roof inspection →How the process works
- Apply online for the free wind mitigation inspection.
- A state-approved inspector visits and documents your roof, connections and openings.
- You receive a report listing which upgrades qualify for grant funding.
- If funds are available and you are approved, you choose a contractor and submit the quote.
- Do not start work until your grant is approved. Work started before approval is not funded.
- The work is completed, permitted and inspected; the grant is paid under program rules.
Which upgrades usually qualify
- Impact-rated windows, entry doors and sliding glass doors
- Garage doors (we can refer you)
- Roof deck attachment improvements during a re-roof
- Roof-to-wall connection upgrades (straps and clips)
- Secondary water resistance when the roof is replaced
Where SafeTech fits
We install impact windows, doors and roofs, and we can prepare the scope and documentation the program asks for. We do not decide eligibility, and we never promise that a grant will cover a project. The program makes that call.
Why the inspection matters even without a grant
The wind mitigation inspection produces a report your insurance company can use to apply discounts for features your home already has. The report may show credits you aren’t currently receiving. Your insurer decides how they apply. Even if grant funds are not available when you apply, the report itself has value.
Common upgrades and what they protect
| Upgrade | What it protects against |
|---|---|
| Impact windows and doors | Wind-borne debris breaking openings and pressurizing the house |
| Garage door upgrade (we can refer you) | The largest opening failing and lifting the roof from inside |
| Roof-to-wall straps | The roof separating from the walls under uplift |
| Improved deck attachment | Sheathing peeling off in high winds |
| Secondary water barrier | Water entry if the roof covering is damaged |
How to prepare before you apply
- Gather your homestead and ownership documents
- Find any prior wind mitigation reports and permit records
- Note which openings already have impact protection
- Decide which upgrades matter most to you if funding is limited
Combining a grant with financing
If a grant covers part of a project, homeowners often finance the remainder. We can show how a grant, your own contribution and financing fit together for your specific scope, but the program’s rules always come first.
Common reasons applications stall or get denied
- Starting work before the grant is approved
- Missing homestead or ownership documents
- The home or the upgrade not meeting current program eligibility rules
- Program funds running out before approval
What we will never say
We do not promise grant approval, we do not tell you a project will be free, and we do not apply on your behalf without your direction. The program decides eligibility and funding.
Frequently asked questions
Is the My Safe Florida Home inspection free?
The program has provided free inspections to eligible homeowners. Check the program site for current availability.
Can I use any contractor?
The program sets contractor requirements. Confirm current rules on the program site before signing a contract.
Does the grant cover a full roof replacement?
Not on its own. But if replacing the roof covering is required to install a recommended improvement, such as deck attachment or secondary water resistance, that roof cost can be eligible. The program decides what qualifies.
Where do I apply?
Through the official My Safe Florida Home website. Start there, then contact us with your inspection report.
About the author
Roshy Rajan has worked in Broward County real estate and construction since 2006. He founded SafeTech Roofing and Windows (SafeTech Builders Inc.) after a hurricane left a friend with roof and window damage and the referrals kept coming. Florida Certified General Contractor CGC1537934 · Certified Roofing Contractor CCC1336954 · BBB Accredited.
