Florida Bill Proposes Funding Home Hardening Grants
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, now a candidate for Congress, is supporting legislation that would create a trust fund to support home hardening grants. These grants are designed to help homeowners make their homes more resilient to hurricane damage.
Senate Bill 1466, sponsored by state Sen. Nick DiCeglie, and House Bill 851, introduced by Rep. Chip LaMarca, propose funding the program through a dedicated revenue stream: 5% of sales tax revenue generated from hurricane-impacted counties in the two months immediately following a storm. Homeowners who make the required wind-mitigation modifications are eligible for significant discounts on their homeowner’s insurance premiums.
The bill’s fiscal impact is still being determined, with a fiscal analysis by legislative staff pending. However, the potential revenue is significant. Based on Florida’s projected sales tax revenue of nearly $50 billion for 2025, a single hurricane affecting, for example, 15 counties could generate approximately $500 million for the My Safe Florida Home wind-mitigation program in a single year, depending on which counties are affected.
The proposed legislation would cap the fund’s balance at $300 million. This funding level would nearly match Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed $590 million for the My Safe Florida Home plan this year, designed to provide grants, up to $10,000 per homeowner, covering strengthened roof connections, wind-resistant windows and doors, and other retrofits.
While the current program and the new bills don’t cover flood protection, another measure, HB 1459, would allow some grants to elevate structures and install flood barriers.
Additional related bills would also grant sales tax exemptions on impact-resistant doors and windows during February, according to the CFO.
This new legislation would provide ongoing funding for the mitigation program, at least in part, in perpetuity. Experts across Florida and the country have emphasized the increasing need for mitigation measures as storms intensify and sea levels rise in Florida.
“Unfortunately, it’s not if but when another powerful storm will take aim at Florida,” said Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis in a statement. “This legislation is a proactive step towards safeguarding our communities from hurricanes and keeping insurance costs in check. By creating the My Safe Florida Home Trust Fund, we not only funnel necessary funds into our local economies but also incentivize homeowners to fortify their residences, all while using unexpected revenue streams from the sales tax boosts we see following storms.”
The My Safe Florida Home program was re-established in 2022 by state lawmakers, and it quickly became very popular. As a result, the program has depleted its funding each year. The program’s success since its renewal is demonstrated by the following metrics:
- 109,000 home inspections
- 58,700 home-hardening grants
- $576 million in grant funding
- $240 million in home hardening grant reimbursements
- $1,000 in average annual premium savings (for participants who complete the program).
DiCeglie and LaMarca’s bills stipulate that the program can retain any excess revenue each year. However, the balance must remain below $300 million. Any funds above that amount will be transferred to the state’s General Fund.
The 2025 Florida regular legislative session is scheduled to begin on Thursday.
