What is the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program?
The My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was enacted during the 2024 Legislative Session. 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
Who is eligible to receive a hurricane mitigation inspection?
Condominium associations located within the Program’s Service Area (15 miles from the coast) are eligible for a free mitigation inspection. This eligibility requires that the board of administration, through a majority vote as stipulated in the Association’s bylaws, consents to receive a free mitigation inspection through the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program.
What if I don’t know whether my condominium is within the Program’s Service Area?
The Program’s Service Area is defined as the area which is 15 miles inward of the coastline. You are not required to know whether your condominium is within the service area to apply for a free mitigation inspection. Program staff will confirm this during the eligibility review process.
Why can’t I apply directly to the Program as a unit owner?
The Program requires condominium associations to apply on behalf of all unit owners to streamline the application process and to address the collective needs of all residents and the property.
I am a Board Member, what will I need to provide to apply for a free mitigation inspection?
The President or Treasurer of the Board will need to provide the Condominium's Association's Name, the Condominium's Association's Address, the Condominium’s Authorized Representative information, the Condominium Property Details, the Condominium Insurance Declaration Page, and the Condominium Board Members’ Voting Results to apply for a free mitigation inspection.
Can I use my own inspector?
No. Once the association has applied and been approved for a free mitigation inspection, a licensed inspector, contracted by the program will be assigned to you to complete the inspection of your condominium.
What happens after I receive my initial inspection?
Your inspection report will be provided by the designated inspection vendor and will be accessible in the program portal. After the program has reviewed the report, you will receive an email notification prompting you to return to the portal to submit a grant application. The application must be approved by a majority of the board of administration or total voting interest. Further, a unanimous vote of the unit owners within the structure or building that is the subject of the grant must vote in favor of proceeding.
What happens if my initial inspection report indicates the condominium is already compliant for an insurance premium reduction?
If your initial inspection report indicates that the condominium is already compliant for an insurance premium reduction, you should submit the report and its findings to your insurance agent. Be sure to request a review of your policy to see if you qualify for any available credits or reductions based on this compliance. Your agent will be able to assist you in adjusting your policy accordingly.
Can I use my own contractor to complete the necessary improvements?
Yes, an association is required to choose its own contractors for the mitigation project, provided that each contractor complies with all qualification, certification, and licensing requirements established by general law. It is required that the mitigation project is executed by a properly licensed contractor who has obtained all necessary local permits for the work being performed.
Associations can find all licensed Florida Contractors at
the Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation website here.
What types of improvements are eligible for grant funding?
Opening protection, such as impact-rated windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and skylights; roof-related improvements, including reinforcing roof-to-wall connections, strengthening roof-deck attachments; adding secondary water resistance; or replacing the roof covering. Improvements must be recommended in the mitigation inspection report and result in a mitigation credit, discount, or other rate differential on the building’s insurance policy.
How will I know which improvements our condominium association is allowed to make?
Authorized improvements are detailed in the free mitigation inspection report. Only those projects recommended and provided in your inspection report are eligible for a grant.