Frequently Asked Questions

My Safe Florida Program

   Who is eligible for a FREE wind inspection?

   What properties are not eligible for the free home inspection?

   How do I request a FREE wind inspection?

   Is my application information or inspection report a public record?

   Will my inspection be automatically sent to my insurance company?

   Does obtaining a free inspection obligate me to make any repairs or upgrades to my residence?

   What improvements are eligible for a grant?

   Can I make the improvements myself and get reimbursed under an approved grant?

   Can I get another inspection report and/ or inspection to reflect improvements I made based on the original inspection?

Who is eligible for a FREE wind inspection?
 

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§  Mobile homes or manufactured homes

§  Apartments

§  Condominiums

§  Multi-family Dwellings

§  Businesses

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The inspection report will;

§  Outline improvements that may be made to your home to increase resistance to hurricane wind damage.

§  Provide an estimate of how much each improvement would cost to complete.

§  Provide an estimate of insurance discounts that may be available. (if you provided insurance information at the time you applied).

§  Offer a hurricane resistance rating that shows the home’s current ability, and future ability with improvements, to withstand hurricanes.

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Is my application information or inspection report a public record?

Yes. With the exception of the insurance information you provide at the time you apply for an inspection, the information on your application and in your inspection report is considered public information and available upon request.

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Will my inspection report be automatically sent to my insurance company?

No. Your inspection report is sent directly to you.

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Does obtaining a free inspection obligate me to make any repairs or upgrades to my residence?

No, it does not.

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What improvements are eligible for a grant?

Grant funds are only available when the following improvements are made and recommended in your inspection report:

• Protecting openings (windows, gable vents and skylights)
• Protecting exterior doors
• Replacing your garage door with an impact-resistant garage door
• Bracing gable ends in your roof

If you choose to protect your openings, but can’t afford to do everything, you must complete an improvement category:

1. If you choose to protect your windows, you must protect all windows. This includes gable vents.

2. If you choose to protect your exterior doors, including sliding glass doors, you must protect all exterior doors.

3. Replacing your garage door with an impact-resistant door or bracing an already hurricane-rated garage door to make it impact-resistant is a stand-alone item.

4. Replacing skylights with an impact-rated skylight is a stand-alone item.

NOTE: If bracing of gable ends is not identified by the department’s wind inspection, but is identified as necessary by a participating contractor, the department will disburse funds for bracing gable ends with physical proof, such as photographs or video, a copy of the building permit when applicable to do this improvement and upon re-inspection by the department.

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Can I make the improvements myself and get reimbursed under an approved grant?

No. Florida law requires homeowners to use a participating contractor with the My Safe Florida Home program.

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Can I get another inspection report and/or inspection to reflect improvements I made based on the original inspection?

Under Florida law, the My Safe Florida Home program is required to perform one inspection per property unless it is being re-inspected for quality assurance. As a result, we are not able to perform a second inspection of your home. The inspection firms on contract with the program can perform a re-inspection for $150 if you choose to pursue this option.

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