Everything You Need to Know About the My Safe Florida Home Program (2025–2026)

Florida homeowners are well-acquainted with hurricanes. Whether you reside in Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, or anywhere along the South Florida coast, you are familiar with the routine: prepare, protect, pray—and pay a premium for it.

But what if you could enhance your home’s resilience while also lowering your insurance costs—using state grant funds to aid in the process?

The My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) Program, reintroduced in August 2025, presents a unique opportunity for you. It offers complimentary hurricane mitigation inspections and grants up to $10,000 for upgrades aimed at fortifying your home and potentially reducing your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

As a local REALTOR®, broker, and real estate instructor, I have meticulously broken down everything you need to know—step-by-step. I’ll clarify how the program operates, who qualifies, what the funds can be used for, and the necessary steps to take action.

What Is the My Safe Florida Home Program?

The MSFH Program is managed by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) and is intended to assist homeowners in safeguarding their properties against storm damage by enhancing their structural resilience. The program offers:

Complimentary hurricane mitigation inspections
Grants of up to $10,000 for approved upgrades

This initiative is state-funded and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. So, if you are reading this and own a home in Palm Beach County, NOW is the time to act.

What Areas Are Covered?

This program is available to all eligible Florida residents; however, this blog specifically targets homeowners in:

And the nearby communities within Palm Beach County and South Florida.

This area is one of the most vulnerable to hurricanes and has the highest insurance premiums, making this program exceptionally beneficial.

How the Program Functions: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Complete the Prioritization Questionnaire

Begin by visiting MySafeFLHome.com to fill out the Prioritization Questionnaire. This crucial step will determine your eligibility group based on age and income.
There are 5 groups:
Group 1: Low Income, age 60+
Group 2: Low Income, under 60
Group 3: Moderate Income, age 60+
Group 4: Moderate Income, under 60
Group 5: Above Moderate Income (not eligible for grants)
📝 Note: Group 5 applicants may still receive a complimentary inspection but will not qualify for grants.

2. Apply for a Complimentary Hurricane Mitigation Inspection

Once you have been assigned to a group, you can apply for an inspection—completely complimentary and with no obligation. Inspectors will assess your home for specific hurricane-resistant features and recommend enhancements.

3. Receive an Initial Inspection Report

Within 14 days of your inspection, you will receive a digital report containing:

Existing hurricane protection features
Suggested improvements
Estimated costs
Insurance mitigation potential
Form OIR-B1-1802 for your insurance provider
🔒 This report is valid for 24 months.*

4. Express Interest in the Grant

Should your report highlight eligible improvements, you will be invited to apply for the grant.

📌 Important: Do not commence any construction or contractual work until the grant has been approved—doing so will render you ineligible for funding.

5. Submit Your Grant Application

You will need to provide:

A copy of your homeowner’s insurance declaration page
Your contractor’s name and license number
Details of the recommended enhancements

🎯The home must be valued at $700,000 or lower and constructed before January 1, 2008.

6. Complete the Work

All work must be conducted by a licensed contractor registered with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). The grant will cover only the improvements recommended in your initial inspection.

What Types of Improvements Are Eligible for Coverage?

To qualify for reimbursement, enhancements must:

✅ Be recommended during your inspection

✅ Be carried out by a licensed contractor

Here’s what may be included:

1. Opening Protection

Impact-rated windows
Hurricane shutters (if currently unprotected)
Impact-rated exterior doors
Garage doors equipped with hurricane protection

✅Insurance Tip: Upgrading these features may yield discounts of 10–25% on your premium.

2. Roof-to-Wall Attachment

Enhances the bond between your roof and walls, thereby reducing the risk of roof uplift during strong winds.

🛠 Methods may include:
Retrofitting clips or wraps
Reinforcing attic Trusses

3. Roof Deck Attachment

This method utilizes longer or additional nails to firmly attach plywood roof decking to the home’s framework, enhancing its stability.

🔨 Typically implemented during a roof replacement.

4. Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)

A peel-and-stick waterproof membrane is installed beneath your roof shingles to prevent water infiltration in case of shingle loss.

🧰 Three methods for SWR installation include:

Peel-and-stick underlayment
Seam taping
Spray foam adhesive in the attic.

Real-Life Example: The Johnsons in Delray Beach

The Johnson family resides in a single-family home built in 1987, located near Atlantic Avenue. Their inspection uncovered a lack of adequate window protection and missing roof-to-wall reinforcements. Using the MSFH grant, they received:

$10,000 for impact windows
$2,500 out-of-pocket (total project cost: $12,500)
Annual insurance savings of $1,240

📉 ROI: Their investment will recoup itself in under 3 years, now providing Category 5-rated window protection.

**Grant Types and How the Funding Works**

**Matching Grants**

Florida contributes $2 for every $1 you invest.

Maximum reimbursement: $10,000.

You must pay upfront and then submit invoices.

Example: Spend $15,000 → Receive $10,000 back → Your net cost = $5,000.

**Low-Income Grants**

Covers 100% of the costs.

Funds are paid directly to you (not the contractor).

No reimbursement paperwork is necessary.

📊 To verify your income eligibility, visit: HUD Income Limits.

**Why This Program Is Vital for South Florida Homeowners**

1. **Insurance Savings**

In coastal areas like Delray Beach and Boca Raton, premiums have surged significantly in recent years. Fortifying your home can substantially lower risk-related rates.

💸 According to Citizens Insurance, average savings can range from $500 to $2,500 annually based on the enhancements made.

2. **Real Estate Value**

Homes equipped with impact windows, reinforced roofs, and hurricane shutters typically sell more quickly and for higher prices. This isn’t just about safety; it provides a competitive marketing edge.

As a REALTOR®, I assist sellers in capitalizing on these upgrades to boost perceived value and alleviate buyer apprehensions.

3. **Peace of Mind**

With storm season always on the horizon, fortified homes offer not just security but a sense of tranquility as well.

**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**

**Q: Can I select my own contractor?**

Absolutely, but please ensure they are licensed and registered with the Florida DBPR.

**Q: What if I finish the work before my grant gets approved?**

Regrettably, you'll be disqualified. The state only reimburses for projects that have been authorized.

**Q: I live in a townhouse. Am I eligible to apply?**

Yes, townhouses qualify, specifically for Opening Protection (windows, doors, and similar features).

**Q: Is this program limited to primary residences?**

Indeed. Only homesteaded (primary) homes are eligible. No rentals, vacation properties, or second homes qualify.

**Local Realtor Advice: Insights from the Field**

Having assisted numerous clients across Palm Beach County, here are my expert recommendations:

✅ **Apply early:** Funding is finite and highly competitive.

✅ **Utilize the inspection to inform your listing preparation:** Sellers can leverage the complimentary inspection to identify beneficial enhancement opportunities.

✅ **Consider the long-term:** These upgrades are not merely for insurance purposes; they safeguard your investment as well.

✅ **Enhance buyer confidence:** As a seller, demonstrate that your home has been fortified. As a buyer, seek out properties that have undergone MSFH projects.

**Final Thoughts & How to Act**

The 2025–2026 My Safe Florida Home Program addresses the rising costs of insurance, escalating climate risks, and the growing concerns of homeowners.

Whether you're located in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, or anywhere in South Florida, now is the time to take action.

I’m Tori Easterling—Broker, REALTOR®, and Real Estate Instructor. I specialize in assisting buyers, supporting sellers, and guiding savvy homeowners in wealth-building through informed real estate choices. From applying for the program to linking you with a licensed contractor or determining the added value for your resale, I'm here to help.

🖥️ Begin at MySafeFLHome.com

📞 Reach out to me directly to discuss your strategy: (insert your number)

🌐 Check out local listings and resources at ToriEasterling.com

#checkthekb #realestatetori #palmbeachrealestate #atlantarealestate.

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Finding Community & Opportunity at the Black Luxury Exchange

By Tori Easterling • August 31, 2025

Walking into the Black Luxury Exchange for the first time felt like arriving at a party I didn’t know I needed. The room was warm, the conversation elevated, and the vibe? Exactly the kind of safe, high-level space South Florida’s Black luxury real estate scene deserves. (If you haven’t heard of the meetup — it’s a recurring South Florida luxury real estate networking night designed for top-producing agents, brokers and industry pros.) A welcome that started with “404” (and a whole lot of Atlanta love) I met Nathaniel Crawford that night — the broker behind Black Luxury Realty and the force behind the Exchange’s energy. He was immediately welcoming. And when he handed me his phone, I blinked at a 404 area code. Wait — Atlanta? Turns out he spent a big part of his life between Miami and Atlanta and has built a luxury-focused brokerage in South Florida (he works across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties). That blend of Atlanta warmth and South Florida hustle is exactly the vibe he’s bringing to this space. blackluxurymiami.com Homes We didn’t talk shop at first — we traded neighborhood lore. Ben Hill, Greenbriar, Cascade — those Southwest Atlanta memories land differently when you’re miles away. That flash of home made the rest of the evening feel personal and real. But the conversation soon returned to the realities of being Black professionals in South Florida and how rare true, consistent safe spaces are for networking and building generational wealth. Why the Black Luxury Exchange matters Nathaniel told me part of why he started the Exchange: to give Black agents access — not just to parties and drinks, but to pre-construction opportunities, luxury developer relationships, and the network often required to win luxury assignments. He understands pre-construction as an entry to equity and connection, and he’s been actively educating clients and fellow agents about how to navigate that world. (If you’re exploring pre-construction, Nathaniel has public materials and press that explain the advantages and common pitfalls.) Digital Journal Press Advantage New friends, new projects — and marketing that sticks I went to the event with an invite from JR Alexandre (someone I’ve known professionally for more than a decade), and I left with new collaborators. I met photographer Neil Lee (@neilleephoto) and we got into deep conversations about branding, content, and storytelling. He recommended Mastery and then promptly rewrote my headshot game — we’ve shot in Hendrix Reserve (Lake Worth), Lotus Edge (Boca Raton), and captured moments from my recent Wellington closing on Bent Creek Road (minutes from my Wellington office). Those images? They’re going to make the next quarter’s marketing sing. What I’m taking away — and what’s next The Black Luxury Exchange is more than a calendar entry; it’s an engine for connection, education, and pipeline-building for Black professionals operating in the luxury market. Nathaniel’s mission to create access for Black agents to preconstruction and luxury listings is one I’m excited to support — and I’ll be back at the next event. If you’re a fellow Black REALTOR® or a developer who wants better access to Black agents and clients in Palm Beach and Broward counties, this is where conversations start. Luma blackluxurymiami.com Want to connect? I’m Tori Easterling — a Black REALTOR® servicing Palm Beach County and Broward County. If you’re curious about luxury listings, pre-construction options, or want to collaborate on marketing and storytelling, let’s talk. #checkthekb #realestatetori #palmbeachrealestate #atlantarealestate