By Ernesto Gil | Checkmark Inspections

Thinking about installing impact windows or strengthening your roof? Before you commit to a project, take a look at the My Safe Florida Home Program.

The program helps eligible Florida homeowners identify hurricane protection improvements through free wind mitigation inspections and grant assistance. For South Florida homeowners, it can be a useful starting point when planning upgrades. Explore the official program.

How Much Financial Assistance Is Available?

Eligible homeowners may receive a matching grant with $2 from the state for every $1 contributed by the homeowner, up to a maximum state contribution of $10,000.

For example, an approved project with $15,000 in eligible costs could receive $10,000 in state assistance, leaving the homeowner responsible for $5,000. Costs above the grant limit remain the homeowner’s responsibility.

Qualifying low-income homeowners may receive up to $10,000 without a matching contribution. Funding remains subject to availability and approval. Florida’s program requirements.

Who May Qualify?

The program’s inspection eligibility generally requires a site-built, owner-occupied, single-family home on an individual parcel with a homestead exemption.

Grants have additional requirements, including a qualifying construction date, insurance criteria, and an initial inspection completed through the program. Receiving a free inspection does not automatically mean you qualify for funding. Review the official eligibility requirements before planning your budget.

What Improvements Can the Program Help Cover?

Depending on the inspection findings and program approval, eligible improvements may include:

• Protection for windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and skylights.
• Stronger connections between the roof and walls.
• Improved fastening of the roof deck.
• Secondary water resistance beneath the roof covering.

These improvements address different ways wind and rain can damage a home. Your approved project must follow the program’s requirements; a planned renovation does not automatically qualify for reimbursement. Review the eligible improvement categories.

How Do You Get Started?

Start at the official My Safe Florida Home website, where you can check current availability and access the application portal.

The process begins with creating an account and completing a prioritization questionnaire. After placement in an inspection group, you can complete the inspection application. Once approved, the program assigns an inspector.

After the inspection, review the recommendations and apply separately for a grant if eligible. Keep your portal notifications, inspection documents, and contractor information organized throughout the process.

Do not begin construction before receiving official grant approval. Starting early can make the work ineligible for reimbursement. Matching grants operate through reimbursement, so discuss payment arrangements with your contractor before committing. Read the program’s approval and payment guidance.

Local Experience With the My Safe Florida Home Program

Ernesto Gil, owner of Checkmark Inspections, is an approved My Safe Florida Home inspector through InterNACHI®, selected to perform inspections as part of its participation in the program.

InterNACHI® holds a contract with the Florida Department of Financial Services to serve as a Wind Certification Entity and provide wind mitigation inspections for My Safe Florida Home. Learn about InterNACHI’s role.

This experience helps Ernesto explain wind mitigation findings and the hurricane protection features documented during an inspection.

Homeowners seeking a free program inspection must apply through the official My Safe Florida Home portal, where inspection assignments are coordinated. Booking a private inspection directly with Checkmark does not replace the program’s application and assignment process. See the program’s inspection rules.

Could These Improvements Lower My Insurance Costs?

Documented hurricane protection features may qualify for insurance discounts. Share your inspection report with your insurance agent and ask which features qualify, what documentation is required, and how improvements could affect your premium.

The program encourages homeowners to review both existing features and proposed upgrades with their insurer. Learn about the program’s insurance benefits.

Need a Wind Mitigation Inspection in South Florida?

Checkmark Inspections provides wind mitigation inspections for homeowners throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. We document wind-resistant construction features for insurance review and help you understand the findings. Your insurer determines applicable credits and discounts. Explore our inspection services.

To discuss your inspection needs, contact Ernesto Gil at Checkmark Inspections:

Phone: 954-658-0716
Email: CheckmarkFL@gmail.com
Website: Checkmark Inspections

For My Safe Florida Home applications and grant decisions, use the official program portal.

Program information reviewed October 4, 2026. Check the official website for current funding availability and requirements before applying or scheduling improvements.

Featured image: AI-generated illustration of a South Florida home, with the My Safe Florida Home program logo.