DeSantis expands program helping Floridians shore up their homes against hurricanes

REDINGTON SHORES, Fla. (WFLA) -- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Redington Shores on Wednesday, where he signed a bill expanding a program that helps residents with hurricane mitigation improvements.

DeSantis spoke alongside Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton and Tampa Bay officials at Redington Shores Town Hall.

DeSantis touted the state's investment in climate resilience since he took office, including grants to help Floridians fortify their homes through the My Safe Florida Home program. The bill DeSantis signed Wednesday (SB-7028) expands the program to include hurricane mitigation projects for townhouses and condominiums.

The program helps Floridians with the cost of storm mitigation projects that will shore up their homes against hurricanes, including window, roof and door replacements. Those repairs could also save homeowners money on their property insurance premiums.

Eligible homeowners can apply for a matching grant where, for every dollar spent, the state will provide $2 toward the actual cost of an authorized mitigation project, or two-thirds of the project cost, up to $10,000.

According to the bill, eligible homeowners can request grants for the following improvements, when recommended by a hurricane mitigation inspection:

* Opening protection, including exterior doors, garage doors, windows, and skylights

* Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections

* Improving the strength of roof-deck attachments

* Secondary water resistance for roof (not applicable to townhomes)

Applications from low-income residents over the age of 60 have top priority, the bill states.