My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program

My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program is sponsored by State of Florida, Department of Financial Services. This program provides free wind-mitigation inspections and a matching grant to coastal condominium associations to harden their buildings against hurricanes. The state contributes $2 for every $1 the association spends on approved improvements, up to $175,000 per association.

Welcome to the My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Project Assisting Florida condo associations with hurricane readiness and savings. All inquiries, questions or concerns regarding the My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program (MSFCPP) or updates to status of your application should be sent to condopilot@myfloridacfo. com or you may call (850) 413-2971.

One of our MSFCPP representatives will return your call or respond to your email within 48 hours. Helps condominium associations protect their properties from hurricane damage. Offers grant funding to help pay for needed improvements.

My Safe Florida Condo Program will now process all inspection and grant applications by email. To submit your inspection or grant application or request an application be sent to you please email condopilot@myfloridacfo. com If you previously submitted an application through the Application Portal – your application will still be processed by email at condopilot@myfloridacfo.

com If you have questions about your application, you may call 850-413-2971. All return calls will be made within 48 hours of receipt. Please switch this Image template to "Image centered".

Thank you, WebDev The My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program was enacted during the 2024 Legislative Session. It provides eligible condominium associations with resources to strengthen their properties against hurricane winds. Through free inspections and grant funding, the pilot program supports wind mitigation improvements.

The Pilot Program strengthens properties against hurricane damage and potentially lowers insurance premiums. How the Pilot Program Works Step 1: Inspection Application Step 2: Initial Inspection Step 3: Grant Application Step 5: Reimbursement Application Step 6: Receive Grant Funds Frequently Asked Questions 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.

After the program has reviewed the report, you will receive an email application to complete and submit a grant application. The application must be approved by a majority of the board of administration or total voting interest. Further, at least 75 percent of all unit owners who reside within the building that is the subject of the mitigation 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?

Grant funds may only be used for water intrusion mitigation devices or mitigation improvements that will result in a mitigation credit, discount, or other rate differential for the building or structure to which such device or improvement is applied or made. Opening protection mitigation improvements include: exterior doors; garage doors; windows or skylights.

Roof mitigation improvements include: reinforcing roof-to-wall connections; improving the strength of roof-deck attachments; installing secondary water resistance; or replacing the roof covering. 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. Do I need a vote to apply for a grant? Yes.

To apply for a grant, the association board must vote to participate in the Program. At least 75% of the unit owners who reside in the building where the work will occur must vote in favor of participation. What happens after the construction on the recommended mitigation project(s) is complete?

When you and your contractor agree your project is completed and contractor local permits are closed, contact DFS at condopilot@myfloridacfo. com and request your final inspection from the program. Our inspector will contact you to confirm a time.

They will complete a final inspection and provide you with a FINAL INSPECTION REPORT. Submit this report to your insurance company and request your insurance discount. This is a required step to complete your reimbursement process.

Please note that to request the final inspection you must submit an itemized final contractor's invoice, and proof of payment in full. What should I provide to my insurance company once my final inspection is performed?

Once your final inspection is performed you should provide your insurance company with a copy of your final inspection report, including OIR Form 1802 and, if applicable, Building Type II and III Mitigation Inspection Form. Condominium Associations must receive a mitigation credit, discount, or other rate differential to receive grant funding. What is the maximum amount of grant funding available?

The Program provides reimbursement grants with a 2-to-1 state match. For every $1 your association spends, the state contributes $2, up to a total maximum state contribution of $175,000 per condominium association. Are we able to get the funds to make the repairs upfront?

No, the program does not provide funds in advance. Recommended improvements must be paid for by the condominium association. To participate in the grant program, associations must submit a grant application to DFS at condopilot@myfloridacfo.

com after receiving their initial inspection report. Associations must be approved for a grant before beginning any authorized projects identified in that report. Will the Program assist me with contractor coordination or disputes?

No. The program assumes no responsibility for the performance of the contractor you select and work with. It will be up to you to find and manage your own eligible contractor and relationship. The program and FL Dept.

of Financial Services are not responsible for or involved in any way with the grantee’s contractor selection and/or the grantee construction and payment process. Can associations appeal if their application is denied? Associations reserve the right to appeal against any decision made by the Program within 21 days of the notice.

Associations are notified of determinations via email, and instructions on how to appeal are provided. Can we start construction before our grant is approved? No. Actual construction must not begin until your Grant Application has been approved by the Program.

Any work done prior to Grant Application approval will not qualify for grant funding. Is my condo building eligible for the Program?

To qualify for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, your condominium must meet all the following requirements: - The building must be three stories or taller - It must include at least two residential units per building - It must be located within 15 miles of the coast - The building must not consist of detached units on separate parcels Do I need to improve all my window openings? Yes.

You must replace all windows that are recommended for improvement to qualify for an insurance discount. You do not need to replace any windows that are already protected, and you will not be reimbursed for any windows that were previously protected and then replaced under the Program. Can my association use grant funds to cover our insurance deductible?

Grant funds cannot be used to pay an insurance deductible. Please refer to the following program information and resources. Condominium Association Guide - English Condominium Association Guide - Spanish Condominium Association Guide - Haitian Creole