Florida
My Safe Florida Home to accept applications in July with new rules
The popular My Safe Florida Home program is set to start taking applications from homeowners on July 1 with some new rules.
The grant program that offers up to $10,000 grants to make storm-related improvements and repairs to help lower insurance costs is being infused with $200 million.
This year applicants will be sorted by the program and with specific dates.
Low-income homeowners age 60+ – July 1 – July 15.
- Low-income homeowners of any age – July 16-30.
- Moderate-income homeowners age 60+ – July 31-August 14.
- Moderate-income homeowners of any age – Aug. 15-30
- All other eligible Florida homeowners – Aug. 31
“We have got the reserves, we have got the money, we have got the surplus,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said during a recent insurance roundtable in Clearwater. “Ten thousand dollars to harden their homes, the state will partner with you.”
Patronis said the program has proven effective in helping homeowners lower premiums with the repairs.
“State law mandates if you’ve made those improvements and those discounts are now noted on your insurance policy, you must get a refund by law,” Patronis said.
However, more than 50,000 Floridians are still waiting on grants from last year after a crush of applications.
If you have a question or comment on homeowners insurance email me at matt.sczesny@wptv.com
Scripps Only Content 2024
FORT MYERS, Fla. – An injured manatee and her calf are recovering after authorities on a boat rescued them from the Orange River near Fort Myers on Thursday.
What we know:
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said its Marine Unit, Advanced Technology Support Unit, drone pilots and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helped in saving the pair after the mother was found hurt in the water and in need of medical attention.
READ: Missing Florida man found stuck in mud without food or water for days: PFD
Video shows authorities pulling the frantic manatees safely onto the boat in netting before taking them to shore.
Courtesy: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Both animals will be taken to ZooTampa for evaluation and medical care.
What we don’t know:
LCSO did not say the extent of the mother’s injuries.
By the numbers:
As of Feb. 20, there have been 85 manatee deaths across Florida in 2026, according to the FWC. Last year reportedly saw a total of 632 manatee deaths.
Dig deeper:
Earlier this month, the FWC began investigating a spike in manatee deaths, specifically in Lee County, where officials say 25 were found dead within a week.
READ: FWC investigating spike in manatee deaths over the past week
The FWC believes these manatee deaths could be from several factors: cold stress, a lack of seagrass and polluted waterways.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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