Question 1

What is the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program?

Accepted Answer

The My Safe Florida Home Program is a state-funded grant program that provides eligible homeowners with a free wind mitigation inspection and a matching grant of up to $10,000 to fund hurricane-hardening upgrades including roof reinforcements, secondary water barriers, and opening protection.

Question 2

How much money can I get from the MSFH grant?

Accepted Answer

The maximum MSFH grant is $10,000. The program uses a matching-funds model: the state provides $2 for every $1 you spend on qualifying upgrades, up to the $10,000 cap. A $5,000 homeowner contribution unlocks the full $10,000 state match for a $15,000 total project. Low-income homeowners may qualify for the full $10,000 with no match required.

Question 3

Who qualifies for the MSFH program in Tampa?

Accepted Answer

To qualify, your home must be a site-built, owner-occupied single-family residence in Florida with a homestead exemption. The home must be insured for $700,000 or less. You must complete a free MSFH wind mitigation inspection before applying for grant funds.

Question 4

What roofing upgrades qualify for the MSFH grant?

Accepted Answer

Qualifying roof upgrades include: secondary water resistance (SWR) barrier installation, roof-to-wall connection upgrades (hurricane straps and clips), roof deck nailing pattern improvements, gable end bracing, and new roofing shingles required to complete the qualifying work.

Question 5

What is a wind mitigation inspection and how does it help me?

Accepted Answer

A wind mitigation inspection documents your roof hurricane-resistance features for your insurance company. Tampa Bay homeowners typically save 20-40% on the wind portion of their premium after a wind mitigation inspection, often $800-$2,000 per year.

Question 6

What is a FORTIFIED roof?

Accepted Answer

A FORTIFIED roof is built to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) standard, with requirements that go beyond Florida Building Code. Key features include a sealed roof deck, enhanced roof-to-wall connections, impact-resistant shingles, and reinforced roof edges. FORTIFIED-designated homes qualify for insurance discounts of 20-60% on the wind portion of their premium in Florida.

Question 7

Does Hytz Roofing handle the MSFH paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hytz Roofing is experienced with the MSFH process and can guide you through every step: applying for the free wind mitigation inspection, identifying qualifying upgrades, providing a detailed estimate that meets program requirements, pulling all required permits, and completing the work to program specifications.

Question 8

Can I use the MSFH grant for a full roof replacement?

Accepted Answer

Partially. The MSFH grant does not cover a purely cosmetic roof replacement. However, if your new roof includes qualifying mitigation upgrades such as a secondary water barrier, upgraded roof-to-wall connections, or improved deck nailing, those components and the shingles required to complete the job are eligible for grant reimbursement. Most Tampa homeowners who combine a full replacement with MSFH-qualifying upgrades receive $4,000-$10,000 in grant funds.

Wind Mitigation & My Safe Florida Home Grant — Tampa Bay

What Is the My Safe Florida Home Program?

The 5-Step MSFH Process

MSFH Eligibility Requirements

How Much Can You Actually Get?

Frequently Asked Questions — Wind Mitigation & MSFH Grant