In 2025, Florida has reallocated $280 million to its “My Safe Florida Home” grant program, continuing its mission of helping homeowners protect their residences from hurricane damage. The 2025 grant cycle officially opens on August 4, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis—making early action essential. Originally launched in 2017, the program offers direct financial assistance to bolster wind resistance and reduce storm-related home damage. With this level of funding, thousands of Florida homeowners now have access to grants of up to $10,000 per home — making upgrades like impact windows, reinforced doors, and roof enhancements more accessible and cost-effective.
For homeowners weighing whether to install impact windows, this isn’t just a structural upgrade—it’s both a safety measure and a strategic investment. Impact windows reduce wind-driven rain, prevent broken glass during storms, and earn substantial insurance premium discounts. Plus, installing them ahead of hurricane season adds peace of mind when it matters most.
What Homeowners Can Get: Grants and Coverage
Through the My Safe Florida Home program, qualified homeowners can receive dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 to cover the cost of specific improvements that make a home more resistant to wind damage. These include:
- Impact-resistant windows:
Impact-resistant windows are one of the primary upgrades covered by the My Safe Florida Home program. To qualify, these windows must meet strict ASTM and Florida Building Code standards, including pressure tests and missile impact resistance. Their advanced construction—typically featuring laminated safety glass and reinforced frames—directly addresses vulnerabilities identified in the state’s wind mitigation inspection process. Because windows are among the most frequently breached elements during wind events, replacing non-rated panes with certified impact units is a core component of most grant-funded improvements. - Hurricane-rated exterior doors:
The program allows funding for the replacement or reinforcement of entry doors, sliding glass doors, and garage doors—all key entry points that must resist wind pressure and impact. To qualify, these doors must be laboratory-tested and approved for high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ) and installed with code-compliant framing and anchoring systems. For garage doors, many older homes require structural bracing or complete replacements to meet code. Ensuring door systems meet these standards helps secure the building envelope, which is a critical factor in qualifying for wind mitigation credits and successful grant reimbursement. - Roof-to-wall reinforcements:
This eligible upgrade focuses on strengthening the connection between the roof structure and the walls of the home. Common methods include the addition of metal hurricane straps or clips, which physically tie the roof trusses to the wall plates. Another frequently funded improvement is the installation of a secondary water barrier, typically a self-adhering membrane that goes beneath the roof covering to prevent leaks. These upgrades reduce the chance of roof uplift during storms and are particularly important for homes built before the adoption of enhanced wind-resistance codes in 2002.
All products and installations must comply with Florida Building Code and meet the technical specifications set forth by the program. Homeowners are expected to use licensed Florida contractors to complete the work after receiving approval.
This grant is not retroactive, meaning all work must be completed after the grant is approved and only for improvements outlined by the state.
Who Is Eligible for My Safe Florida Home Grants?
Eligibility for the My Safe Florida Home program is determined by several criteria set by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Homeowners must meet all the following:
- Residency status: The property must be the applicant’s primary residence and have a valid homestead exemption on file with the county
- Property type: Only single-family, site-built homes are eligible. Condominiums, mobile homes, and multifamily properties do not qualify
- Age of home: Typically, homes built before March 2002 are prioritized, as they were constructed before modern wind resistance codes were implemented
- Wind mitigation inspection: A certified wind inspection must be conducted prior to approval. This inspection determines current risk levels and provides recommendations for eligible upgrades
If any of these conditions aren’t met, the application may be denied. It’s critical for homeowners to verify eligibility before applying to avoid unnecessary delays.
Application Steps: How to Get Approved in 2025
The My Safe Florida Home application process is structured and requires careful attention to detail. Here’s how to move through the steps efficiently:
- Schedule a wind mitigation inspection: Choose a certified Florida inspector from the state-approved list. The inspection report outlines the vulnerabilities of your home and qualifies you for the grant
- Submit your application: Applications must be completed through the official state portal at MySafeFLHome.com. Required documents include your wind inspection report, proof of homestead exemption, and property identification
- Await grant approval: Once submitted, applications are reviewed by the Department of Financial Services. This step may take several weeks depending on application volume
- Hire a participating contractor: After approval, choose a licensed contractor to perform the upgrades. Ensure they’re familiar with state specifications for compliant installations
- Complete and document all work: Submit final invoices, photos, and follow-up inspection reports to receive reimbursement for the work
Applications open on August 4, 2025 through MySafeFLHome.com. Be prepared to apply as soon as the portal opens to secure your spot before funding is exhausted.
Using Your Grant for Impact Windows
Impact windows are among the most requested upgrades under the My Safe Florida Home program due to their high effectiveness during hurricanes and long-term cost savings. These windows are engineered with laminated glass and reinforced frames to resist wind pressures and flying debris.
The average cost for impact windows ranges from $800 to $1,200 per unit, including labor. Depending on the size and number of windows in a home, the $10,000 grant may fully or partially cover the installation. Homeowners with larger homes or custom window needs may choose to cover any remaining balance themselves.
East Coast Windows specializes in the installation of a variety of high-quality impact-resistant products that meet or exceed Florida Building Code requirements. Once a grant is approved, East Coast Windows can:
- Provide a free estimate for impact window installation
- Ensure all products are certified and compliant
- Offer installation timelines that align with state requirements
- Supply documentation needed for reimbursement and wind mitigation credits
Long-Term Savings: Insurance Discounts and Storm Resilience
Installing impact windows as part of your wind mitigation plan offers not only physical protection but also financial rewards. One of the most immediate benefits is the potential for homeowners insurance discounts. Florida insurers often offer premium reductions between 5% and 20% for homes with approved impact windows and doors.
In addition to savings, impact windows provide:
- Storm protection:
Impact windows are engineered to withstand Florida’s most severe weather conditions, including high winds and flying debris during hurricanes. Their laminated glass construction is designed to remain intact even when struck, preventing shards from entering the home. This not only protects occupants from injury but also prevents sudden depressurization of the home, which can lead to catastrophic roof or structural failure. Additionally, sealed impact windows reduce the risk of internal water intrusion—one of the most common and expensive forms of storm-related damage. - Security benefits:
Unlike standard windows, impact-resistant windows use a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or similar interlayer between sheets of glass, making them exceptionally tough to penetrate. Even if the glass is cracked or damaged, the inner layer holds the structure together. This deters forced entry and provides a critical layer of defense against burglary attempts—especially valuable in coastal areas where seasonal evacuations may leave homes temporarily unoccupied. - Energy efficiency:
Modern impact windows often include low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, argon gas fills, and multi-pane construction to reduce heat transfer and block UV rays. These features help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the strain on air conditioning systems—especially important in Florida’s hot, humid climate. Over time, this can lead to substantial energy savings and extend the life of HVAC equipment. Additionally, UV protection helps preserve interior furnishings from sun-related fading. - Increased resale value:
Impact windows are a high-ROI home improvement in Florida’s real estate market. Many buyers see them as non-negotiable due to the region’s hurricane risk and rising insurance premiums. Homes equipped with code-compliant impact windows often appraise higher and sell faster because buyers recognize the value of safety, insurance savings, and long-term durability. For sellers, these windows can be a strong differentiator in a competitive market.
Once your windows are installed, a follow-up wind mitigation inspection can validate your upgrades and help secure insurance discounts.
Why You Should Apply for My Safe Florida Home Today
The My Safe Florida Home program is a limited-time opportunity for Florida homeowners to invest in safer, stronger homes. With $280 million in funding for 2025 and an active hurricane season forecasted, demand is expected to rise rapidly. With applications launching on August 4, now is the time to schedule your inspection and prepare all required documents. Acting early improves your chances of approval before demand peaks.
Once your grant is approved, you can rely on East Coast Windows—an authorized PGT® Window dealer and licensed Florida contractor—to install high-performance impact windows and doors that meet the most stringent state codes for wind mitigation and energy efficiency. Our deep product knowledge and compliance expertise ensure your upgrades are not only grant-eligible but built for long-term storm protection and value.
East Coast Windows is not affiliated with the My Safe Florida Home program and does not assist with grant applications or eligibility reviews. All installations are performed only after state approval is received.