2024 Florida Hurricane Grant Law Benefits Condominiums

Recent legislative developments in Florida have introduced significant modifications to hurricane preparedness regulations specifically tailored for community associations.  

The My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program (MSFCPP), administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services was established for single family residential homeowners, but with the passage and signing by Governor Ron DeSantis of HB 1029 a co-pilot for condos has been included. The new law offers hurricane mitigation inspections and grants to coastal condominium associations. This initiative is a state-funded program designed to bolster the resilience of condominium buildings against hurricanes. The MSFCPP grant offers qualified condo associations two dollars of state money for every association dollar spent on roof repairs of up to fifty percent of the entire project.  

The My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program (MSFCPP), administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services, offers hurricane mitigation inspections and grants to eligible coastal condominiums. This program aims to enhance the resilience of condominium buildings against hurricanes by providing financial incentives for necessary upgrades. While the program shares similarities with the successful My Safe Florida Home program, it also presents unique challenges for condominium associations. To participate, an association must obtain approval from either its board or a majority of its members. Securing a grant requires unanimous consent from all unit owners in the building, a significant hurdle given the often-complex dynamics of condominium living. Importantly, individual unit owners cannot participate independently in the program; participation is strictly at the association level. The approval process mandates a formal vote at a membership meeting, rather than allowing for written consent. A hurricane mitigation inspection will assess a condominium's vulnerability to hurricane damage and provide recommendations for improvement, including estimated costs and potential insurance savings. To apply for a grant, the association must submit a detailed application, including a sworn statement from the president, notarized contractor information, and a commitment to project completion. Grant funds are matched by the association, with specific limitations on project types and maximum grant amounts. The program imposes a strict timeline for project completion, and the final grant is released upon project finish. While the MSFCPP offers a valuable opportunity for condominiums to strengthen their hurricane protection, the program’s requirements, particularly the unanimous consent mandate for grants, may pose challenges for many associations.