My Safe Florida Home 2026: New Rules, Income Limits, and How to Get Up to $10,000

Every year in Florida, people worry when hurricane season comes — and their insurance bills go up. But there’s good news: the My Safe Florida Home program is back for 2026 with $280 million to help homeowners.

If you want to make your home stronger and lower your insurance costs, you can get up to $10,000 from this program. But the rules are very different from last year. It’s no longer a “first come, first served” rush. Now the state uses a strict priority list, and some higher-income families won’t qualify.

Check Eligibility: See If a Refinance Can Give You the Cash Upfront for Your Home Upgrades

In this guide, we will explain the new 2026 rules in simple steps, how the “Group” system works, and how to avoid mistakes that could stop you from getting reimbursed.

At a Glance: What’s New for 2026?

Before you apply, you need to know if you still qualify. The 2025 legislative overhaul introduced critical changes:

• Funding: A fresh $280 million allocation (down from previous requests), meant to cover both the backlog of previous applicants and new low-income seniors.

• Eligibility Cutoff: "Group 5" has been eliminated. If your household income is above 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), you are no longer eligible for a grant (though you can still get a free inspection).

• Prioritization: The portal re-opened on August 4, 2025, with access granted in waves. Low-income seniors get first priority.

• Choice of Contractor: You can now choose any licensed Florida contractor, provided they agree to the program's invoicing rules.

Am I Eligible? Understanding the Priority Groups

The 2026 program is strictly means-tested. To prevent the portal crashes of the past, applications are processed in waves.

The 4 Eligible Groups

1. Group 1 (Low-Income Seniors):

   • Age: 60+

   • Income: ≤80% AMI

   • Benefit: No-Match Grant (100% covered up to $10k).

2. Group 2 (Low-Income General):

   • Age: Any

   • Income: ≤80% AMI

   • Benefit: No-Match Grant (100% covered up to $10k).

3. Group 3 (Moderate-Income Seniors):

   • Age: 60+

   • Income: 80% - 120% AMI

   • Benefit: Matching Grant ($2 State / $1 Homeowner).

4. Group 4 (Moderate-Income General):

   • Age: Any

   • Income: 80% - 120% AMI

   • Benefit: Matching Grant ($2 State / $1 Homeowner).

   • Warning: Due to funding caps, this group faces a high risk of being waitlisted.

Note: AMI (Area Median Income) is just the income level for your county; saying someone is at 80% or 120% AMI means their household earns 80% or 120% of what the typical family in that area makes. To find your Area Median Income, use Fannie Mae's Area Median Income Lookup Tool

The Income Thresholds (Estimates)

Eligibility depends on where you live. A "moderate" income in Miami is different from one in Orlando. Based on 2025 HUD projections, here is where the lines are drawn for a family of 4: 

Critical Note: If you earn more than the Moderate Income Limit (120% AMI), you are formerly "Group 5" and are ineligible for grants in 2025.

How the Money Works: The Matching System

The MSFH program is a reimbursement grant. This means you must have the funds (cash or financing) to pay the contractor first. The state cuts you a check after the work is verified.

The "2-to-1" Match (Groups 3 & 4)

For every $1 you spend, the state provides $2, up to a maximum grant of $10,000.

• To get the full $10,000 grant: You must spend $15,000 on a project.

  • State pays: $10,000

  • You pay: $5,000

• Total Project Cost: $15,000.

• Your Net Cost: $5,000.

Note: You can spend more than $15,000 (e.g., $25,000 for a full window package), but the grant is capped at $10,000. You pay the difference.

Step-by-Step: The Application Workflow

Navigating the portal requires precision. One misstep can lead to a denial.

Phase 1: The Inspection (The Gatekeeper)

You cannot apply for a grant without a specialized inspection.

1. Apply for Inspection: Go to mysafeflhome.com and request a free wind mitigation inspection.

2. The Inspection: A state-assigned inspector will review your home using form OIR-B1-1802.

3. The Report: They check 7 key areas, including Roof-to-Wall connections and Opening Protection.

   • Logic: If your report says your windows are already "Compliant" (perhaps you have older shutters), you cannot get a grant for new windows. The grant is for upgrades, not aesthetics.

Phase 2: The Grant Approval

1. Upload Documents: Once the portal opens for your Group, upload proof of income (tax returns) and home insurance.

2. Select Contractor: You can now choose any licensed contractor.

3. Get Approval: WAIT for the email that says "Grant Approved - Work May Begin."

   • WARNING: If you sign a contract or start work before this email arrives, you will be denied. Zero exceptions.

Phase 3: Reimbursement

1. Work Complete: Contractor finishes the job.

2. Pay in Full: You pay the contractor 100% of the invoice.

3. Final Inspection: A program inspector verifies the work.

4. Submit Draw Request: Upload your "Paid in Full" invoice and proof of payment (cleared check/bank wire).

What Improvements Are Covered?

The program is strictly for wind mitigation.

1. Windows and Doors (Opening Protection)

This is the most popular upgrade. You must upgrade to impact-rated windows or doors (Large Missile Impact standards).

• The "Weakest Link" Rule: You generally must upgrade all glazed openings. You cannot just replace the front windows and leave the back windows unprotected, as this doesn't lower your insurance risk.

2. Roof Upgrades

The grant does not pay for a "new roof" directly, but it pays for the mitigation that happens during a re-roofing.

• Secondary Water Resistance (SWR): A self-adhering barrier that prevents leaks if shingles blow off.

• Roof-to-Wall Attachments: Upgrading from "Toe-Nails" to "Clips."

• Townhouse Exclusion: Townhouses are eligible for window grants but not roof grants, as roofs are usually association-managed.

3 Common Ways to Get Denied (Don't Do This)

Based on analysis of 2024 denials, avoid these costly mistakes:

1. The "Garage Door Trap": You replace a garage door that was technically already wind-rated (even if it was old). The program only pays to replace non-rated doors.

2. The "Early Start": You put down a deposit with a contractor before receiving the specific Grant Approval email.

3. The "Partial Upgrade": You replace your windows but leave one standard glass sliding door. Because the home isn't fully protected, the insurance discount doesn't apply, and the grant may be withheld.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For Moderate-Income homeowners (Groups 3 & 4), the math is compelling. An $18,000 window project might cost you a net $8,000 after the grant.

When you factor in the increased home resale value and annual insurance savings (estimated $500-$1,000/year), the ROI is unbeatable.

Need cash upfront for your MSFH project?

A refinance or home equity loan can fund your windows or roof upgrade while you wait for the reimbursement check.

Check Eligibility: See If a Refinance Can Give You the Cash Upfront for Your Home Upgrades