An estimated 4,000 low-income Florida homeowners will soon receive free home inspections and assistance to make improvements to strengthen their homes against hurricanes, said Tom Gallagher, the state's chief financial officer.
Mr. Gallagher said the aid will be channeled through the Volunteer Florida Foundation, which administers the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund.
Twelve nonprofit organizations throughout the state are teaming up with the state-funded My Safe Florida Home program to fortify up to 4,000 low-income homes in Broward, Escambia, Glades, Hendry, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk and St. Lucie counties, according to Mr. Gallagher.
My Safe Florida Home is matching $8.1 million with the resources of these 12 organizations. A homeowner can earn no more than 80 percent of the Annual Median Income to qualify for this assistance. AMI varies by county.
Participating homeowners will receive free home inspections to determine what improvements can be made to strengthen their homes against hurricane damage. Following the inspections, homeowners will receive assistance to make recommended improvements, Mr. Gallagher's announcement said.
Funding for the partnership with nonprofit organizations is possible because of a $250 million appropriation by the Florida Legislature during the 2006 session to create the Florida Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program, now referred to as My Safe Florida Home and administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Department spokesman Jeff Takacs said some homeowners will receive financial assistance and others will receive free labor depending on the resources of the particular organization working with the homeowner. The amount of assistance will vary and Mr. Takacs did not supply any other details.
To date, the department said it had received more than 53,000 applications in the mail from Floridians eager to have free home inspections. Nearly 5,000 inspections are currently being done in Dade, Broward and Lee counties. Mr. Gallagher said his goal is to have 12,000 inspections completed before the end of the hurricane season on Nov. 30.
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