Fla. Homeowners Get $$ For Hurricane Mitigation

Florida authorities said they have begun mailing out checks to some of the 4,000 residents who have applied to the state program that helps homeowners strengthen their dwellings against hurricanes.

State Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced that 10 mitigation grants totaling almost $30,000 have been mailed to Florida homeowners from five counties who hardened their homes against hurricanes.

Homeowners can receive 50 percent of the cost to a maximum of $5,000 through the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program.

Ms. Sink's office said homeowners, who received free wind inspections during the pilot phase of the program, are being reimbursed for half the cost of a variety of home improvements, including hurricane shutters, reinforced garage doors and roof enhancements.

More than 4,000 homeowners who participated in the pilot phase of the program have applied for matching grants from the MSFH program.

The CFO's office said these homeowners are currently working with licensed contractors approved by the MSFH program and are making recommended improvements to their homes. Once the work has been completed, the state will reimburse the homeowners.

Ms. Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services, said, "It is my goal to increase awareness about the financial and safety incentives available to homeowners that choose to mitigate their homes and better protect their families."

The MSFH program shows property owners how they can strengthen their homes and reduce the overall potential for hurricane damage. The program offers eligible homeowners a free inspection by hurricane mitigation inspectors. Homeowners who have received inspections can apply for the matching grant program, the CFO's office explained.

During the MSFH program's 2006 pilot phase, more than 14,000 free wind inspections were conducted in 17 counties , the CFO reported.