ORLANDO, Fla. – The “My Safe Florida Condo” pilot program is a new initiative designed to help condo associations strengthen their properties against hurricanes.
Residents need to know that condominium associations have to apply, it’s not for individuals. There are other criteria that also have to be met. For instance, the condominium must be located within 15 miles of the saltwater coastline. It’s intended to help those who suffer the most damage because they live near the water. For this first trial, they have allotted $30 million.
On Wednesday, News 6 spoke with Jimmy Patronis, the state’s Chief Financial Officer.
“This is money that HOA’s specifically can apply for in order to get up to $175,000.... it’s not for repairs in the structural space,” Patronis said. “So, if you’ve got concrete columns or those type of things to replace, this money is not going to be able to be utilized for those purposes. But replacing windows, replacing doors, helping waterproofing, helping with roof mitigation, all those types of things are eligible.”
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Patronis said they have already received 800 applications and had to stop accepting them.
He said the only way to get more help for people is to contact their legislators.
“Right now, this is the process where the legislators are going to be going to be preparing for next year,” Patronis said. “A brand-new slate of legislators was installed yesterday. They’re going to start committee week soon. You know, letting your legislators know that you would like them to continue funding the My State for a home program. And we’ve got the dollars to do it, and we are morally obligated to do it, but they need to hear about it from their constituents. You know, you get the government you deserve if you don’t engage it.”
Also, if you mistakenly applied as an individual, you can ask your HOA if they can apply. That way your application will not be disqualified.
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