Florida Free Wind Inspection Program Nears Goal
Jun 24, 2008
Insurance Journal--June 24, 2008
More than 365,000 Florida homeowners have signed up for free wind inspections through the My Safe Florida Home program, only 35,000 inspections shy of the Florida Legislature’s goal of 400,000 by June 2009.
The first-come, first-serve program will continue accepting applications online and over the phone until it meets the goal, said Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink.
Participating homeowners receive a free wind inspection report, which suggests ways homeowners can harden their homes against storm damage and informs homeowners if they are currently eligible to save money on their wind insurance premiums.
To date, 60 percent of homeowners who have received a free wind inspection are eligible for discounts on their wind insurance premiums averaging $220 statewide, Sink said.
In 2007, the Florida Legislature directed the MSFH program to provide inspections for at least 400,000 site-built, single-family, residential properties and provide grants to at least 35,000 applicants before June 30, 2009.
In May, Sink announced that the program exceeded its grant goals and would transition to inspections only. To date, the MSFH program, including local government and non-profits, approved 38,889 homeowners for mitigation grants and has paid 18,465 grants totaling more than $62.9 million.
Source: Florida Department of Financial Services