ORLANDO, Fla. — As people prepare for hurricane season, there’s some new changes ahead for the My Safe Florida Home program starting July 1.
One of those major changes is who will get funding priority.
Below is a breakdown of the new priority guidelines beginning in July.
- Low-income homeowners age 60+
- Low-income homeowners
- Moderate-income homeowners age 60+
- Moderate-income homeowners
- All other eligible Florida homeowners
The program defines low income as 80% or less of the median household income in a homeowner’s respective county.
In recent days, senior citizens in Seminole County appear to be the target of a mail campaign that is causing confusion.
The My Safe Florida Home program is a grant reimbursement initiative backed by the state. Money, if approved, is given back to homeowners following upgrades made to strengthen their home.
A mailer, however, is being sent out that reads “New Bill Passed.” It also says on the mailer, “New legislation allowing homeowners in Seminole to get a new roof and windows through this Florida approved program.”
This flyer is not from the state, and does not have any affiliation to the My Safe Florida Home Program.
It caught the attention of residents like Dwight Jeffries.
June 1 is a significant date each year for Jeffries. It’s not only the official start of hurricane season, but it’s also his birthday.
Each year before he parties and celebrates, he makes sure his home is ready for storm season.
“First thing I do, get my generator out, which I did last week,” Jeffries said. “Run it (the generator) to make sure it’s OK to know the gas in there is OK.”
He also fills his gas cans, his water bottles, stocks up on supplies, and even pulls out his sand bags.
An army vet, Jeffries credits his military background to prepare him each and every year.
“Always prepared for whatever you have to do,” Jeffries says. “You don’t wait for it to happen, and if it does, then I am good to go.”
The Seminole County resident already is planning on a new roof in a couple of years. His is 15 years old, but as the numerous no soliciting signs in his yard indicate, he doesn’t want to be sold one.
Recently he says he received a piece of mail. The flyer, he admits, seemed too good to be true.
“Through this Florida approved program,” Jeffries reads out loud from a mailer in his hand. “So I figured it was a program. Sort of like the one for roofing and solar panels.”
According to state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who advocates for the My Safe Florida Home, this is not from them or the state.
“I know nothing about this flyer,” State CFO Jimmy Patronis said Thursday. “It seems fraudulent to me.”
Patronis says he wants Florida homeowners to know you should not let someone file a claim or apply for any type of grant for a home unless it’s the homeowner or their insurance agent helping.
“We are not going to be in the business of allowing some third party to make requests on your behalf to take advantage of your benefits,” Patronis states.
Before Jeffries decides if he wants help from the state, he’s helping himself. Next week he has licensed tree trimmers coming to cut down the larger limbs hanging over his roof.
Hurricane season ends on Nov. 30, which is also a date he always has circled on his calendar. It’s the day he got married over 40 years ago.
One key thing to remember if you are looking to get involved with the My Safe Florida program is the state has a recommended contractors’ list.
Patronis said his office is looking into the source of the mailer.