DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. — Just three days into a pilot program to help Florida condo associations strengthen their buildings, "My Safe Florida Condo" is no longer accepting applications for grant money.

What You Need To Know

  • My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program is no longer accepting applications

  • Just days after the program opened, it received the maximum number of applications, with more than 800 condo associations applying for grant money in the first three days

  • Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis said his office is prepared to ask legislature for at least $200 million in 2025 to fund My Safe Florida Home Program

The pilot program — which is part of the larger “My Safe Florida Home” program — had been allocated $30 million.

As part of the program, each condo association can receive up to $175,000, meaning about 170 condo associations are eligible, assuming they apply for the maximum amount.

State officials say more than 800 condo associations applied for grants within the first three days.

Jim West, board president of the Mabella Condominiums in Daytona Beach Shores, says he missed out on applying, but hopes to use the program in the future.

“Absolutely, we would take advantage of it,” he said. “I am going to put my name in, for when they do the thing and if they open it up again.”

West has been busy for years rebuilding the Marbella after its seawall failed during storms years ago, but the condo association is still is trying to shore up some soft spots around doors and windows.

It’s a project My Safe Florida Condo was designed for.

“It’s not so much for structural improvements, but more of hardening improvements,” Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis said. “Anything we can do to help water barriers, new windows, new doors.”

Patronis said he hoped the strengthening will also help with insurance premiums, something West would appreciate.

He says the Marbella’s insurance jumped from $60,000 in 2022 to $264,000 in 2023.

West hopes the program is a success so he can try to apply again next time.

The first group of condo associations that were eligible for the pilot program were ones within 15 miles of the coastline.

Patronis’ office also said whatever project a condo association is approved for, they must pay for the entire project upfront, and would then be reimbursed.

According to Patronis’ office, officials are seeking at least $200 million from the state Legislature to fund the My Safe Florida Home program in 2025.