Bill > H1497

This bill modifies the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program by defining "area median income" as the median household income published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the county where the condominium is located, and it removes the previous definition of "service area," which was a 15-mile coastal zone. The program's eligibility requirements are revised to allow condominiums where at least 80% of occupied units are owned or occupied by individuals or families earning at or below 80% of the area median income to participate, with the Department of Financial Services responsible for adopting rules to verify household income through methods like self-certification or tax returns. Condominiums with mixed-income occupancies can now participate if they meet this income threshold, and applications for mitigation grants must include documentation to verify household income. Furthermore, grant funds will only be awarded for improvements to the common elements of condominium property, and associations receiving grants must complete 100% of recommended opening protection improvements to the common elements, such as exterior doors and windows, as specified in the hurricane mitigation inspection report. These changes apply to applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, and the act takes effect on that date.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1497