Know what to do first.
Program workflow guide
My Safe Florida Home guide for Orlando-area homeowners
The My Safe Florida Home process can help eligible homeowners plan hurricane-hardening improvements, but the steps are easy to mix up.
This guide gives you the plain-English version: what to do first, what not to rush, what documents to keep, and when contractor quotes actually matter.
Independent guidance. Local contractor matching available. No grant or insurance outcome guaranteed.
Keep the approval gate visible.
Organize final inspection, draw-request, and insurance follow-up documents.
The process in plain English
Create your account and complete the early questions
Start by setting up your account and answering the program's initial questions. This helps determine where you fit in the process.
Apply for the wind-mitigation inspection
The inspection is the starting point for the grant path. Do not assume a contractor quote replaces the inspection.
Review the inspection report
Your report should identify the recommended improvements for your home. This is where the project becomes specific.
Decide what you want quoted
Use the report to ask contractors for the right scope. Do not ask every contractor for a different project and then try to compare prices.
Choose a contractor carefully
The contractor should understand your recommended improvements, permits, product details, timeline, and the documents you will need after completion.
Keep the approval gate visible
Before work begins, make sure you understand whether your grant application has been approved and what can safely happen next.
Complete the project and close permits
The contractor work is only one part of the process. Local permit inspections and project closeout matter.
Request the final inspection
The final inspection confirms what was completed. Plan this carefully because you do not want to discover missing items after the opportunity has passed.
Submit the draw request
Your reimbursement packet should be organized before you submit. Missing documents can slow everything down.
Send final documents to your insurer
After the final inspection report is available, you may need to send it to your insurance company and keep evidence of the response.
What we help with
- Understanding what step you are on
- Building a document checklist
- Reviewing inspection-report recommendations
- Comparing contractor quotes
- Identifying missing quote details
- Preparing contractor questions
- Organizing final inspection and draw-request documents
- Tracking insurance follow-up evidence
Important timing rule
Do not let anyone turn your project into a rush. If you are not sure whether work can start, pause and check your status first.
Good questions to ask before hiring
- Have you reviewed my inspection report?
- Which recommended improvement does your quote address?
- What exact products or materials are included?
- Who pulls permits?
- What documents will I receive after completion?
- What is excluded?
- What happens if the final inspection does not observe the improvement?
- What is the payment schedule?
- What warranty is included?
Best next step
Tell us where you are in the process. We'll help you build the right checklist for that stage.
Important program links
Use the official program portal for official applications, account access, deadlines, and submissions. We can help you understand what to prepare, but your official account and program decisions remain with the program.
Program portal and official resources: My Safe Florida HomeFlorida CFO MSFHMSFH supportFlorida DBPR license search
Homeowner control: You stay in control. We help organize your project, review your documents, and connect you with local professionals when requested. We are independent and do not guarantee program approval, reimbursement, contractor performance, or insurance discounts.