Florida Window Replacement Program: Brevard County Guide

The My Safe Florida Home Program helps eligible Brevard County homeowners receive up to $10,000 toward hurricane-hardening improvements, including qualifying window and door upgrades.

Wallaby Windows provides impact window replacement throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, and surrounding communities. This guide covers eligibility for Florida’s window replacement program, how to apply, qualifying window upgrades, and common mistakes to avoid.

At a glance: Florida Window Replacement Program

• Grant amount: Up to $10,000 may be available for eligible hurricane-hardening improvements.
• Home eligibility: The home must have an insured value of $700,000 or less and an initial construction permit application dated before January 1, 2008, among other requirements.
• Approval process: Complete the inspection and application before moving forward with approved work.

What Is the My Safe Florida Home Program?

The My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) Program is a state-run program that helps eligible homeowners pay for hurricane-hardening improvements. Administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services, it provides free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants of up to $10,000.

Often called the Florida window replacement program, MSFH funds qualifying window, door, and other home upgrades. Homeowners in coastal communities such as Melbourne Beach, Satellite Beach, and Cocoa Beach focus on improvements that strengthen their homes against hurricane winds.

Check My Safe Florida Home for current funding and availability.

What Counts as a Covered Improvement?

Eligible improvements are based on the recommendations in your home inspection report and may include:

1. Roof and structural improvements: Stronger roof-to-deck and roof-to-wall connections, plus secondary water resistance.
2. Opening protection: Upgrades to windows, exterior doors, and garage doors.

Is This a Grant or a Loan?

MSFH provides a grant, not a loan. Under current program guidelines, eligible homeowners may receive $2 in grant funding for every $1 of their required match, up to $10,000.

Important: The homeowner is responsible for paying the full contract amount directly to the contractor. MSFH grant funds are reimbursed to the homeowner after eligible work is completed and all program requirements are met. Grant funds are not deducted from the contractor’s invoice or contract balance.

For Example: For a $15,000 eligible project, the homeowner would pay the contractor the full $15,000 contract amount. The homeowner could then be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement from MSFH, resulting in a potential net out-of-pocket cost of $5,000 after reimbursement. Grant eligibility and reimbursement amounts are determined by the My Safe Florida Home program and are not guaranteed by the contractor.

Do You Qualify? Brevard County Eligibility Requirements

Brevard County homeowners may qualify if their home and project meet current My Safe Florida Home requirements:

• Initial inspection: The home must qualify for and complete an initial MSFH hurricane mitigation inspection.
• Insured value: The home must have an insured value of $700,000 or less.
• Construction date: The initial building permit application must have been submitted before January 1, 2008.
• Licensed contractor: The homeowner must provide the name and license number of the contractor completing the approved improvements.
• Final inspection: The home must be available for a final inspection after the project is complete.
• Insurance information: Homeowners must provide requested insurer information related to discounts resulting from the completed improvements.

How to Check Your Brevard Property Value

Confirm your eligibility against MSFH’s current requirements rather than relying on a Zillow estimate or market value. You can review your home’s official property records through the Brevard County Property Appraiser.

What If You’re a Low-to-Moderate Income Homeowner?

MSFH sorts applicants into five groups based on household income and age. Your group determines when you can access an application:

• Group 1: Low-income homeowners age 60 or older.
• Group 2: Low-income homeowners age 59 or younger.
• Group 3: Moderate-income homeowners age 60 or older.
• Group 4: Moderate-income homeowners age 59 or younger.
• Group 5: Homeowners above the moderate-income threshold.

Group 1 receives the highest priority, followed by Groups 2, 3, and 4. Low income generally means household income at or below 80% of the county median, while moderate income is below 120%. Group 5 homeowners are not eligible for MSFH grant funds.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step for Brevard Homeowners

The MSFH process begins with determining your priority group and ends with reimbursement after the completed work is verified.

Step 1: Complete the Prioritization Questionnaire

Start in the My Safe Florida Home Applicant Portal by completing the Prioritization Questionnaire. Your age and household income determine your priority group and when you can apply.

Step 2: Apply for and Complete Your Initial Inspection

Apply for a hurricane mitigation inspection through the portal. Once approved, schedule an inspection to identify recommended improvements for your home.

Step 3: Review Your Report and Apply for a Grant

Your inspection report will list any recommended improvements. If eligible, indicate that you want to pursue grant funding and complete the grant application when it becomes available to your group.

Step 4: Complete the Approved Improvements

After grant approval, work with a licensed contractor on improvements recommended in your initial inspection. Wallaby Windows provides impact window replacement throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, and surrounding communities with flexible financing options.

Step 5: Complete Your Final Inspection

Once the contractor has finished your project, schedule the required final inspection. The inspector will document which recommended improvements were completed.

Step 6: Request Your Grant Funds

Submit your reimbursement request through the Applicant Portal with the required documentation. Only improvements recommended in the initial report and verified during the final inspection are eligible for grant funding.

Which Windows Qualify Under the Program?

MSFH may fund impact-rated windows or shutters when your Initial Inspection Report recommends them. You do not have to replace every window. To qualify for funding, you only need to upgrade the specific window or door openings listed in the report.

Impact Windows vs. Storm Shutters: What the Grant Covers

Impact windows and qualifying shutters provide eligible opening protection. However, if a window already has compliant hurricane shutters, MSFH generally will not fund replacing that protection with impact windows.

Does the Window Need a Specific Rating or Certification?

Yes. New windows must meet the impact-rating and code requirements that apply to the home and project. Your Initial Inspection Report identifies which openings need improvement, while your contractor can confirm the appropriate products and approvals for your impact window replacement in Brevard County.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Disqualify Your Grant Application

Avoid these common mistakes that can delay your application or affect your eligibility for Florida’s window replacement program:

• Starting work too early: Wait until you receive grant approval before beginning eligible improvements. Work completed before approval may not qualify for reimbursement.
• Using an unlicensed contractor: Grant-funded work must be completed by a properly licensed Florida contractor who meets program requirements.
• Missing your deadline: Follow the completion timeline provided with your grant award and schedule your contractor promptly after approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the My Safe Florida Home grant and how much can I get?
The My Safe Florida Home Program provides matching grants for eligible hurricane-hardening improvements. Under current guidelines, homeowners may receive up to $10,000.

Does Brevard County qualify for the My Safe Florida Home grant?
Yes. Eligible Brevard County homeowners can apply while program funding is available. Check My Safe Florida Home for current requirements and availability.

Can I use the grant to replace my windows with impact windows?
Yes. Qualifying impact windows may be covered as opening protection under the Florida window replacement program. Windows must meet applicable program and Florida Building Code requirements.

How do I get a free wind inspection for my Brevard home?
Request a hurricane mitigation inspection through My Safe Florida Home. The inspection identifies improvements that may qualify for grant funding.

Can I start my window replacement before the grant is approved?
No. Wait for grant approval before starting eligible work. Improvements completed before approval may not qualify for reimbursement.