My Safe Florida Home Deadline

We're less than a month from the start of hurricane season, and now is the time to start protecting your home. The "My Safe Florida Home" program offers money to help you. But time is running out.

Tens of thousands of Floridians have strengthened their homes against hurricanes through the program since it started three years ago ... So many that it has actually exceeded expectations."

 Last fall John Sayles showed us the brand new set of hurricane shutters he purchased for his home.

 "I'm thinking Hurricane Andrew and I want protection." said Sayles

 The program helped pay part of the bill. Sayles received one of 35-thousand grants awarded to Florida homeowners. Organizers say the response to the program has been tremendous.

 "To work with consumers and hear how much much they've kept in their pocket instead of spending on insurance premiums, it can be life changing for some people." said Victoria Williams, consumer outreach coordinator for the Florida Department of Financial Services.

According to state officials you can save up to a thousand dollars on your insurance premium just by having a free inspection and making suggested improvements.

"You save money everyday on your insurance premium, once you've proven to the company what a good status your house already is."

  There is plenty of time to get an inspection. You must have one to be eligible for a grant. But the state will stop accepting grant applications on may 30th. State lawmakers recently passes a bill that would add 10 million more dollars to My Safe Florida Home. The bill is now awaiting the governor's signature.