A House bill filed on Tuesday seeks to strengthen hurricane resilience for condominium buildings across the state through a pilot program offering state-backed mitigation grants.

House Bill 393, filed by Rep. Vicki Lopez and Rep. Christine Hunshofsky, seeks to amend the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, a state initiative designed to provide inspections and financial assistance for condominium associations undertaking storm-resistant improvements. If enacted, the bill would revise eligibility criteria, modify the grant approval process and establish new funding structures for hurricane mitigation projects.

Under the bill’s purview, associations seeking funding must first obtain approval through a majority vote of the board of administration or the total voting interests. A separate vote among affected unit owners would require at least 75 percent approval, replacing the previous unanimous consent requirement. The measure would limit participation in the pilot program to condominiums that are three stories or taller, excluding detached units on individual parcels of land. To qualify for grant funding, a structure must contain at least one residential unit.

The legilsation also introduces changes to how mitigation grants are allocated and utilized. The state would provide $2 in matching funds for every $1 contributed by an association. Roof-related projects would be funded at a rate of $11 per square foot of a replacement roof, capped at $1,000 per unit, with the state covering up to 50 percent of the total project cost.

Opening protection projects, which include impact-resistant doors and windows, would be funded at a maximum of $750 per replacement window or door, capped at $1,500 per unit, with the state covering up to half of the total cost. No association may receive more than $175,000 in total grants.

Mitigation improvements eligible for funding include roof reinforcement, opening protections and structural retrofits to enhance hurricane resistance. However, grant funds may not be used to pay for pre-existing insurance claim deductibles or to replace features that already comply with current building codes. The Department of Financial Services would oversee the program, verifying contractor licenses and ensuring compliance through a final inspection requirement.

If approved, the measure would take effect July 1, 2025.