Florida Governor Urges Legislature to Approve Hurricane Relief Grants, Address Rising Condo Costs

TALLAHASSEE — Governor Ron DeSantis has called on Florida lawmakers to approve additional hurricane relief grants for homeowners and to consider reforms for the state’s condominium market during an upcoming legislative session.

DeSantis urged the legislature to authorize grants aimed at helping homeowners rebuild and prepare for the next hurricane season. The governor highlighted the need to assist homeowners previously approved for the My Safe Florida Home program, who have yet to receive funds due to the program running out of money. He emphasized the importance of providing timely financial support to ensure homes are rebuilt with increased resilience.

The My Safe Florida Home program offers matching grants of up to $10,000 for structural improvements that help homes withstand hurricanes more effectively. DeSantis stressed that many homeowners already approved for assistance should receive these grants before the next hurricane season rather than waiting for new funding to become available in July.

Additionally, DeSantis called for legislative reforms to address challenges in Florida’s condominium market. The market has experienced rising costs following safety regulations enacted in 2022 after the tragic Surfside condominium collapse in 2021, which resulted in 98 fatalities. He noted the need to address unintended consequences of these laws to prevent undue financial strain on condo residents.

The governor also pressed lawmakers to allocate resources for enforcing President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed immigration policies and to consider changes to Florida’s citizen ballot initiative process. DeSantis cited concerns over the petition drive that placed an abortion rights measure on the 2024 ballot, raising allegations of fraud.

The special legislative session is scheduled for the week of January 27, shortly after President-elect Trump’s inauguration. Lawmakers are expected to discuss hurricane relief funding, condominium market reforms, and broader policy issues during this session.