Governor DeSantis Announces Insurance Deductible Support
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) will be making $5 million in disaster recovery funds available to local housing partners to help Floridians with their hurricane deductibles. The assistance will be available in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, and Sarasota counties. Affected individuals may apply through FHFC’s local housing partners.
FHFC annually receives funding from the Legislature for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, of which $5 million is set aside to be used in the event of a natural disaster. This year, the program will use the funds to assist Floridians who are low to moderate income, live in one of the six counties hardest hit by Hurricane Ian and cannot afford to pay their insurance deductibles.
“Following the impacts of Hurricane Ian, it was really important to us to make sure people were able to get back into their homes and rebuild as quickly as possible – today’s announcement will help do just that,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We know a lot of homeowners had coverage for the storm, however insurance deductibles are expensive and often a gap not covered by other support. These funds will immediately help families and seniors with limited means get closer to recovery.
“Just a little more than a week ago, Governor DeSantis and I sat with business owners in Lee County, and we consistently heard the very real, urgent challenges that residents need help with to recover. Insurance deductibles were definitely one of the consistent points raised,” said Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle. “Today, with the Governor’s leadership, we’re again turning the feedback of Southwest Florida residents into action, and we look forward to meeting with Florida Housing’s local partners to spread the word and further identify ways to support housing needs.”
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation also is working to compile information on disaster relief resources. These services include assistance locating affordable rental property as well as potential assistance with relocation, debris removal and home repairs. The FHFC also points out that Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Federal Housing Administration loans (FHA) might be subject to their own programs that help homeowners after a disaster. In addition, Operation Blue Roof operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs.