FURTHER Q&A ON MATCHING GRANTS

Question: My inspection report recommends that I protect my doors and and windows (Items 6 & 7). Can I apply for a grant to shutter just my windows (and gable vents if applicable)?

Answer: Yes. You can apply for a grant to protect just your windows and gable vents, if applicable (or just your exterior doors) but you must protect all the windows and gable vents, if applicable (or exterior doors) on your home to achieve maximum hurricane protection. Even if some of your windows or doors are already protected, the inspection report will recommend that all openings (windows, doors, sliding glass doors, gable vents and garage door) be protected because that level of protection will result in an improved hurricane-resistance rating for your home. Garage doors and skylights are stand alone improvements for which you can be reimbursed. Please ask your contractor to provide you with a ‘cut’ or diagram’ sheet detailing what openings were protected.

Question: Some of my windows already have shutters. Can I submit a reimbursement request for just the windows without shutters?

Answer: If the shutters that are currently on your home are not “hurricane/impact-rated” you will need to upgrade those shutters in order to be reimbursed under the program. Your wind inspection report should reflect the number of windows that actually need protection.

Question: Can I submit a reimbursement request for some of my windows and later submit my form for the remaining windows?

Answer: No. We will only pay half your cost when all windows and gable vents, if applicable are protected.

Question: Can I put permanently deployed shutters on the front of my house and removable shutters on the back of my house?

Answer: Yes - you can choose different types of window protection (or door protection) for different areas of your house provided that all windows (or doors) are protected and as long as all protection is approved by the Florida Building Code or Miami-Dade NOA.

Question: I have a hurricane-rated garage door but it was not installed with the proper bracing. Is bracing the door an improvement that is eligible for reimbursement?

Answer: Yes, but only if the garage door on the home is a hurricane-rated door that just needs to have the necessary bracing to make it an impact-rated garage door.

Question: I'm installing a new impact rated door and need to install a new garage door opener because the one I have now is not powerful enough to raise the new door.  Will I be reimbursed for this?

Answer:  Yes, if the contractor confirms the new opener is necessary, we will reimburse you for it.

Question: Do I also have to protect my skylights when making improvements to my windows to get a reimbursement?

Answer: No. Skylights are considered a stand-alone improvement for which you can be reimbursed.

Question: Is the garage door considered an exterior door?

Answer: Yes, but the garage door is a separate improvement for which you can be reimbursed.

Question: My report does not recommend bracing gable ends. Can I apply for a grant for the gables that are accessible?

Answer: Yes. If bracing of gable ends is not identified by the department’s wind inspection, but is identified as necessary by a participating contractor with the department, the department will disburse funds for bracing gable ends with physical proof, such as photographs or video, a copy of the building permit when applicable to do this improvement and upon re-inspection by the department.

Question: I am unable to deploy my removable hurricane-rated panels because of a medical condition or disability. Can I apply for a grant to upgrade my shutters to a permanently attached option?

Answer: Yes, but you must submit a letter from your physician, on his/her office letterhead, documenting the medical necessity for the upgrade. Your physician must describe your medical condition and specifically state that in his/her medical opinion you are unable to install the removable panels as the storm approaches.
For more information, contact our helpline at 1-866-513-6734.

Question: My report shows that I have 8 openings but my contractor says that I have 10. Do I need to have my report revised?

Answer: We realize there may be some differences in how the openings are counted and will process grant reimbursement requests if there is a discrepancy of 1-2 openings. Please contact our helpline for assistance if the number of opening differences is more than two. A revised report may be provided based on paperwork or photos submitted by the contractor and/or inspector.  

Question: I currently have hurricane-rated removable shutters so my report does not have window protection as an option.  However, I am unable to deploy my shutters because of my age or because of a medical condition.  Can I apply for a grant to upgrade my shutters to a permanently attached option? 

Answer: Yes, but you must submit a letter from your physician, on his/her office letterhead, documenting the medical necessity for the upgrade. For more information, click on the following link: MEDICAL EXEMPTION INFORMATION.