The hurricane season began on June 1, but a program to help homeowners with inspections and storm mitigation upgrades will expire on June 30.

The state of Florida will not renew its $250 million “My Safe Florida Home” program, citing a $6 billion budget gap. The program provides free home inspections and offers grants to tens of thousands of residents whose houses needed upgrades to withstand hurricane winds. State officials such as Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink had asked lawmakers to preserve the program, saying it would help curb storm losses in the long run. Many insurance industry officials and state leaders have long argued that upgrading homes with storm shutters, new garage doors and other improvements is crucial to dealing with hurricane threats -- and high property insurance rates.

State Allows Safe-Home Program to Lapse (Daytona Beach FL News-Journal 5/31/09)

June 2, 2009