Gov. DeSantis signs bills to encourage hurricane prep

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
desantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis campaigns in California for 2024. Credit: CBS

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills to strengthen Florida against natural events and hurricanes while in Redington Shores.

During a news conference Wednesday, DeSantis mentioned the upcoming Florida Hurricane Tax Holiday, which allows certain items used in hurricane prep to be purchased without a sales tax.

He then stated that the tax holiday had saved Floridians nearly $500 million since being signed into law in 2022.

He then reiterated the passing of the 2021 Resilient Florida Grant Program, which distributes grants to local communities to protect shorelines, inland waterways and coastal reefs.

DeSantis stated that over 300 grants have been used statewide.

He then shifted focus to the discussion and eventual signing of Senate Bill 7028 and House Bill 1029.

Senate Bill 7028 will continue funding the My Safe Florida Home Program, providing $200 million for the program in the upcoming fiscal year.

The bill will provide homeowners with free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants to homeowners to help reduce their insurance premiums and strengthen their homes against future wind damage.

House Bill 1029 will establish the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, providing condominium associations with funds to harden their condo infrastructure.

“Strong infrastructure is the best way to protect against the impacts of a future hurricane,” said DeSantis. “We are making investments that strengthen our state, help homeowners strengthen their homes and increase our coastal protection against a storm.”

DeSantis then announced his commitment to signing $50 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year to fortify Florida beaches and support beach renourishment projects.

Watch the entire news conference in the tweet below.

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