Committee narrows My Safe Florida condo pilot to prioritize low‑income, owner‑occupied units

Senator Pizzo presented CS for SB 1706 to revise the My Safe Florida condominium pilot program to concentrate scarce mitigation funds on owner‑occupied units with household incomes at or below 80 percent of area median income (the "80 for 80" approach).

The sponsor said the change is intended to prioritize low‑income, owner‑occupied condominium owners—often older homeowners on fixed incomes—over units with higher incomes or investment properties. The committee adopted a late‑file amendment adding "water intrusion mitigation devices" to eligible mitigation products and reported the bill favorably.

Senators expressed concern about how many associations will meet the 80% owner‑occupied and income thresholds and whether the program’s current funding is adequate; the sponsor noted the pilot has limited funds (roughly $30 million originally appropriated, with a portion already spent) and said the narrower eligibility will focus resources on those most at risk of losing their homes.

The committee’s action was procedural: the bill was amended and reported favorably for continued consideration. Implementation and rollout remain dependent on program guidance and vendor performance.