Home insurance in Florida is at a crisis point. Hillsborough County residents are paying some of the highest premiums in the state, with many families spending over $5,000 per year. If your roof or windows are more than 10 years old, you’ve probably already noticed your premiums rising—or worse, received a cancellation notice.
But here’s the good news: through the Hillsborough Disaster Recovery Grant Program, you may qualify to replace your old roof or windows with no upfront cost—and immediately slash your insurance premiums by up to 50%.
Why Old Roofs and Windows Drive Up Your Insurance
Insurance companies see older homes as higher risk. A 15-year-old roof or thin glass windows are more likely to fail in a storm, which means insurers may either raise your premiums or refuse to cover you at all.
In fact, under new Florida hurricane safety standards, homes with outdated roofs or windows are among the top 5% most expensive to insure in South Florida.
The Solution: Hurricane-Resistant Upgrades
Replacing your roof, windows, or doors with hurricane-rated materials does two important things:
✅ Protects your home – stronger roofs and impact-resistant windows keep your family safe during storms.
✅ Lowers your insurance – once upgrades are inspected, you qualify for mandatory premium discounts under Florida law.
Many homeowners see their premiums drop by 30–50% after upgrades. That’s money that stays in your pocket year after year.
Do I Qualify for the Program?
The Hillsborough Disaster Recovery Grant Program is designed for local homeowners who:
- Own a home in Hillsborough County
- Have roofs, windows, or doors over 10 years old
- Are struggling with high or rising insurance premiums
- Want to strengthen their homes before the next hurricane
💡 Even if you don’t currently have home insurance, you may still qualify. The program’s goal is to help all homeowners fortify their homes, not just those already insured.
How the Program Works
- Apply Online – Fill out a quick form to check if your property qualifies.
- Inspection & Approval – We’ll inspect your home and confirm eligibility.
- Upgrades Installed – Licensed contractors replace your roof, windows, or doors.
- Insurance Discounts Secured – We arrange the required 4-point and wind mitigation inspections so your insurer applies the savings automatically.
The best part? There’s no upfront cost, no credit check, and no payments until late 2025.
Real Example: Savings That Pay for the Upgrade
One Tampa homeowner replaced her 18-year-old shingle roof through the program. Before, she was paying $4,200 per year in insurance. After the upgrade and inspection, her premium dropped to $2,100—cutting her bill in half.
Her insurance savings now cover nearly the entire monthly cost of the upgrade.
Why You Should Act Now
Funding for this program is limited and first-come, first-served. With hurricane season approaching, demand is only going to grow. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can secure your spot and protect your home.