Florida homeowners are facing an insurance crisis unlike any other state. Premiums have tripled in recent years, reaching more than three times the national average. Many insurers are pulling out of the market entirely, leaving Hillsborough County residents scrambling to find coverage—or paying over $5,000 a year for bare-bones policies.
But there’s a solution most families don’t know about: the Hillsborough Disaster Recovery Grant Program. This initiative helps local homeowners upgrade their homes for free (no upfront cost) while lowering premiums by as much as 50%.
Why Premiums Keep Going Up
- Older Homes = Higher Risk: Roofs or windows over 10 years old are red flags to insurers.
- Policy Cancellations: Thousands of Floridians have lost coverage entirely.
- Hurricane Losses: Recent storms (Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton) have driven insurance companies to cut back, leaving families footing the bill.
How the Grant Program Helps
The Hillsborough Disaster Recovery Grant Program connects homeowners to funding that covers:
- Roof replacements (shingle, tile, flat, metal)
- Impact windows & doors
- Energy improvements (AC, insulation, ducts)
No credit checks, no upfront costs, and no income requirements. Even uninsured homeowners can qualify.
Once work is completed, required inspections are performed so you can claim mandatory insurance discounts under Florida law.
Urgency: Funding Is Limited
Over $500 million has been allocated for homeowners, but it’s first-come, first-served. Once funds are claimed, the opportunity closes.