FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — Franklin County residents can now apply to protect and strengthen their homes from hurricanes thanks to a new grant from the state of Florida.
Franklin County Emergency Management was awarded a Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program grant by the Florida Division of Emergency Management to help harden or retrofit single-family homes in the county.
The program is not designed to repair homes, but rather to protect and strengthen homes against strong winds that are caused by hurricanes and tropical storms, aiding in minimizing damages.
Eligible improvements include:
- Replacement of roof sheathing
- Replacement of roof covering
- Strengthening of roof deck attachment
- Installation of secondary water barrier
- Installation of hurricane straps
- Installation of window and door opening protection
- Brace bottom chord gable end
- Anchoring of wall or floor units to the foundation
To apply for the aid, you must meet the following requirements:
- Must reside in Franklin County outside of the Carrabelle City Limits
- Home must be the primary residence
- Must show proof of homeownership
- Must have homeowner insurance
- Property taxes and mortgage must be current
- Must meet income requirements, (low to moderate income)
Those ineligible for this program include mobile homes, manufactured homes, rental properties, mobile home parks and multifamily units, according to county officials.
Funding is limited and applications will be assessed on a first come, first qualified basis. Emergency management officials stressed that completing an application does not guarantee assistance.
For more information, contact Franklin County Emergency Management at (850) 653-8977 to obtain an application. If you previously submitted an application, you will need to reapply as some conditions have changed.
