What are the steps to submit the Grant Application in MSFH 2.0?

Modified on Fri, 26 Sep at 3:21 PM

Eligible Applicants who receive a MSFH Initial Inspection in MSFH 2.0 will have the option to "opt-in" to complete the Grant Phase of the Program in 2.0. Applicants who either do not receive any Recommended Improvements or are placed in Group 5 will not be eligible to move forward to the Grant Phase.

The following link can take you directly to the Applicant Portal: MSFH Applicant Portal

Before Starting Grant Application:

A Hurricane Mitigation Initial Inspection must have been completed in MSFH 2.0.
Applicant must have completed the "Grant Indication of Interest" step to indicate you are interested in applying for a Grant and be sorted into the respective Grant Group.
Check to ensure your screen reflects My Safe Florida Home 2.0 Program and your case status reads “Grant Group 1, 2, 3, or 4”. Your Prioritization Group will determine the date an application will be available to you.
When your window is open, click the continue button in the Application to begin.

Submitting the Grant Application:

Homeowners must enter the Applicant Portal and complete the following steps:

1. "Introduction: Grant Phase" - contains an overview of information regarding the Grant Application and overall Grant Phase of the Program.

Carefully review the provided information on the Application steps and requirements.
Click the checkbox to confirm understanding that any responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) must be submitted within sixty (60) days or case will be deemed withdrawn and will be administratively closed.
Click the checkbox to confirm that the MSFH Final Inspection must be requested within one (1) year of receiving Grant Application approval, or request one 6-month extension, to be eligible to receive Grant Disbursement. If the Final Inspection or an extension is not requested, the case will be deemed abandoned and administratively closed.

Confirm that you have read the Introduction and will reach the instructions on each step thoroughly while proceeding.

Select "Complete & Continue" on the step to move forward.

2. "Grant Application: Insurance Information" - contains important information regarding selecting insurance documentation to be provided and insured value qualifications.

Click the checkbox agreeing to provide the Program any information received from the insurer that identifies discounts after completing Mitigation Projects that are funded by the Program.
Upload a copy of your current insurance declarations page, that shows the address of insured property, the policyholder's name, and the dates the policy is in effect, as well as the Dwelling value. Applicants are required to provide the Program with evidence that their home is a dwelling with an insured value of $700,000 or less.
Select "Complete & Continue" on the step to move forward.

3. "Grant Application: Contractor Confirmation" - contains important information regarding selecting Recommended Improvement(s) to be completed and qualifications for selecting an appropriate Contractor.

Review the checkboxes with Recommended Improvements that appear on your screen.
Select AT LEAST ONE Mitigation Project from the list that is provided to you. If the checkbox does not appear, the Improvement was not recommended on your Initial Inspection Report. Failure to select a project will result in an RFI.
Click the checkbox to confirm that the MSFH Program will review your selected Recommended Improvement AND intended Contractor. If you do not complete the selected Recommended Improvement with the Contractor(s) selected, you risk not receiving Disbursement of Grant funds.
Click the checkbox to confirm that it is the Applicant's responsibility to verify that the selected Contractor's license is appropriate before submitting for review. If you change Contractor's after the initial submission is reviewed, you rush selecting an inappropriate Contractor.
Enter the name, address, license number and email of each selected Contractor. If you are using more than one Contractor, select "Yes" to add an additional Contractor to the page and enter the additional contact information. The Contractor's license must be either certified or registered with the Florida Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Applicants can verify their Contractor’s license information by visiting the following website: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/.
Click the checkbox to confirm that it is the Applicant's responsibility to consult with the Contractor to ensure that the Recommended Improvements from the MSFH Initial Inspection Report are completed to meet all state, local, and MSFH Program Improvement standards. You need to confirm the Mitigation Projects are completed and installed appropriately BEFORE requesting a MSFH Final Inspection.
Click the checkbox to confirm that ONLY Improvements RECOMMENDED by an Inspector in the MSFH Initial Inspection Report and OBSERVED by an Inspector in the MSFH Final Inspection Report will be eligible for funding.
Select "Complete & Continue" on the step to move forward.

4. "Submit Grant Application" contains statements to confirm all information provided is true and correct and program guidelines to note before proceeding.

Start by reading the statement regarding providing information to the Program and click the checkbox to declare that this information is true and accurate.
Certify that you have only submitted one Grant Application or that you are allowed to submit a subsequent Grant Application pursuant to s. 215.5586(2)(b)2, F.S.
Acknowledge that approval of a Grant Application does not guarantee a Disbursement of Grant funds.
Acknowledge that Grant Disbursement will be contingent upon upload of required documentation and information in the Draw Request.
Click the checkbox agreeing to provide information received from insurer identifying the discounts realized because of Improvements funded through the MSFH Program. You will submit my Final Inspection Report to your insurer and will provide a new declarations page, letter, or email from my insurer that lists the amount of any discounts you have received after they have reviewed my MSFH Program Final Inspection Report.
Acknowledge that a MSFH Program Final Inspection MUST BE COMPLETED to identify any Improvements made before my Draw Request will be approved. I agree to make my home available for a MSFH Program Final Inspection once my Mitigation Project is complete.
Click the checkbox stating if you do not respond to a Request For Information (RFI) within sixty (60) days, your case will be deemed withdrawn and will be administratively closed. Closed cases cannot be reopened, so ensure that you check your case and your email regularly.
Click the blue Signature box to electronically sign the Grant Application.
Double-check the information provided to confirm it is correct before selecting "Complete" to submit the Grant Application. Individuals will not be able to edit this information once the step has been completed.

After Submitting the Grant Application:

After submitting, you won’t see an immediate change in your case. If you refresh your screen, you will see the status now change to “Grant Application Submitted”. Please continue to monitor your case status in the Applicant Portal regularly to see any updates.

Remember, If the Program is unable to approve your Grant Application, you will be sent a Request for Information (RFI). You will need to return to the Applicant Portal and submit additional information to satisfy the RFI. Please ensure you check your emails regularly in case an RFI is sent to you. RFIs must be responded to within 60 days.