Florida Housing, the state's housing finance agency, receives funding from the Legislature each year for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, with $5 million set aside for use in the event of a natural disaster. This year, disaster funds have been designated to assist Floridians with low to moderate income who live in one of the six counties hardest hit by Hurricane Ian and are unable to pay their insurance deductibles.
“We know there are many hardworking families and senior citizens on a fixed income that live in the areas impacted by Hurricane Ian,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
“Hurricane deductibles are larger than typical deductibles for home damages, and many people impacted aren’t prepared to put up tens of thousands of dollars to begin the work of rebuilding their homes. By providing the necessary financial assistance to help these families pay their insurance deductibles we hope this will ease some of the burden that comes after a major storm and allow the focus to remain on recovery. We’re grateful for the leadership from Governor DeSantis and the state Legislature as we all work together to continue providing Southwest Florida with the support needed to help their communities rebuild.”
“Just a little more than a week ago, Governor DeSantis and I sat with business owners in Lee County, and we consistently heard the very real, urgent challenges that residents need help with to recover. Insurance deductibles were definitely one of the consistent points raised,” said Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle. “Today, with the Governor’s leadership, we’re again turning the feedback of Southwest Florida residents into action, and we look forward to meeting with Florida Housing’s local partners to spread the word and further identify ways to support housing needs.”