Anne Bendel of West Boca Raton has encountered repeated obstacles while trying to claim a state grant to help cover storm-fortification costs for her home. She first reached out to WPTV in May when her My Safe Florida Home application stalled due to missing paperwork from her insurance company. After that issue was resolved, program representatives told her in May that her application was complete. However, just one week later, the program requested additional documentation, specifically a permit of completion for a large impact window. Bendel provided the requested permit, but staff then raised concerns about the dates listed on the document.
Bendel spent $8,000 of her own money on the storm-fortification work. The My Safe Florida Home program offers grants up to $10,000 to help homeowners like her strengthen their homes against storms and secure insurance discounts. Despite submitting all required permits, insurance documentation, and proof of completed work multiple times, Bendel says new requirements emerge each time the program marks her application as complete. The frustration has been compounded by the fact that she is managing the entire process using only her phone, without access to a computer or assistance from others. "It's not easy for me because I don't have a computer, I'm doing this on my phone, and I have nobody to help me. It's gut-wrenching," she said.
Bendel expressed her concerns about the program's fairness and the moving target of requirements. "I did the work, I had it completed, I got the permits, I had the insurance they asked for. Everything is done, but it seems like when everything is done they find some other little task to send you," she said. She describes herself as persistent and thorough, but the application process has severely tested her patience. The repeated requests for clarification or additional documents have shaken her confidence in the program's promises to support homeowners.
WPTV contacted the Florida Department of Financial Services in Tallahassee to inquire about Bendel's case and the current status of her grant application. As of the time of reporting, her application remains under review with no timeline provided for when a decision might be made. The My Safe Florida Home program has successfully assisted thousands of homeowners across Florida with storm-hardening improvements, but Bendel's experience highlights potential frustrations some applicants may encounter during the grant approval process.