State Hurricane Grant Program Denies Elderly PSL Couple Unable to Lift Shutters
My Safe Florida Home disqualifies homeowners who have shutters — even if they can't physically install them
WHAT HAPPENED: An elderly Port St. Lucie couple in their 80s was denied a My Safe Florida Home grant to replace deteriorating 20-year-old windows because their home already has hurricane shutters — shutters they are physically unable to install.
WHAT IT MEANS: The state program disqualifies homeowners who already have shutters from receiving grants for impact windows. But for aging or disabled homeowners who cannot lift and mount heavy shutter panels, the policy creates a gap: they technically have hurricane protection on paper but cannot use it. A mitigation expert told WPTV the couple's windows are leaking, taped together with packing tape, and would not survive a hurricane. He also warned that lacking working protections could jeopardize homeowners' insurance coverage.
WHO IS AFFECTED: Helen and Alfred Nonnemacher of Port St. Lucie, where Alfred is recovering from a stroke. A Jensen Beach resident, Kimberly Caldwell Blazie, reported the same problem due to her disability. She has since filed a disability waiver exemption and received approval. State data from October 2025 showed only 33% of more than 120,000 applicants received grants during the last grant cycle. No data is available on how many applicants have been approved this year.
WHAT WE DON'T KNOW: The couple's original inspection report is no longer available. It is unclear how many applicants statewide face this same shutter-related disqualification or how many disability waivers have been filed and granted.
WHAT TO WATCH: Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia's office said a team member would contact the Nonnemachers directly and encouraged them to file a disability waiver exemption at MySafeFLHome.com. The CFO's office said funding will not run out before exemptions are reviewed. No specific timeline was given.
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