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State representative outlines aid programs, budget wins and HOA reforms for Highland Beach
Summary
State Rep. Peggy Gossett Seidman updated the Highland Beach commission on state appropriations and bills including the My Safe Florida Home and pilot condo program, elimination of the business rent tax, HOA accountability reforms, infrastructure and local appropriations for FAU and local safety needs.
State Representative Peggy Gossett Seidman (District 91) told the Highland Beach Town Commission on July 15 that several state programs and budget items of local interest have been enacted and that new assistance programs are now open. She highlighted two home- and condominium-focused resilience programs, a major budget change eliminating Florida's business rent tax, and a package of appropriations and reforms affecting local infrastructure and homeowner associations.
Seidman said the My Safe Florida Home program, open online, provides homeowners up to $10,000 for wind mitigation upgrades (roof, doors, windows, garage doors) for qualifying, homesteaded residences (maximum home value thresholds apply). She added that My Safe Florida Condo, launched as a pilot, allows condominium developments (not individual unit owners) to apply for inspections and funding, provided the association follows statutory voting and board procedures; the pilot requires a majority vote of an association and an inspection by a state inspector before work or funding is granted.
On budget matters, Seidman credited the legislature with eliminating the business rent tax, which she said will save Floridians roughly $2 billion this year. She described legislative attention to veterans' services, education appropriations to Florida Atlantic University and other schools, and funding for local projects including a marine patrol dock and water-quality work in Lake Worth Lagoon. She said she obtained more than $1 million for FAU health programs and other targeted appropriations for local seniors and security at schools.
Seidman also summarized passage of legislation intended to increase transparency and oversight of homeowners associations, folded from House Bill 983 into a Senate vehicle: the measure expands recordkeeping and video/meeting transparency requirements for association boards, extends some timelines and adjusts reserve flexibility, and creates stronger oversight of community association managers. She said the governor signed the bill.
Commissioners asked about program availability, eligibility and funding levels; Seidman said she would provide staff with detailed handouts and a final state allocation number for My Safe Florida Home and the condo pilot. She also said the legislature is collecting data on property-tax options and that any constitutional changes to homestead exemptions would require a constitutional amendment and voter approval in 2026.
Commissioners and staff thanked Seidman for the appropriations and asked for follow-up materials to notify residents about eligibility and application steps for the resilience programs.
