Applications to be accepted through June 30, 2028
Sarasota County residents may apply for financial assistance to buy homes and to rehabilitate owner-occupied dwellings, thanks to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, county staff has announced.
Applications will be accepted “on a first-qualified, first-served basis” through June 30, 2028, or until all funds are spent,” a news release points out. “Applications must be submitted online at HEROSRQ.net/SHIP,” the release adds.
Sarasota County received approximately $2.9 million in SHIP funds for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which runs from July 1 of this year through June 30, 2026, the release notes. “The program expands the availability of safe and affordable housing within Sarasota County” by providing 0% interest-deferred loans for eligible households, the release explains.
“Available aid through the program includes assistance to purchase a single-family home, townhome or condominium, along with assistance for “home repairs, accessibility requirements and maintenance or modifications to preserve and improve the home. Rehabilitation assistance will be completed by the program through approved contractors,” the release adds.
Eligibility requirements
The following are the eligibility requirements, the release notes:
- “The purchased or rehabilitated property must be the homeowner’s primary and permanent residence.
- “Total gross household income cannot exceed the maximum income limits set by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (see the table below).
- “Homes must be in Sarasota County.” Applicants may verify their addresses online.
- “Any purchase assistance applicant must provide either a certificate of completion for a homeownership training course or documentation of an upcoming scheduled appointment at the time of submitting the application, the release points out.“Click here to find an approved housing counseling agency,” it says.
“For application assistance, walk-in office hours are available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, the release continues. The location is the second floor of the structure standing at 4510 Fruitville Road in Sarasota, it adds. “Office hours will continue while demand remains.”
Further, the release says, “Contractors interested in participating in Sarasota County’s rehabilitation program may apply online to become approved contractors.”
The release also explains, “The Sarasota County Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO)” administers SHIP within Sarasota County. “Established in 2023, HERO oversees local, state and federal funding that supports community development, housing and homelessness prevention in Sarasota County,” it points out.
Interested homeowners residing within the city of Sarasota may visit the City of Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development website, the release adds.