All tools · Home Repair Grant Finder FL

What is the SHIP program and how do I apply for home repair help in my county?

Use the free tool — Home Repair Grant Finder FL

What is SHIP?

SHIP stands for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program. Every county in Florida — and some eligible cities — runs its own SHIP-funded program for owner-occupied home repair. There is no single statewide office; each county's housing office manages its own version.

Who can usually get help

• You must own and live in the home as your primary residence.
• Your property taxes and homeowners insurance should be current, or you should be willing to get insurance.
• Your household income must be at or below a percentage of the area median income — the exact limit is set by your county, so check your county's published limits.
• The home usually needs a clear title.

What SHIP pays for

SHIP funds owner-occupied rehabilitation and emergency repair programs for low- and moderate-income owners. Help is often given as a forgivable loan — as published, these can be forgiven over 5–15 years if you keep living in the home. Terms vary by county, so confirm the details with your local office.

How to apply, step by step

1. Find your county's SHIP contact through Florida Housing — SHIP local contacts.
2. Apply through your county housing office before you sign with any contractor — many programs cannot pay for work that's already done or already under contract.
3. Ask whether your county requires you to use its own approved bidding process or contractor list.
4. Use only licensed contractors, whether the program requires an approved list or lets you choose your own.

What to watch out for

• SHIP programs usually have waiting lists — apply as early as you can.
• Rules, income limits, and available funding differ by county and can change.
• This page is not legal, medical, or tax advice, and it is not a government agency. It can be wrong — confirm eligibility, rules, and deadlines directly with your county housing office.

What to do next

You don't have to guess which program fits or hunt for your county's office on your own. The free tool reads your own situation — what needs fixing, who lives with you, your county, and your rough income — and shows you the programs that likely apply, in what order to apply, and what to have ready. Nothing you type is stored.

Home Repair Grant Finder FL lists Florida and federal home-repair assistance programs in plain language from official sources; it can be wrong, and it is not legal or financial advice. Eligibility is determined only by the program. Nothing you type is stored.