Buying a home or paying for major repairs can feel impossible when you’re already struggling to cover everyday expenses. But if you live in Sarasota County, Florida, there’s a housing assistance program that may be able to help.
Sarasota County has announced $1.7 million in housing assistance funding through its State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. Eligible residents may qualify for up to $75,000 toward buying a home or up to $100,000 to repair a home they already own.
Applications opened September 1, 2026, and the county is accepting requests on an ongoing basis, subject to available funding.
There’s one important detail, though: This isn’t necessarily free money. The assistance may come as a deferred, forgivable loan, which means you need to understand the conditions before accepting it.
Here’s who qualifies, which communities are covered, and how to apply.
What Is Sarasota County’s SHIP Housing Assistance Program?
The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program provides funding to help eligible Florida residents purchase, repair, and maintain affordable housing.
In Sarasota County, the program is administered through the Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO).
The county announced a new round of assistance in August 2026, with applications opening September 1.
Two major programs are available:
| Program | Maximum Assistance | What It Helps With |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Assistance | $75,000 | Down payments, closing costs, and financing gaps |
| Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation | $100,000 | Essential home repairs, safety improvements, and accessibility modifications |
Both programs are intended to help income-eligible households access or maintain safe, affordable housing.
The county also gives priority to households that include individuals with special needs.
You can find official information on the Sarasota County HERO SHIP website.
Where Is This Assistance Available?
Before applying, make sure your home or intended purchase location is within the program’s service area.
Sarasota County’s HERO programs serve eligible residents in communities including:
- North Port
- Venice
- Osprey
- Nokomis
- Englewood
- Other eligible areas of Sarasota County outside the City of Sarasota
Residents within the City of Sarasota are not eligible for these particular county-administered programs.
That’s because the City of Sarasota operates its own SHIP housing assistance program.
It’s also important to understand that North Port and Venice are incorporated cities, even though they’re included in the county’s HERO service area.
If you’re unsure whether your address qualifies, contact HERO before applying.
You can reach the office at 941-861-5336 or SHIP@scgov.net.
1. Purchase Assistance: Up to $75,000 for First-Time Homebuyers
If you’re trying to buy your first home but don’t have enough saved for the upfront costs, Sarasota County’s Purchase Assistance Program may help.
Eligible buyers can receive up to $75,000 toward certain homebuying expenses.
This assistance may cover:
- Down payment: Money needed upfront to purchase the home.
- Closing costs: Eligible expenses associated with completing the purchase.
- Gap financing: Additional assistance to help close the difference between what you can afford and the financing needed to buy an eligible home.
The goal is to help income-eligible households overcome some of the financial barriers to homeownership.
Who Qualifies for Purchase Assistance?
The program is designed for eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a qualifying property within the HERO service area.
Applicants must meet the county’s income and other program requirements.
You will also need to work with a mortgage lender and obtain mortgage preapproval.
Additional eligibility requirements may apply to your household, financing arrangement, and the property you’re purchasing.
For example, the program may require homebuyer education or apply specific rules to what counts as a first-time homebuyer.
Before making an offer, ask HERO or your lender to confirm the current requirements, including whether manufactured or mobile homes are eligible.
How Do You Apply?
You don’t submit the Purchase Assistance application directly to HERO on your own.
Instead, your first mortgage lender submits the application on your behalf.
Here’s how the process generally works:
- Contact a mortgage lender. Explain that you’re interested in Sarasota County’s SHIP Purchase Assistance Program.
- Get preapproved for a mortgage. Your lender will review your finances and determine how much you may be able to borrow.
- Ask about SHIP eligibility. Make sure your lender understands the county’s application requirements.
- Gather your documents. You may need income records, identification, bank statements, and other financial information.
- Have your lender submit the application. The lender works through the county’s process for requesting assistance.
Don’t assume that every lender participates in the program or is familiar with its requirements.
If your lender isn’t sure how to proceed, contact HERO for guidance.
You can review the county’s official Purchase Assistance information.
2. Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation: Up to $100,000 for Home Repairs
If you already own your home but can’t afford major repairs, the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program may be a better option.
This program provides up to $100,000 in assistance for eligible improvements to owner-occupied homes.
The purpose is to address problems that affect a home’s health, safety, accessibility, or basic condition.
What Repairs May Qualify?
Depending on your home’s condition and the county’s approval, assistance may help with:
- Roof repairs or replacement: Addressing serious leaks or deteriorating roofing materials.
- Plumbing repairs: Fixing major plumbing problems that affect safe living conditions.
- Electrical repairs: Correcting hazardous wiring or electrical system issues.
- Code compliance: Bringing eligible parts of the property into compliance with applicable housing standards.
- Accessibility modifications: Installing ramps, widening doorways, or making other approved improvements for residents with disabilities or mobility limitations.
Other necessary repairs may qualify if they address eligible health, safety, or housing conditions.
However, this program is not intended for purely cosmetic renovations.
For example, repairing unsafe electrical wiring may qualify, while remodeling a kitchen simply because you want new cabinets generally would not.
The county determines which repairs are eligible and how much assistance an approved homeowner may receive.
Who Qualifies for Rehabilitation Assistance?
To qualify, you generally must:
- Own the home you want repaired.
- Live in the property as your primary residence.
- Have a home within the eligible HERO service area.
- Meet the program’s household income requirements.
- Have repairs that meet the county’s eligibility standards.
The county may also review property records, existing mortgages or liens, and other housing-related information.
Ask HERO about any current requirements involving property taxes, insurance, homestead status, or ownership history before applying.
How Do You Apply for Home Repair Assistance?
Unlike Purchase Assistance, homeowners seeking rehabilitation assistance apply through HERO’s application process.
Start at the official HERO SHIP website and follow the instructions for the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program.
You may need documents such as:
- Government-issued identification.
- Proof of homeownership.
- Proof that you live in the home.
- Household income documentation.
- Information about your mortgage or property taxes, if requested.
- Photographs or descriptions of the repairs needed.
- Inspection reports or code violation notices, if applicable.
The county may need to inspect your home to determine which repairs qualify.
Don’t hire a contractor or begin repairs expecting reimbursement without first getting approval from the program.
Ask HERO how contractors are selected, whether estimates are required, and which expenses the program will cover.
Is Sarasota County SHIP Assistance a Grant or a Loan?
This is one of the most important things to understand before applying.
Although SHIP assistance can make buying or repairing a home much more affordable, you should not assume the money is an unrestricted grant.
The Purchase Assistance Program uses a deferred, forgivable loan structure.
That means the assistance is provided as a loan, but you may not need to make regular monthly payments if you follow the program’s requirements.
How Does Loan Forgiveness Work?
For Purchase Assistance, HERO describes a 0% interest deferred loan that is forgiven at a rate of 5% per year over 20 years.
For example, if you received a $75,000 loan, the scheduled forgiveness would equal:
- $3,750 after one qualifying year.
- $18,750 after five qualifying years.
- $37,500 after ten qualifying years.
- $75,000 after twenty qualifying years.
These examples assume you continue meeting all applicable program conditions.
The forgiveness arrangement is designed to encourage long-term homeownership.
However, selling or transferring the property, moving out, or otherwise violating the loan agreement before the forgiveness period ends may create a repayment obligation.
What about the $100,000 rehabilitation program?
HERO’s general SHIP information explains that assistance may be provided through grants or deferred loans, depending on the program.
The exact repayment and forgiveness conditions for a new rehabilitation award should be confirmed directly with the county.
Do not assume the rehabilitation program automatically follows the same 20-year forgiveness schedule as Purchase Assistance.
Before signing an agreement for either program, ask:
- Is this assistance a grant or a loan?
- Will a lien be placed on my home?
- Are monthly payments required?
- Can the loan be forgiven?
- How long must I remain in the property?
- What happens if I sell, refinance, or transfer the home?
- Under what circumstances would I need to repay the assistance?
Ask for the answers in writing so you can review the terms before making a commitment.
What Are the Income Limits?
Sarasota County’s SHIP assistance is intended primarily for very low-income and low-income households.
The county’s 2026 funding announcement identifies residents in these income categories as the program’s target population.
Income eligibility is generally determined using Area Median Income (AMI).
AMI is a measure used by housing programs to compare household earnings with the typical income in a particular area.
For many SHIP programs, low-income households are those earning no more than 80% of the applicable AMI, but the exact limits and eligibility categories depend on the program.
Your household size also matters.
A family of four may have a higher income limit than a person living alone.
Because income limits can change annually, it’s important to use the current figures provided by HERO rather than relying on an older chart.
For a general explanation, see our guide to Area Median Income and how it affects eligibility.
If you’re close to the income limit, don’t automatically assume you won’t qualify. Ask HERO which income sources count and how your household’s eligibility will be calculated.
Are Applications Still Open in October 2026?
Sarasota County opened this round of SHIP applications on September 1, 2026.
The county’s funding notice describes applications as being accepted on an ongoing basis.
However, there is no verified closing date for this specific application round.
The county’s state fiscal year 2026–2027 funding period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, but that does not necessarily mean applications close on June 30, 2027.
Similarly, dates associated with a multiyear housing plan should not be treated as application deadlines unless the county explicitly identifies them that way.
Funding is limited, and the county may stop accepting applications when the available money has been committed.
Before applying, visit HEROSRQ.net or contact HERO to confirm that your chosen program is currently accepting applications and has funding available.
If you’re eligible and the program is open, it’s worth starting the process promptly.
Can Someone Help Me Apply?
Yes. Sarasota County has offered free in-person SHIP application assistance sessions at local libraries.
These sessions are intended to help residents understand the application process, prepare documents, and ask questions about eligibility.
Locations have included libraries such as the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library in Venice.
However, session dates and locations can change.
Check the official HERO website for any upcoming sessions rather than relying on an older event announcement.
You can also contact HERO directly.
Sarasota County Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO)
Phone: 941-861-5336
Email: SHIP@scgov.net
Website: www.herosrq.net
Staff can help clarify which program may fit your situation and what documents you’ll need.
What If I Don’t Qualify for Sarasota County SHIP?
If you live in the City of Sarasota, earn too much for these programs, or need a different type of housing assistance, there may be other options.
Florida has several state and local programs that help eligible residents buy homes or pay for necessary repairs.
Availability varies by county, city, household income, and funding.
You can start with these guides:
- Florida First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs
- Florida Home Improvement Grants and Assistance
- Free Home Repair Grants and Assistance Programs
Some programs provide grants, while others offer low-interest loans, deferred loans, or forgivable financing.
Always check the current requirements and repayment terms before applying.
Relief Recap
Sarasota County has announced $1.7 million in SHIP housing assistance funding to help eligible residents purchase or repair their homes.
The Purchase Assistance Program offers up to $75,000 for qualifying first-time homebuyers. Your mortgage lender submits the application on your behalf.
The Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program offers up to $100,000 for eligible home repairs, including improvements related to health, safety, and accessibility.
Both programs serve eligible areas of Sarasota County, including North Port, Venice, Osprey, Nokomis, and Englewood. Residents within the City of Sarasota must look to the city’s separate housing programs.
Applications opened September 1, 2026, and funding is limited.
Remember that these awards may involve loans and repayment conditions. Purchase Assistance uses a 0% interest, deferred loan with potential forgiveness over 20 years, while rehabilitation applicants should confirm their specific award terms with HERO.
If buying a home or making essential repairs has felt out of reach, this assistance may be worth exploring.
Visit the official Sarasota County HERO SHIP page, call 941-861-5336, or email SHIP@scgov.net to check your eligibility and find out whether applications are currently being accepted.
