SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County residents can now apply for home purchase assistance and owner-occupied home rehabilitation assistance through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. Applications are accepted on a first-qualified, first-served basis from Nov. 3, 2025, through June 30, 2028, or until all funds are spent. Applications must be submitted online at HEROSRQ.net/SHIP.
Sarasota County received approximately $2.9 million in SHIP funds for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). The program expands the availability of safe and affordable housing within Sarasota County by providing 0% interest deferred loans for eligible households.
Available aid through the program includes assistance to purchase a single-family home, townhome or condominium and 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.
Eligibility requirements
- 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 table below).
- Homes must be in Sarasota County. Applicants may verify their address online.
- Purchase Assistance applicants must provide either a certificate of completion for a homeownership training course or documentation of an upcoming scheduled appointment at the time of applying. Click here to find an approved housing counseling agency.
2025-2026 Income Limits as of April 1, 2025 Established by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC)
|
Household Size
|
Very Low
|
Low
|
|
1
|
$37,700
|
$60,300
|
|
2
|
$43,050
|
$68,900
|
|
3
|
$48,450
|
$77,500
|
|
4
|
$53,800
|
$86,100
|
|
5
|
$58,150
|
$93,000
|
|
6
|
$62,450
|
$99,900
|
|
7
|
$66,750
|
$106,800
|
|
8
|
$71,050
|
$113,700
|
For application assistance, walk-in office hours are available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at 4510 Fruitville Road, 2nd Floor, Sarasota. Office hours will continue while demand remains.
Contractors interested in participating in Sarasota County’s rehabilitation program may apply online to become approved contractors.
The Sarasota County Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO) administers SHIP locally within Sarasota County. Established in 2023, HERO oversees local, state and federal funding that supports community development, housing and homelessness prevention in Sarasota County.
For interested homeowners residing within the City of Sarasota, visit the City of Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development website.
