Acquisition, Rehabilitation and New Construction for Homeownership (ARCH) Program
About the Program ​​
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The ARCH Program provides funding to developers and nonprofit sponsors to acquire, rehabilitate, or construct affordable single-family homes for sale to very low- and low-income² homebuyers in Sarasota County. The program supports homeownership opportunities by financing eligible activities such as property acquisition, demolition, site improvements, rehabilitation, and new construction.
The ARCH Program helps expand the supply of safe, quality, and affordable housing while promoting neighborhood revitalization, infill development, green building practices, and sustainable communities.
Please refer to the Request For Applications for affordability¹ requirements, income eligibility, and application information.​​
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Applications for Sarasota County's ARCH program are now open and will close Aug. 3, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Click the button below to access the application portal and start your application. Applications are open only to eligible developers and nonprofit organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply.​​​​​​​​
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ARCH Program - Prospective Applicant Information Session
A virtual applicant informational webinar was held on July 6, 2026. Please see the presentation slides here: ARCH Program Applicant Informational Session ​
During this live workshop, HERO staff facilitated a presentation on the following topics as well as gave applicants an opportunity to ask any questions they might have:
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ARCH program overview.
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Eligibility and requirements.
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Timeline.
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Application process.
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Application review and scoring.
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How to fill out the application.
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​Request for Applications (RFA)
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One developer will be chosen through a competitive Request for Application (RFA) process to be awarded a State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) loan for property acquisition, demolition, site improvements, rehabilitation and new construction. This strategy promotes infill housing development, green building and mixed income neighborhoods.​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Eligible Applicants:​
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Public developers.
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Private developers.
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Nonprofit developers.
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Nonprofit organizations.
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Available Funding:
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$1.35 million in State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds is available for FY 2025-2028.​
Projects Must:​​
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Be located within unincorporated Sarasota County.
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Complete construction and transfer ownership within 18 months of receiving the award.
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Comply with Florida Building Code, Sarasota County Code and SHIP Property Standards.​
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Steps and Project Selection:
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Submit an application online during the application window from June 22, 2026 through August 3, 2026.
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Staff will review and score applications according to the Board and State-approved Local Housing Assistance Plan scoring criteria.
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A sponsor/developer of affordable single-family housing will be awarded for construction financing.
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If you are a prospective homebuyer, information will be available at later date regarding how to apply to purchase homes being built through the ARCH program and the purchase assistance available through the SHIP program. Prospective buyers may sign up for program announcements here.
Additional Information and Definitions
1. Affordable: The sales price may not exceed 90% of the average area purchase price in the statistical area in which the eligible housing is located. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) do not exceed 30% of the median annual gross income for the households.
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​2. Very Low- and Low-Income: Up to 80% Annual Median Income for Sarasota County. See ship-and-hhrp---2026-combined-income-and-rent-limits-(eff-5-1-2026).pdf for the most recent ​income limits and rent limits of all Florida counties.
Need Help?
​Questions regarding the NOFA or the Sarasota County SHIP program may be directed to SHIP@scgov.net or (941) 861-5345. ​
