State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP)
Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation

The Sarasota County Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO) offers Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation assistance through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program to eligible very low- and low-income homeowners residing in unincorporated Sarasota County, including the City of North Port, the City of Venice, Osprey, Nokomis and Englewood. The program provides financial assistance for eligible repairs and improvements that preserve the safety, health, accessibility and livability of owner-occupied homes. Properties located within the City of Sarasota are not eligible for assistance under this program.

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The amount of assistance is based on household size, income and demonstrated rehabilitation need. Eligible applicants may receive up to $100,000 in assistance in the form of an interest-free, forgivable loan secured by a recorded Mortgage and Promissory Note. The loan is forgiven at a rate of 5% per year over a twenty (20)-year affordability period, provided the homeowner remains in compliance with all SHIP Program requirements and the loan remains in good standing. No repayment is required unless the homeowner defaults on the loan or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of the Mortgage, Promissory Note or SHIP Program requirements.

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​Financial assistance is available for eligible home repairs, maintenance and modifications that preserve and improve the home or enhance accessibility for residents with disabilities. Eligible improvements include repairs that correct substandard conditions, eliminate code violations and repair or replace major building systems to improve the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants. Renovations undertaken solely for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes are not eligible for assistance.

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Applications for SHIP funding for owner-occupied rehabilitation activities for 2025-2026 are

currently closed. The new application cycle for these programs will begin Sept. 1, 2026.

 

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