Sarasota County residents can now apply for financial help to buy or repair their homes through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. The application period is from November 3, 2025, to June 30, 2028, or until all funds are used. Applications must be submitted online at HEROSRQ.net/SHIP. Assistance is given in the order applications are approved.
For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, Sarasota County received about $2.9 million in SHIP funds. The program offers 0% interest deferred loans to eligible households. Funds can be used to buy single-family homes, townhomes, or condominiums, or for home repairs and accessibility improvements.
To qualify, the property must be the applicant’s main home. Household income must be below limits set by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. For example, a single-person household must earn less than $60,300 to qualify for low-income assistance. Applicants also need to show proof of homeownership training or a scheduled training appointment…