Housing and Neighborhood Development manages multiple residential housing programs funded through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program with the State of Florida. To apply or learn more about any of the programs listed below, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page. You can also call (863) 534-5240 or email [email protected].
SHIP funds may be awarded to qualified homebuyers for down payment and closing costs towards the purchase of a newly constructed or existing home. A newly constructed home must have received a certificate of occupancy within the last twelve months. Homebuyers who participate in this program will also benefit from a reduced purchase price. Program participants must not have owned a home in the three-year period prior to the closing date.
To qualify, program applicants must:
- Complete a homebuyer education class certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development within the 18 months prior to closing.
- Contribute a minimum of $750 toward the purchase of the home.
- Live in Polk County, Florida, for one year prior to applying for down payment and closing costs assistance.
- Qualify for a first mortgage through a qualified lender or approved nonprofit sponsor providing first mortgage financing.
Lenders: To request a copy of the GAP manual or for additional assistance, contact Leisha Thompson with Polk County Real Estate Services at [email protected] or (863) 534‑2584.
This program provides assistance to households following a disaster as declared by the President of the United States or Governor of the State of Florida. This program can only utilize funds that have not yet been encumbered (committed to another project). It can also use disaster funds allocated by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Funds awarded through this program may be used for items including, but not limited to, home repairs and deductible reimbursement.
Support for homebuyers, including education classes, seminars and counseling, are available through Housing and Neighborhood Development Services of Central Florida, Inc. (HANDS).
Multifamily/Rental Development
Developers of affordable rental units who are awarded construction financing through other state or federal housing programs may be eligible to receive funding to be used as gap financing for projects. This applies to projects for both construction or rehabilitation of affordable rental units. In cases where a smaller development (less than 50 units) is being proposed that includes Special Needs units, the County may choose to provide a larger amount of the overall construction financing.
The goal of the New Construction program is to promote the purchase and/or construction of affordable housing for homeownership opportunities and to promote infill housing. Contractors or developers who would like to receive funding through this program will be required to submit proposals to provide housing that conforms to the county’s proposal, request specifications and housing plan. Only single family homes will be considered as eligible properties. All homes that are built through this program will be sold to eligible applicants.
This program offers resources for restoring and upgrading homes in Polk County which are not in decent, safe or sanitary condition. This is a voluntary program, meaning that homeowners must contact HND to be evaluated for eligibility.
- Minor Repairs Program
- The Minor Repairs Program is a voluntary program for homeowners that is designed to address structural elements of the home, namely the roof, well, septic tank, ramps or grab bars.
- Substantial/Major Rehabilitation and Demolition/Replacement Program
- This programs helps address existing life, safety, health and code violations. It is a voluntary program for homeowners who need to bring their property into compliance with minimum housing standards.