$1.7 Million Available for Sarasota County Home Purchase and Repair Assistance
Sarasota County residents may apply for SHIP assistance, including up to $75,000 for home purchase and $100,000 for eligible home repairs.
Sarasota County — Sarasota County residents may apply for $1.7 million in State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) assistance to purchase a home or make necessary repairs to an existing home. The program offers eligible residents help with down payments, closing costs, accessibility improvements, and health- and safety-related repairs. Sarasota County has the $1.7 million available through the Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office to support safe and affordable housing for income-eligible residents.
Sarasota County SHIP Program at a Glance
- Funding available: $1.7 million
- Purchase assistance: Up to $75,000
- Rehabilitation assistance: Up to $100,000
- Application process: First-come, first-approved
- Application website: HEROSRQ.net
- Program area: Sarasota County, excluding City of Sarasota residents
Applications opened on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026 at HEROSRQ.net. Awards will be issued on a first-come, first-approved basis. Very low- and low-income residents are eligible to apply.
Two types of assistance are available: Purchase Assistance: Eligible first-time homebuyers may receive up to $75,000 as a forgivable loan for the down payment, closing costs and/or gap assistance. Homebuyers must be approved by a first mortgage lender, who will apply to the program on their behalf.
Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation: Eligible homeowners may receive up to $100,000 as a forgivable loan for necessary home repairs, maintenance and modifications that improve the health, safety, and welfare of its occupants. Assistance may also be used for accessibility improvements for those with disabilities. Renovations that are solely aesthetic or cosmetic are not eligible.
“Home affordability presents a challenge for communities across the country, including here in Sarasota County,” said Steve Hyatt, Division Manager, Program Management Division. “We’re proud to provide these resources to income-qualifying residents who may benefit from these programs. We encourage those interested to review the requirements and apply for assistance if they believe they qualify.”
Staff will be available to assist with applications on the following dates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
• Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice: Sept. 10, Sept. 24 and Oct. 8.
• Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota: Sept. 15, Sept. 29, Oct. 13.
Priority will be given to those with special needs. For more information, visit HEROSRQ.net, call 941-861-5336 or email SHIP@scgov.net.
Eligible Sarasota County residents are encouraged to review the requirements and apply through HEROSRQ.com. Assistance is available on a first-come, first-approved basis, subject to program requirements and funding availability.
Please note that City of Sarasota residents are not eligible to apply as the City of Sarasota administers its own SHIP program. City of Sarasota residents can find information about the city’s SHIP and other programs through the Office of Housing and Community Development at sarasotafl.gov.
