Sarasota County SHIP (HERO) Purchase Assistance Program
Funding status: Active
How much assistance
Up to $75,000 (Deferred Loan)
0% interest deferred-payment loan. The loan is due upon sale, refinance, transfer, or if the home is no longer the primary residence.
Eligibility
- Income limits: Very Low Income (at or below 50% AMI) or Low Income (51-80% AMI). Income limits vary by household size and are updated annually.
- First-time buyer required: Yes — Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years.
- Geographic restrictions: Must purchase within Sarasota County (excluding City of Sarasota city limits).
- Homebuyer education required: Yes
How to Apply for Sarasota County SHIP (HERO) Purchase Assistance Program
Step 1: Walk-in office hours are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at 4510 Fruitville Road, 2nd Floor, Sarasota. Contact the HERO office for application details and current income limit information.
Notes
Funded through State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program. Provides gap financing for down payment and closing costs. The City of Sarasota has its own separate OHCD office and does not currently offer local DPA funding.