Sarasota County opens $1.7M in home buying and repair assistance

Sarasota County has opened applications for $1.7 million in housing assistance through its State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, aimed at income-eligible residents. First-time homebuyers can receive up to $75,000 as a forgivable loan toward a down payment, closing costs, or financing gap — though buyers need to already be working with a mortgage lender, who submits the application on their behalf. Separately, homeowners can receive up to $100,000 for critical repairs, maintenance, or accessibility modifications that improve health and safety (purely cosmetic renovations don't qualify). Awards are handed out first-come, first-served, so applying early matters. One important note: City of Sarasota residents aren't eligible here, since the city runs its own separate SHIP program. County staff are also holding in-person help sessions for anyone who wants assistance filling out an application — worth checking HEROSRQ.net for current dates and locations.