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Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance

Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Alachua County, Florida.

Last verified
Check if this fits me Official program site ↗

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 620 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • A home in Alachua County

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 120% of area median income
  • Homes outside Alachua County

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

Income limit

120% of Alachua County’s area median income

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

$99,100
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)
Income limits in Florida

Where it applies

Alachua County’s homes

  • 50.3% single-family
  • 5.1% townhouse
  • 8.9% 2–4 units
  • 29.3% 5+ units
  • 6.5% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$288,800

Alachua County median home value

34.5%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Alachua County

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Free course · 10 minAlachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance, explained

Questions about this program

What is Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance?

Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Alachua County, Florida. Alachua County (excluding Gainesville city limits) provides up to $26,000 in 10-year deferred forgivable 0% SHIP loan. First-qualified first-served. Preference for Very Low Income, elderly, essential personnel, special needs. Funding comes from State.

Do you have to pay it back?

Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance is forgiven after 10 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Sale, Refinance, and No longer primary within 10 years. The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. The program lists a minimum credit score of 620. A homebuyer education course is required.

What are the income limits?

Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Income up to 120% AMI for Alachua County. Excludes Gainesville city limits. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Where does it apply?

Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance serves homebuyers purchasing in Alachua County, Florida.

How do you apply?

Applications for Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Also for Alachua County homebuyers

Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.

All 85 programs for Alachua County

Program terms are set by the administering agency and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.