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City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP)

City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Gainesville, Florida.

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The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Exceptions for displaced homemakers, single parents, and those in unsafe housing
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 620 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • A home inside Gainesville city limits

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 120% of area median income
  • Homes outside Gainesville

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

Gainesville’s homes

  • 36.6% single-family
  • 6.2% townhouse
  • 11.5% 2–4 units
  • 44% 5+ units
  • 1.8% mobile & other

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

$247,500

Gainesville median home value

44%

built before 1980

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

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 minCity of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP), explained

Questions about this program

What is City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP)?

City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Gainesville, Florida. City of Gainesville provides income-tiered SHIP DPA: Very Low ≤50% AMI up to $30,000; Low ≤80% AMI up to $20,000; Moderate ≤120% AMI up to $15,000. Forgiven after 10 years. Separate from Alachua County program. Funding comes from State.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP) 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?

City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP) is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: Exceptions for displaced homemakers, single parents, and those in unsafe housing. The program lists a minimum credit score of 620. A homebuyer education course is required.

What are the income limits?

City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP) limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Very Low ≤50% AMI: $30,000; Low ≤80% AMI: $20,000; Moderate ≤120% AMI: $15,000. 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?

City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP) can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Where does it apply?

City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP) serves homebuyers purchasing in Gainesville, Florida.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP) 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 Gainesville homebuyers

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

All 90 programs for Gainesville

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