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City of Sarasota SHIP Program

Sarasota, Florida

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Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Deferred

No payments until the home is sold or refinanced

What is City of Sarasota SHIP Program?

City of Sarasota SHIP Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Sarasota, Florida.

  • City of Sarasota SHIP-funded purchase assistance within city limits. Separate from Sarasota County HERO program which covers unincorporated areas. Check current availability — City of Sarasota has previously had periods with no DPA funds available.
  • Funding comes from State.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Sarasota SHIP Program is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, Refinance, and Transfer of Title.
  • 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 Sarasota SHIP Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course

The program excludes

  • Households above 80% of area median income

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

What are the income limits?

City of Sarasota SHIP Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Income at or below 80% AMI for Sarasota County.
  • 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 Sarasota SHIP Program can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Where does it apply?

City of Sarasota SHIP Program serves buyers purchasing in Sarasota, Florida.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Sarasota SHIP Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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City of Sarasota SHIP Program, explained

A short, free course on City of Sarasota SHIP Program: what it is, who it is for, when it is repaid, where it applies and how to apply. Based on program data from July 2026. About ten minutes.

5 modules · About 10 minutes

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