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Escambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program

Escambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Escambia County, Florida.

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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 Escambia County

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 120% of area median income
  • Homes outside Escambia 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 Escambia 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.

$92,800
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)
Income limits in Florida

Where it applies

Escambia County’s homes

  • 67.9% single-family
  • 3.3% townhouse
  • 7.6% 2–4 units
  • 15.4% 5+ units
  • 5.9% mobile & other

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

$257,200

Escambia County median home value

43.7%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Escambia 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 minEscambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program, explained

Questions about this program

What is Escambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program?

Escambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Escambia County, Florida. Escambia County (jointly with City of Pensacola) provides up to $45,000 in 10-year forgivable SHIP loan for eligible first-time homebuyers. Monitor for new funding cycles when current allocation is exhausted. Funding comes from State.

Do you have to pay it back?

Escambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program 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?

Escambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program 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?

Escambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Income up to 120% AMI for Escambia 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?

Escambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Where does it apply?

Escambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Escambia County, Florida.

How do you apply?

Applications for Escambia County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program 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 Escambia County homebuyers

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

All 87 programs for Escambia County

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