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Marion County SHIP Purchase Assistance

Marion County SHIP Purchase Assistance is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Marion 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 580 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Residency: Must be Florida resident for 2+ years
  • Must apply through an approved lender — cannot apply directly to county. Excludes Ocala city limits.
  • A home in Marion County

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 140% of area median income
  • Homes outside Marion 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

140% of Marion 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.

$84,000
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)
Income limits in Florida

Where it applies

Marion County’s homes

  • 67.5% single-family
  • 2.7% townhouse
  • 4.7% 2–4 units
  • 6.6% 5+ units
  • 18.6% mobile & other

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

$243,100

Marion County median home value

24.2%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Marion 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 minMarion County SHIP Purchase Assistance, explained

Questions about this program

What is Marion County SHIP Purchase Assistance?

Marion County SHIP Purchase Assistance is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Marion County, Florida. Marion County (excluding Ocala city limits) provides up to $100,000 in deferred 0% SHIP loan for eligible homebuyers. Must be FL resident 2+ years. Cannot apply directly — must go through an approved lender first. Funding comes from State.

Do you have to pay it back?

Marion County SHIP Purchase Assistance 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?

Marion County SHIP Purchase 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 580. A homebuyer education course is required. Residency requirement: Must be Florida resident for 2+ years. Must apply through an approved lender — cannot apply directly to county. Excludes Ocala city limits.

What are the income limits?

Marion County SHIP Purchase Assistance limits household income to 140% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Income up to 140% AMI for Marion County. 4-person household max ~$107,940. 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?

Marion County SHIP Purchase Assistance can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Where does it apply?

Marion County SHIP Purchase Assistance serves homebuyers purchasing in Marion County, Florida.

How do you apply?

Applications for Marion County SHIP Purchase 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 Marion County homebuyers

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

All 85 programs for Marion County

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