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Sumter County SHIP Down Payment Assistance

Sumter County, Florida

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Assistance

$20,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

120% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Price cap

$510,939

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Deferred

No payments until the home is sold or refinanced

What is Sumter County SHIP Down Payment Assistance?

Sumter County SHIP Down Payment Assistance is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Sumter County, Florida.

  • Sumter County provides up to $20,000 in deferred 0% interest second mortgage for eligible homebuyers. Site-built homes only; no mobile/manufactured/modular. Apply when funding cycle opens.
  • Funding comes from State.

How much assistance does it provide?

Sumter County SHIP Down Payment Assistance offers up to $20,000 in assistance.

  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Sumter County SHIP Down Payment 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?

Sumter County SHIP Down Payment Assistance 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 minimum 620 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Purchases above the $510,939 price cap
  • Households above 120% 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?

Sumter 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 Sumter 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?

Sumter County SHIP Down Payment Assistance caps the purchase price at $510,939.

  • Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Sumter County SHIP Down Payment Assistance serves buyers purchasing in Sumter County, Florida.

How do you apply?

Applications for Sumter County SHIP Down Payment Assistance 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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A short, free course on Sumter County SHIP Down Payment Assistance: 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.

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