Home Repair Grants in Florida

This plain‑language guide is for low‑income Florida homeowners who need help fixing unsafe conditions—especially seniors, disabled homeowners, rural households, single parents, and veterans. It shows the top programs to try first, what the money looks like, and how to apply without getting lost in paperwork.

Last updated: December 2025
Checked against official sources as of December 2025. This is general information, not legal or financial advice, and we are not a government agency.

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

• You own and live in a home in Florida (house, condo, or manufactured home—some programs have extra rules for manufactured housing).
• Repairs are for health, safety, or accessibility (roof leaks, electrical hazards, failed AC, plumbing, mold, ramps, hurricane hardening).
• Your household income is limited for your area. You can compare your income using HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• You are willing to use licensed contractors and get permits. Many programs require this and will not reimburse unpermitted work.

Top Programs in Florida (Quick Table)

Start with two or three of these that best fit your situation. “Example max help ($)” is an example only. Always check the program page for current caps and rules.

Most awards are lower than the “up to” amounts and depend on inspection results, bids, and funding availability.

Short Federal Snapshot (with Florida links)

• USDA 504 (Florida): Very‑low‑income rural owners can apply for a 1% repair loan (up to 20 years) and, if age 62+, a small grant for health/safety hazards. Start on USDA’s Florida 504 page, and see this plain‑English USDA 504 guide for what to expect.
• WAP in Florida: Weatherization is run by local agencies under FloridaCommerce. Begin at the state WAP page and click “local provider” on the program site.
• FEMA disaster help: After a federal disaster, you can apply for basic home repair grants by visiting the state’s Individual Assistance page and FEMA’s I.A. application portal.

Florida Programs (Core Section)

1) State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) – local repair help

Florida’s SHIP program sends state dollars to each county and many cities for repairs like roof, HVAC, plumbing, accessibility, and full rehab. Some help is a forgivable or deferred loan recorded as a lien, and some is a small grant. Find your local office from Florida Housing’s SHIP program page, and use the “Contact Local SHIP Offices” link there to get the correct phone and application.

Money reality: Many SHIP repairs are recorded as a lien for about 5–15 years. If you sell, move, or transfer the home before the time is up, you may have to repay some or all of it. See your local LHAP (plan) linked from the state’s SHIP page for exact terms.

2) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) – energy and safety fixes

WAP can fix high‑impact energy issues—duct leaks, attic insulation, AC repairs/replacement when needed for health/safety, and ventilation. In Florida, you apply through a local provider listed on the state’s WAP page. If your utility is TECO, you can also ask about free audits and rebates on TECO’s Save Energy page.

3) My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) – hurricane hardening

MSFH offers free wind mitigation inspections and limited grants for recommended upgrades like impact windows, storm doors, and roof-to-wall improvements. When funding cycles open, the program prioritizes seniors and low‑income owners. Check the current status on the program support site’s funding page and watch application windows listed there. Florida’s CFO announcements also post on the CFO news site.

Important: You must complete the program inspection first and follow MSFH steps. Work done before approval is usually not reimbursable. Always confirm current rules on the MSFH support page.

4) Rebuild Florida – disaster repair/replacement (CDBG‑DR)

If your home was damaged by the 2023 or 2024 storms (for example, Helene or Milton) and your county is eligible, FloridaCommerce’s Rebuild Florida may fund repair, reconstruction, or replacement, including for manufactured homes. Start on the state’s 2023–2024 HRRP page and watch for application windows and county lists on the same site.

Duplication‑of‑benefits: You cannot be paid twice for the same damage. If FEMA, insurance, or another program already paid for your roof, new funds can only cover remaining verified need. See the state’s IA guidance and ask the caseworker to explain deductions.

City & County Programs (apply where you live)

These examples show common Florida options. Many smaller cities/counties also run “owner‑occupied rehab” using SHIP or federal funds—call your local SHIP office from Florida Housing’s SHIP page and ask for “homeowner repair.”

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Many repair programs use Area Median Income (AMI) to set who qualifies (for example 50% AMI or 80% AMI). The exact cutoffs change every year. You can search your area on HUD’s Income Limits site.

• Miami‑Dade example: As of 2025, county documents show that for a 4‑person household, 80% AMI is about $99,100 and 50% AMI is about $61,950 (see a county legislative posting with 2025 limits on Miami‑Dade’s public site).
• Hillsborough (Tampa) example: The county’s OOR page lists 2025 tables—showing 80% AMI for a 4‑person household at about $83,450; see the county’s OOR income section.

These are examples from local pages and can change mid‑year when HUD updates tables. Always confirm your exact limit using HUD’s Income Limits tool or your local program page.

Programs do not all use the same cutoff. Some use 80% AMI, others 50% AMI, and hurricane programs may go to 120% AMI for certain costs. Read the income section on your city or county’s repair page, like Orlando’s rehab program or Tampa’s HRRP page.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (60+)

Start with WAP, SHIP, and (when open) My Safe Florida Home. Seniors with a documented energy crisis may also qualify for EHEAP via the Department of Elder Affairs’ EHEAP page. If you need help finding services, call the Elder Helpline listed on the Department of Elder Affairs site.

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner in Lakeland could seek roof and electrical help through Hillsborough’s OOR program and reduce high bills with WAP through the state’s WAP page. For Florida‑wide senior tips, see this short seniors repair guide.

Veterans

Check SHIP repair in your county and ask your VA care team about federal home modification options (SAH/SHA/HISA). For local housing leads and veteran services, you can also contact the county housing office shown above and Florida’s 2‑1‑1 network on the Florida 211 site.

Example: A veteran homeowner in Jacksonville with a failing HVAC might apply to the city’s Emergency Repair Program and ask a VA social worker about accessibility grants through VA housing programs.

Disabled homeowners

Many SHIP programs fund ramps, bathroom changes, and safe electrical work. Weatherization can address health and energy hazards. In Pinellas, the Independent Living Program works alongside the county’s Home Repair Program to remove barriers for ≤80% AMI households; see the county’s independent living page.

Example: A homeowner in Clearwater who uses a wheelchair could request doorway widening and a ramp through Pinellas’ Independent Living program and address duct leaks or insulation through WAP using the state’s provider list.

Rural residents

Apply to USDA 504 first, then WAP. USDA 504 loans are 1% for up to 20 years, and grants are limited to seniors 62+ for hazards. Start on USDA’s Florida 504 page, then ask your county SHIP office listed on Florida Housing’s SHIP page.

Families with children / single parents

Programs often prioritize life‑safety issues. For Orlando, see the city’s rehab program. In Tampa, combine HRRP with weatherization and energy rebates like TECO’s Save Energy page. If you’re overwhelmed, dial 2‑1‑1 using the statewide Florida 211 network.

Money Basics: Grants, Loans, Liens—Plainly Explained

• Grant = no monthly payments. Disaster and weatherization are typically grants.
• Forgivable/deferred loan = recorded lien. If you move or sell before the forgiveness period ends, you may owe part/all back. See Broward’s 10‑year MHR lien on the county’s homeowner page and Orlando’s 10–15‑year lien on its rehab page.
• Regular loan = monthly payments. USDA 504 is 1% up to 20 years. A $20,000 USDA loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92/month for principal and interest (taxes/insurance not included). See USDA’s Florida 504 page.
• Reimbursement = you pay first, they reimburse part later (common in disaster programs like Tampa’s HHA program when open). Keep itemized invoices and permit proofs.
• Rebates = utility pays a portion after an approved upgrade. See TECO’s AC rebates page or FPL’s A/C rebate page.

Taxes & benefits: Ask the agency or a tax professional whether a grant or reimbursement could affect your taxes or other benefits like SSI, SSDI, or SNAP.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Write a short list of urgent hazards (roof leak, breaker sparks, soft floor, no AC). Take photos. Programs will ask for a clear need. If it’s storm damage, also review the state’s IA page.
2. Check income limits using HUD’s Income Limits tool and save a screenshot.
3. Gather papers: ID, deed, tax bill, insurance, mortgage, utility bills, Social Security/benefit letters, and income proofs (pay stubs).

This week

1. If you are rural and very‑low‑income, contact USDA on the Florida 504 page and ask about loans and grants. Seniors 62+ can ask about grant eligibility.
2. Apply for Weatherization via the state’s WAP list and ask your utility about help like TECO’s free audit or FPL’s A/C rebate.
3. Submit to your local SHIP office (find it on Florida Housing’s SHIP page) and to your city/county repair page—examples above.

This month

1. If you were hit by Helene/Milton (2024) or 2023 storms, check eligibility for state CDBG‑DR on FloridaCommerce’s Rebuild Florida site and, if a federal declaration applied to your area, apply for FEMA on FEMA’s portal.
2. Track wait‑lists. WAP and SHIP can take months. Keep your phone on and voicemail clear.
3. If MSFH opens, complete the prioritization and inspection steps on the program page. Do not start work until the program instructs you to do so.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If denied or funds are gone, ask for the reason in writing, whether there’s an appeal, and when the program reopens. Apply to another program (SHIP, WAP, USDA, and any city/county option). For help finding nonprofit crews, try Rebuilding Together Greater Florida’s Get Help page and your local 2‑1‑1 on the Florida 211 site.

• Common mistakes: applying to the wrong office—use the state’s SHIP directory to get the right local contact.
• Missing documents—keep ID, deed, income, utility bills, and photos together.
• Not answering calls—programs will move to the next person. Return calls quickly.
• Hiring unlicensed contractors—most programs require licensed contractors and permits; check your city’s permitting page (e.g., Miami‑Dade’s permitting assistance).
• Starting work before approval—this can make you ineligible for reimbursement (notably for MSFH—see the program guidance).
• Title problems (heirs’ property)—ask a legal aid office through The Florida Bar’s legal aid finder.

Phone Scripts

Keep it short. Have your address, household size, and a one‑line description of the most urgent hazard.

• Calling WAP/LIHEAP office: “Hello, I live in [City], and my monthly bill is high. My AC is failing and I have a fixed income. I’m calling about Weatherization. Can you tell me how to apply and what documents you need? I found your info on the FloridaCommerce Weatherization Assistance Program page.”
• Calling city/county rehab: “Hi, I own and live at [address]. I have a roof leak and unsafe wiring. I saw your homeowner repair program online. Am I in the right office for owner‑occupied repairs? How do I join the list?”
• Calling USDA Rural Development: “Hello, I’m in [County], rural area. I’m very low income and need safe electrical and roof repairs. I’m asking about Section 504 loans and grants. What’s the first step to see if I’m eligible?”
• Calling a nonprofit (Habitat/Rebuilding Together): “Hi, I’m a low‑income homeowner with [urgent hazard]. I have proof of income and own the home. Do you have a repair program or a wait‑list I can join? What documents should I prepare?”

FAQs (Florida‑Specific)

Do Florida programs help manufactured homes?
Many do, but rules vary. Brevard’s repair program notes manufactured units may be eligible with conditions on its program page. HUD’s Weatherization can also serve manufactured homes through local providers listed on the state’s WAP page.

How long do repairs take?
Weatherization and SHIP‑funded rehab can take months from application to construction. Tampa’s HRRP and county OOR programs post timelines and wait‑lists—see Tampa’s HRRP page and Hillsborough’s OOR page. Apply early and keep your phone on.

What if my income is just over the limit?
Ask if your county has different options. Some disaster programs (like Pinellas’ CDBG‑DR homeowner rehab) can serve up to 120% AMI for certain costs, while standard SHIP rehab is usually ≤80% AMI. Always check the most current local rules.

Will there be a lien?
Often yes. Broward’s MHR is a 10‑year forgivable lien (see the county’s MHR page). Orlando’s program converts help above $20k to a 10–15‑year lien (see the city’s rehab page). Read your agreement and ask what happens if you refinance or sell.

I had storm damage—where do I start?
Apply to FEMA via the state’s Individual Assistance page and check county disaster programs like Pinellas’ Homeowner Reimbursement. Remember duplication‑of‑benefits rules: no double payment for the same repair.

Can I pick any contractor?
Programs require licensed contractors and permits. Many cities/counties bid the work for you. For help navigating permitting, Miami‑Dade offers homeowner permitting assistance. Never pay for big jobs upfront, and keep copies of permits and inspections.

Property taxes or mortgage behind?
Repair programs generally need taxes and mortgages to be current or on a payment plan. If energy bills are the issue, LIHEAP is handled by local agencies listed on FloridaCommerce’s LIHEAP page.

What nonprofits do repair work in Florida?
Try Rebuilding Together Greater Florida’s Get Help page for intake and Habitat affiliates in your county (for example, Palm Beach’s Habitat lists repair info on its Neighborhood Engagement page). You can also dial 2‑1‑1 for local referrals via the Florida 211 network.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

• List hazards and take dated photos.
• Check your income using HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Gather: ID, deed, tax bill, insurance, mortgage, income proofs, utility bills.
• Apply to 2–3 programs: your county/city repair page, WAP via the state WAP page, and USDA 504 if rural (see the Florida 504 page).
• If storm‑damaged, also apply at FEMA’s IA portal and check the state’s Rebuild Florida.
• Track: program name, date applied, case number, contact, documents sent.

Key Contacts (bookmark these)

Resumen en español (Short Spanish Summary)

Este guía es para dueños de casa de bajos ingresos en Florida (personas mayores, con discapacidades, familias con niños, residentes rurales y veteranos) que necesitan arreglos urgentes por seguridad. Recomendamos empezar con 2–3 programas:

• USDA 504 (zonas rurales): Préstamo al 1% y, para personas de 62+ años, un pequeño subsidio para peligros de salud/seguridad. Comience en la página de Florida de USDA 504.
• WAP (clima/energía): Reparaciones como ductos, aislamiento y HVAC si es necesario. Busque su agencia en la página estatal de Weatherization.
• Reparaciones locales (SHIP): Cada condado/ciudad tiene ayuda para dueños ocupantes (a veces préstamos condonables). Encuentre su oficina en la página de Florida Housing/SHIP.

Si sufrió daño por huracanes, solicite primero por FEMA usando la página estatal de Asistencia Individual y revise los programas de “Rebuild Florida” en FloridaCommerce. Para ayuda para fortalecer su casa contra huracanes (ventanas/puertas de impacto, etc.), vigile las fechas del programa My Safe Florida Home.

Llame al 211 si necesita orientación o intérprete; use la red estatal en Florida 211. Tenga listos: identificación, escritura, comprobantes de ingresos, factura de impuestos y fotos del daño. Nunca empiece obras antes de la aprobación del programa, y siempre use contratistas con licencia y permisos.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• HUD income lookups: use the Income Limits tool for your county and family size.
• USDA 504 (Florida): start on the Florida 504 page to reach the correct local office.
• Weatherization in Florida: apply through local providers listed on the state’s WAP page.
• Disaster help: watch Florida’s Individual Assistance page and FEMA’s IA portal for active declarations.
• Local repair programs: find your office from Florida Housing’s SHIP page and then your city/county repair page.
• General referrals: dial 2‑1‑1 or use the statewide Florida 211 directory.

Rules, amounts, and income limits can change. Always confirm details with the agency or a trusted housing counselor before you sign anything. This guide is not legal, tax, or financial advice.