What Is the SHIP Program — and Who Qualifies in 2025?

The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) is Florida’s most widely available housing grant program. Every county receives annual SHIP funding to help qualified buyers with down payment and closing cost assistance — often $15,000 to $50,000 in forgivable support.

SHIP funds are **grants** — not loans. As long as you live in the home for the required period (usually 5 to 15 years), the money never has to be repaid.

🎯 Who Can Qualify?

• ✅ First-time buyers who haven’t owned in 3+ years
• ✅ Veterans and active-duty military
• ✅ Low- to moderate-income households
• ✅ Disabled residents (SSDI, VA, medical impairment)
• ✅ Buyers using FHA, VA, or 203(k) loans

SHIP is flexible — it works with other programs like Hometown Heroes, MCC tax credits, or even 203(k) renovation loans. But you must apply through your local county.

👉 Next: We’ll break down how much funding SHIP offers, how it works, and what the rules are in 2025.

How SHIP Works in Florida — Funding, Forgiveness & Limits

SHIP is designed to reduce the financial burden on homebuyers — especially those earning below the local median income. It provides **direct grant assistance** that covers:

• ✅ Down payment (FHA 3.5%, VA $0-down support)
• ✅ Closing costs (title fees, inspections, prepaid taxes)
• ✅ Emergency home repairs or accessibility modifications

💸 How Much Can You Get?

Most Florida counties offer SHIP grants between $15,000 and $50,000. The exact amount depends on:

• Your income tier (low, very low, or moderate)
• Your household size
• Current funding levels in your county

📅 Forgiveness Terms

SHIP assistance is usually structured as a 0% interest deferred loan — fully forgiven if you stay in the home for the required period (typically 5, 10, or 15 years). Sell or refinance too soon, and you may owe a portion back.

You must use the home as your primary residence. No Airbnb. No rental conversions. This program is for Florida residents building real roots.

👉 Next: We’ll walk you through real examples of Florida buyers who used SHIP to win — and how much they saved.

Real Florida Buyers Who Used SHIP to Purchase Their Home

These are real Florida residents — veterans, single parents, and buyers on fixed incomes — who used the SHIP program in 2025 to close on homes they thought were out of reach.

🏡 Kelly – First-Time Buyer in Marion County

Kelly was a single mom earning $39,000/year. She used a $17,500 SHIP grant to cover her down payment and all closing costs. She combined it with an FHA loan and bought her first 3-bedroom home for $0 at closing.

• ✅ $0 out-of-pocket at signing
• ✅ Monthly mortgage: $1,020
• ✅ Forgiven after 10 years of ownership

🎖️ Mark – Disabled Veteran in Alachua County

Mark qualified for a VA loan but needed help with closing costs. The SHIP program gave him $12,000 in grant support. We helped him stack it with the MCC tax credit — and he now owns his home with no money down and no PMI.

• ✅ VA loan + SHIP grant = 100% financed
• ✅ MCC gives him $1,800/year in tax credits
• ✅ Total cash to close: $0

🧱 Sabrina – Bought a Fixer with 203(k) + SHIP

Sabrina used a Limited 203(k) loan to renovate a $145K home in Gainesville. SHIP covered $15,000 of her down payment and repairs. She upgraded the bathroom, painted the entire house, and replaced the flooring — all inside the loan.

• ✅ 203(k) + SHIP combo
• ✅ Rehab + closing covered with $1,200 total
• ✅ Full grant forgiveness after 15 years

These stories are just the beginning. Every Florida county has funds set aside to help — and most people don’t even know they qualify. That’s why we’re here.

👉 Final section next: How to apply for SHIP in your county and get real help now.

How to Apply for SHIP in Your Florida County

SHIP funds are managed at the county level — which means each Florida county has its own application process, income limits, and available funding. But the steps are simple, and we can help guide every one.

📋 Step-by-Step SHIP Application Process:

• ✅ Step 1: Locate your county’s SHIP office or online portal
• ✅ Step 2: Attend a first-time homebuyer class (often free online)
• ✅ Step 3: Get prequalified by an approved lender (we can help)
• ✅ Step 4: Submit income documents, lender letter, and intake form
• ✅ Step 5: Wait for county funding confirmation (usually 15–45 days)

You’ll need W-2s or benefit statements (SSDI, VA), tax returns, bank statements, and proof of buyer education. But don’t stress — The Alpha Order can walk you through all of it.

🌐 Official Resource:

View all Florida County SHIP Offices →

👉 Ready to apply with our guidance? We’ll make sure your income, home, and loan match the most funding possible — the right way.

Your County Has Grant Funds — Let’s Use Them

Most Florida buyers don’t even know SHIP exists — or that it could cover their entire down payment and closing costs. But you do now. The only question is: will you take the next step?

The Alpha Order helps buyers across Florida get approved for SHIP, 203(k), Hometown Heroes, and more — with strategy, clarity, and no games. Let’s get started.

Apply for SHIP Assistance →

The Alpha Order | Real Funding. Real Families. Real Freedom.