Funds are issued in the form of a zero percent (0%) interest, fully forgivable mortgage of up to $75,000. Individuals are limited to a lifetime (combined) maximum SHIP award of $75,000. Assistance can include down payment, closing costs, and possible additional gap funding to increase affordability.

Maybe; maybe not. There are no monthly payments. The loan is forgiven at term, as long as it is in good standing. The loan would be due and payable if the house is sold/transferred, becomes rental housing, is no longer owner-occupied, or upon refinance of the first mortgage, if there are cash proceeds.

Yes.

1. Must be living in Charlotte County for six (6) months or working full-time employment for twelve (12) months before applying.
2. Monthly housing expense including principal, taxes and insurance, and any other homeowner or special assessment should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income and monthly housing expenses plus all other monthly debt obligations (excluding basic utilities) should not exceed 40% of gross monthly income.
3. Must be a first-time homebuyer or have not owned a home within the last three (3) years.
4. Borrower contribution must be a minimum of $1,000 of your own funds.
5. May purchase new or existing single-family homes or qualified condominiums. 
6. Property must be owner-occupied; buyer must complete an acceptable homebuyer’s education program.
7. Buyer must be able to obtain loan approval with a qualified lender through the Lenders' Consortium. Approved loan originators at these lenders have been trained and must have been pre-qualified prior to application being submitted by lender. Eligible applicants must purchase a qualified home within six (6) months of SHIP approval.

Yes.

1. Mobile and manufactured homes and multi-family homes (2-4 units) are ineligible.
2. The property can be located anywere in Charlotte County.
3. The sales price or value of new or existing eligible housing may not exceed 90% of the average area purchase price in the statistical area in which the eligible housing is located, as established by the U.S. Treasury Department (annually adjusted; 2025 = $510,939). However, GAP funds may allow cotribution of more than 10% down payment funds to amke purchase affordable for client.
4. Clients must work with lenders who are approved through the Lenders' Consortium. 

1. Minimum of two (2) wage stubs covering at least the last 60 days
2. Copies of Social Security and/or Pension Award letters, if applicable
3. Copies of last two years W-2s and tax returns (for self-employed persons)
4. Copies of two (2) months’ bank/brokerage statements for all accounts
5. Copy of court order if receiving child support or alimony
6. If self-employed, 2 years corporate returns and current year-to-date Profit & Loss statement
7. Proof of SNAP or other assistance or miscellaneous income
8. List of debt
9. Copy of all household members’ Social Security cards
10. Copy of valid FL Driver’s license/ I.D.
11. Copy of children’s birth certificates
12. Other documents as requested by the SHIP Administrator on a case-by-case basis

1. Call or text me at 727-534-3445 or email pam.m.marron@gmail.com to get qualified! I can submit your loan to Charlotte County SHIP for Down Payment Assistance!
2. If you meet eligibility requirements, I will prepare an application packet for SHIP Purchase Assistance and submit your file to the Housing team on your behalf for eligibility determination. 
3. As your lender, we will require specific documents that are in addition to the documents you will need for Charlotte County SHIP.

Additional lenders may be added over time. If your preferred lender is not a member of this Consortium and would like more information about how to become a member, they may contact us by email at: SHIPAdministrator@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.