State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program

Gulf of Mexico and sky

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program

Created in 1992 as part of the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act, The State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing. The program was designed to provide very low, low, and moderate-income families assistance to purchase, repair or replace, or construct housing. Funds can also be utilized for emergency repairs, rental development, and homeownership counseling.

 

Current SHIP funds available as of July 1, 2025

As of July 1, 2025 Okaloosa County will be accepting applications for the SHIP Purchase Assistance and Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation programs. Once all funds have been committed, the application period will close, and a waiting list will be created should there be more applicants than available funds.

 

First priority will be given to eligible persons with special needs as defined in s. 420.0004, Florida Statutes. Next priority will be given to applicants who meet the very-low and low-income statutory set asides. Final priority will be given to essential service personnel as defined in the County’s LHAP. Funds are awarded on a first-qualified, first-assisted basis.

 

Review the programs below to learn how to apply! 

This program is designed to assist income-eligible first-time homebuyers with the costs of purchasing a home.

If you’re interested in applying for assistance, your first step will be to get with one of our participating lenders to get pre-approved on a first mortgage. These lenders have attended a face-to-face training session on how to submit homebuyer applications. You will not directly apply to us; your lender will submit your application to us on your behalf. Once we have received your file and are able to determine your eligibility, we will then schedule a day and time for you to come to our office to sign the award paperwork.

Please review the eligibility documentation below: 

This program is designed to assist income-eligible homeowners with the necessary home repairs to address health hazards, safety concerns, and code violations. Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities are eligible under this program as well.

If you’re interested in applying for assistance, review the program summary and eligibility requirements below to determine if you qualify.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, complete the SHIP application and gather all required supporting documentation (checklist is listed below under forms), applicable to your household. Once your application packet is complete, you may submit it by email, mail, or in person to the following location:

  • Email: Housing@myokaloosa.com
  • Mail: Attn: Housing, 1250 Eglin Pkwy, Shalimar, FL 32579
  • Drop Off: 1B 9th Avenue, Shalimar, FL 32579

 

SHIP Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Summary

Eligibility Requirements:

  • The home is located in Okaloosa County.
  • The property is not a mobile or manufactured home
  • The applicant has owned the home for a minimum of three (3) years, as evidenced by documents such as the deed and homestead exemption.
  • The home is the applicant's principal residence. Rental properties are not eligible for assistance.
  • The home is covered by property insurance if there is a first mortgage on the property.
    • If there is no mortgage or other liens on the home, property insurance is not required.
  • Property taxes and mortgage payments are current.
  • The total gross household income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
    • Refer to the program summary to determine if your household qualifies.
  • The applicant must agree to a 5-year deferred loan, secured by a recorded mortgage and promissory note placed on the home.
  • The applicant agrees to be income-qualified by Okaloosa County Housing staff.
  • The applicant has not previously received SHIP assistance moe than once for this property.

 

FORMS

Partner With Us

Okaloosa County's Housing Department is always looking to expand our partnerships for the SHIP Program to continue reaching as many of our citizens as possible. If you are a lender and would like to participate in the Purchase Assistance Program or a contractor and want to become a pre-approved contractor to receive bids for our Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program, you can learn more below.

 

Mortgage Lender or Loan Officer: Please email housing@myokaloosa.com to be added to our distribution list and receive updates about our next lender training.

 

Contractor: Visit the Resources for Developers or Contractors webpage or click the link below to learn how to apply and be added to our pre-approved contractor’s list.  Want to be a SHIP Contractor? Click here >>