State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program
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 or 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