Florida Housing and Governor DeSantis Celebrate Housing Gains Provided by Innovative Housing Resources 

Tallahassee, FL- The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is proud to announce this year’s numerous housing accomplishments under the leadership and vision of Governor Ron DeSantis.  

“Florida Housing is grateful to the Governor’s continued commitment and support of affordable housing programs including the launch of Florida’s $250 million Coronavirus Relief Fund,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “2020 has certainly been a difficult year for many Florida families, and Governor DeSantis - in partnership with Florida Housing - remains dedicated to helping Floridians with homeownership and rental assistance using the financial resources entrusted to us.” 

Notable 2020 accomplishments: 

Legislative Funding 

For the second year in a row, Governor Ron DeSantis recommended full funding for the affordable housing trust funds ($387 million). Between state and federal resources, Florida Housing received $395 million, and Florida Housing applauds his efforts.  

Florida Housing’s appropriation goes towards the following: 

• State Housing Trust Fund 

• $115 million for multifamily programs including, the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program and Community Workforce Housing Loan Program (CWHLP) and grants for housing for people with Developmental Disabilities; 
• $20 million for Hurricane Housing Recovery Program (HHRP) - similar to the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program; and 
• $10 million in down payment assistance in Hurricane Michael impacted areas. 
• Florida Housing awarded $1 million to Building Homes for Heroes, a non-profit organization, to build, modify, or transfer 25 homes for veterans who were seriously injured while serving in the line of duty. The homes are gifted mortgage free to the veterans and their families. 

• Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act  

• $250 million Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act relief funding for rental and mortgage assistance for Florida families that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Coronavirus Relief Fund 

• Launched in July, Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Housing announced the $250 million Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Program to assist Floridians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily with rental and mortgage assistance.  
• The funding breakdown and updates are as follows: 
• Strategy 1- $120 million for Rental Assistance for Tenants in Florida Housing’s Portfolio 

• To date, a total of 623 affordable multifamily rental housing developments in Florida Housing’s portfolio have responded to the Invitation to Participate (ITP) in the program. 
• They indicate with this funding they will be able to provide assistance to nearly 12,000 rental households in Florida.   

• Strategy 2- $120 million for Rental and Mortgage Assistance for Homeowners and Renters to Local Government SHIP Housing Offices 

• To date, more than $125 million has been disbursed to local governments statewide. 
• To date, local governments have been able to assist 11,957 households with rental or mortgage assistance plus another 5,729 are scheduled to be assisted by the end of the month, with this number growing daily. 

• Strategy 3- $2 million for Operations Assistance for Housing that Serves Persons with Special Needs or Homeless Households 

• To date, 32 rental developments (representing 2,101 units) in Florida Housing’s portfolio responded to the Invitation to Participate (ITP) for the program. 
• Financial assistance will be provided to these developments to assist them with coronavirus related expenses including extra staffing and cleaning services and supplies that will help keep their residents with special needs healthy during the pandemic. 

Homeownership  

• Assisted 2,781 Florida homebuyers in purchasing their first home; 
• Provided more than $438.5 million in first mortgage loans; 
• Provided more than $21.5 million in down payment assistance (DPA); 
• Salute Our Soldiers, an active military and veteran loan program announced in early 2020, has provided 311 loans, $73.8 million in first mortgage loans and $1.8 million in DPA since its inception; and  
• The Homeownership Pool (HOP) Program, assists developers by matching qualified homebuyers with DPA on a first-come, first-served basis. There are currently 44 builders participating in the program, 108 borrowers have participated to date with $2,642,523 in DPA provided.  

Rental Housing 

• Awarded 116 developments with funding to build rental housing across the state; 
• A total of 13,406 units in developments awarded funding; and  
• Funding for these developments totaled $693,376,520 in loans/grants and $143,780,162 in annual housing credit allocations. 

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program 

• For the 2020 closeout report on funding appropriated in fiscal year 2017/2018, more than $94 million disbursed by Florida Housing to local governments statewide was used to assist more than 5,400 households with rehabilitation, emergency repairs, down payment assistance, homeownership counseling, new construction, down payment and closing cost assistance, impact fees and mortgage buy-downs. 

Hurricane Michael Housing Recovery  

• $20 million for Hurricane Housing Recovery Program (HHRP) appropriated this past legislative session is being disbursed to 13 local governments in the Hurricane Michael impacted areas. 
• $10 million for down payment assistance relaunching the Hurricane Michael Recovery Loan Program in 11 impacted counties in the Panhandle; providing 1,094 loans, $105 million in first mortgage loans and over $8.1 million in down payment assistance. 

Supportive Housing 

• Florida Housing expanded the Housing Stability for Homeless Schoolchildren Initiative from the first pilot site in Santa Rosa County to a total of five counties in 2020.  In addition to Santa Rosa County, Alachua, Bay, Charlotte and Hernando Counties now administer the Initiative for homeless schoolchildren and their families. The Housing Stability for Homeless Schoolchildren Initiative pairs Florida Housing’s HOME funding for short-term rental assistance wrap-around community-based services and support to help homeless families with school age children in rural and smaller communities to successfully regain housing stability and greater self-sufficiency, as well as keep the children on track with their education.   
• Selected applications for financing the development of nearly 400 units of permanent supportive housing around the state.  These include permanent supportive housing for persons with developmental disabilities in Tallahassee, veterans with disabilities in Seminole, and homeless elders in Miami-Dade. 

Florida Housing was created by the Legislature 40 years ago. We are the state’s housing finance agency (HFA) that administers state and federal resources to help provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for the citizens of Florida. For more information, please visit www.floridahousing.org. 

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Tallahassee, Fla. – On December 30, 2020, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is set to close the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) program. With over $200 million committed, this initiative was launched in July 2020 to assist Floridians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), these funds are directed to assist residents living in Florida Housing’s multifamily and special needs developments, as well as Florida residents needing mortgage and rental assistance as a result of the pandemic.

All funds must be expended by the program’s conclusion on December 30, 2020. Homeowners and renters affected by COVID-19 who have not yet applied are encouraged to do so immediately.

“As the state’s housing finance agency, providing housing assistance to those who need it most has always been our top priority,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “As the CRF program comes to a close, we are proud to have assisted tens of thousands of Florida households in just five months. With only a few weeks left until the end of this program, we strongly encourage homeowners and renters impacted by the pandemic to contact your local government housing office today if you are in need of assistance.”

Since its inception, the Coronavirus Relief Fund program has accomplished the following funding strategies:

Strategy 1 - Rental Assistance for Tenants in Florida Housing’s Portfolio 

• 782 multifamily rental housing developments in Florida Housing’s portfolio responded to the Invitation to Participate (ITP) in the program.


• 614 of these developments in Florida Housing’s portfolio have executed funding agreements and have funding assistance for their tenants.


• Property owners and managers indicate with this funding they will be able to provide assistance to 12,263 rental households in Florida.

Strategy 2 - Rental and Mortgage Assistance for Homeowners and Renters  

• 119 local government entities across Florida have signed funding agreements to provide rental and mortgage assistance to individuals in Florida impacted by the pandemic.


• To date, local governments have been able to assist 11,957 households with rental or mortgage assistance plus another 5,729 are scheduled to be assisted by the end of the month, with this number growing daily. 

Strategy 3 - Operations Assistance for Housing that Serves Persons with Special Needs or Homeless Households  

• 32 special needs developments (serving approximately 2,101 individual units) in Florida Housing’s portfolio have executed funding agreements and have received funding assistance.


• These funds provide each development with additional resources to cover coronavirus related expenses such as extra staffing, cleaning services and supplies, personal protective equipment for staff and residents, and technology to address social distancing and pandemic-related safety needs. 

This is the last month that impacted homeowners and renters can apply for CRF assistance through their local government housing office. Click here to view local government allocation amounts. For more information on the program, please click here. The toll-free Coronavirus Relief Fund for Impacted Homeowners and Renters Information Line is available from 9 am - 7 pm for those who would like to speak directly with a representative: 1-888-362-7885. 

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PLEASE NOTE:  Board Members will be meeting in person at the offices of Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 227 N. Bronough St., Tallahassee Florida; however, due to the current public health crisis and social distancing recommendations, all others wishing to participate in the meeting are asked to do so via the call-in information provided, if possible.

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2020 Board Packages.

If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Freaney at Sheila.Freaney@floridahousing.org

Program Set to End December 30, 2020  

Tallahassee, Fla. –The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is announcing additional resources for rental and homeowner assistance programs for Floridians that have been impacted by COVID-19.  Up to $40 million is available to local governments to continue assisting impacted households in their area. In July, Governor DeSantis allocated $250 million of the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) to be used for rental and homeowner assistance programs. Initially, Florida Housing committed $120 million to strategically address rental and mortgage assistance programs through local government housing and SHIP offices. Florida Housing is reallocating a portion of its CRF dollars to further support local governments that have or will expend their original allocations.

As the program is set to end on December 30, Florida Housing is encouraging homeowners and renters affected by COVID-19 who have not yet applied to contact their local government SHIP housing office immediately.

“Our team has been working diligently to distribute these funds throughout the state to ensure housing assistance is available to those who were affected by COVID-19 and need it most,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “We know that many are still financially hurting as a result of this pandemic and Florida Housing is here to help. We urge those who need assistance to contact your local government housing office or our Coronavirus Relief Fund Hotline for more information before this program ends.”

Impacted homeowners and renters can still apply for funding assistance through their local government housing office. For more information on the program, please click here. The toll-free Coronavirus Relief Fund Information Line is available Mondays through Fridays from 9 am - 7 pm Eastern Standard Time for those who would like to speak directly with a representative: 1-888-362-7885.

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Program offered exclusively to veterans and active-duty military members  

Tallahassee, Fla. –The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) launched the Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program earlier this year to assist Florida’s growing population of veteran and active-duty military personnel in obtaining permanent housing. The Salute Our Soldiers program offers a variety of down payment and closing cost assistance (DPA), coupled with low interest rate first mortgage loans. Some of the DPA products offered are even forgivable after five years.

“Florida Housing remains committed to supporting those who have served our country,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “We recognize that having a place to call home is an important aspect in all individual’s lives, but especially for veterans and active-duty military. We hope that this program will continue to improve the lives of veterans and the communities in which they live by assisting Florida’s large military population in finding a place to put down roots in our great state.”

Florida Housing launched this veteran-focused initiative on March 2, with up to $8 million in funds available to assist military members throughout the state. Veterans who have participated in this program have purchased a home with low-interest rates in just a few short weeks. To date, more than 250 individuals have utilized the Salute Our Soldiers program to obtain a permanent home, and it is expected that by the program’s end, these funds will have assisted more than 1,000 military families.

Florida Housing's Salute Our Soldiers team is proud to offer an easy and positive home buying experience with quick mortgage assistance and various lending options for all veterans across Florida's 67 counties.

For more information on Florida Housing and the Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program, please visit www.floridahousing.org.

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Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) presented program updates on the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) that launched in August 2020. First announced by Governor Ron DeSantis, the $250 million CRF Program was unveiled to assist Floridians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with rental and mortgage assistance. Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), these funds are dedicated to assist tenants living in Florida Housing’s multifamily and special needs developments and other affected homeowners and renters throughout Florida.

“Florida Housing has quickly mobilized to disburse $250 million to provide affordable housing and mortgage and rental assistance as we move forward with our state’s economic recovery,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The economic impacts of the pandemic have been very hard on families across Florida and we remain committed to ensuring that families get the help they need.”

“It’s great to see how quickly Florida Housing has been able to disburse these funds throughout the state to help Florida families and special needs properties,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “During this pandemic, Florida Housing, under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, continues to remain focused on providing affordable housing solutions and keeping families safe and stably housed.”

Coronavirus Relief Fund updates are as follows:

Strategy 1- $120 Million for Rental Assistance for Tenants in Florida Housing’s Portfolio 

• To date, a total of 580 affordable multifamily rental housing developments in Florida Housing’s portfolio have responded to the Invitation to Participate (ITP) in the program.


• Property owners and managers indicate with this funding they will be able to provide assistance to over 11,322 rental households in Florida.


• Agreements have been sent out to the eligible developments. To date, 506 funding agreements have been sent for execution, and 93 developments have executed agreements in Florida Housing’s portfolio.

Strategy 2- $120 Million for Rental and Mortgage Assistance for Homeowners and Renters  

• Since the announcement of this program, 100% percent of all eligible local government entities have signed their funding agreements and received their portion of the initial allocation of $75 million for the purpose of providing rental, mortgage or related housing assistance for individuals and families impacted by the pandemic in Florida. Within funding guidelines, participating local governments have the ability to prioritize how the resource will be utilized in their communities.  Through September 25, $7.3 million was expended to assist 2,317 households with rental assistance, mortgage assistance and emergency repairs. An additional $6.3 million was encumbered to assist 1,619 households.


• Currently, Florida Housing staff is working to fully disburse the remaining allocation of $44.8 million to all the eligible local governments that was approved in September. To date, $12.7 million of the $44.8 million has been disbursed. The remainder is anticipated to be disbursed over the next few weeks. 

Strategy 3- $2 Million for Operations Assistance for Housing that Serves Persons with Special Needs or Homeless Households  

• To date, 32 special needs developments (representing 2,101 units) in Florida Housing’s portfolio responded to the Invitation to Participate (ITP) for the program.


• Financial assistance will be provided to these developments to assist them with coronavirus related expenses including extra staffing and cleaning services and supplies that will help keep their residents with special needs healthy during the pandemic.


• Agreements have been sent out to the eligible developments. To date, seventeen developments have executed agreements (representing 1,189 units) in Florida Housing’s portfolio. 

Impacted homeowners and renters can still apply for funding assistance through their local government housing office. For more information on the program, please click here. The toll-free Coronavirus Relief Fund for Impacted Homeowners and Renters Information Line is available from 9 am - 7 pm for those who would like to speak directly with a representative: 1-888-362-7885.

Owners of a development currently in Florida Housing’s portfolio interested in applying for this funding can click here for more information, or call Florida Housing’s toll-free Coronavirus Relief Fund Information Line for Florida Housing’s Property Managers and Owners at 1-888-232-6918.

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PLEASE NOTE:  Board Members will be meeting in person at the offices of Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 227 N. Bronough St., Tallahassee Florida; however, due to the current public health crisis and social distancing recommendations, all others wishing to participate in the meeting are asked to do so via the call-in information provided, if possible.

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2020 Board Packages - on October 9, 2020.

If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Freaney at Sheila.Freaney@floridahousing.org

Pilot programs show promise for a successful statewide initiative

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) Board of Directors unanimously approved the expansion the Housing Stability for Homeless Schoolchildren Initiative to Alachua, Bay, and Charlotte counties during the September board meeting. This program assists homeless families in regaining housing stability and economic self-sufficiency, while also ensuring their school aged children remain on track with their education.

The state of Florida currently has an estimated 91,675 homeless schoolchildren, and in many cases, a lack of stable housing prevents these children from attending school on a consistent basis. Initial pilot sites in Santa Rosa County and Hernando County evaluated the use of funds for short-term tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA), paired with Department of Education homeless education resources, and community-based supportive services.

“School often serves as a refuge for our youth and the consistency of education is key to building a healthy future,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This initiative has proven to help homeless schoolchildren and increase academic performance and attendance. The partnership between Florida Housing and local communities will help expand a foundation for housing and educational stability for Florida’s children and families.”

“This program is the first of its kind in Florida that will provide financial and housing relief to homeless families, while also emphasizing the importance of childhood education,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “Now, even more so in light of the current global pandemic, there will be an increased need for housing as families continue to experience economic setbacks. We are thrilled to be expanding this program to additional counties throughout the state and hope to partner with more school districts in the future.”

Florida Housing, in collaboration with local community partners, created the Homeless Schoolchildren TBRA Pilot Program to provide eligible homeless families with one year of rental assistance and case management support. In April of this year, Florida Housing released findings from its first pilot program conducted in Santa Rosa County, looking at the significant need for affordable, permanent housing options for homeless families with school-aged children. The goal of the program was to learn whether the benefits of these resources would allow for greater assistance of homeless families in rural and smaller counties compared to traditional Florida Housing practices in larger urban areas.  The Santa Rosa County Pilot Program was launched in early 2018 and immediately found that once the families had stable housing and assistance specific to their needs, the majority of families’ incomes stabilized or increased.  Seventy-eight percent of families had significantly more reliable transportation at the end of their participation than before entering the program.  So far, two families have realized their dream of being first-time homebuyers.    Of the 60 students participating in the program during the 2018-2019 school year, 98 percent were promoted to the next grade or graduated.  There was an 11 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism and 18 percent of the students saw a significant increase in their grade point averages.

In January 2020, Hernando County became the location of a second pilot program The Housing Stability for Homeless Schoolchildren Initiative will soon be expanded into Alachua, Bay, and Charlotte counties and will further assist families identified by local school districts based on children who are already participating in Federal Homeless Education Programs. Each new county will receive up to $500,000 in HOME TBRA funds to provide short-term rental assistance for the participating families. Families will receive up to 24 months of rental assistance, academic support for students, and community-based supportive services.

Before beginning the initiative, each county formed a partnership with the School District’s Homeless Education Program, the Public Housing Authority (PHA), a Case Management Organization, and the Homeless Continuum of Care Lead Agency. The HOME TBRA funds will be provided by Florida Housing and administered by the local PHA. Community support services for the families will be provided by key partners that will assist eligible families in accessing rental housing, achieving stability and preventing future homelessness.

For more information about Florida Housing’s programs and services, please visit www.floridahousing.org.

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Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Board of Directors for the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) approved the remaining $45 million of the $120 million to local governments to assist Floridians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with rental and mortgage assistance.

Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), additional funds were previously approved to assist tenants living at multifamily and special needs developments in Florida Housing’s rental housing portfolio.

“We strongly encourage Florida families who have been affected by this pandemic and need rental or mortgage assistance to reach out to housing offices within their local governments for more information on how they might receive assistance,” said Governor DeSantis. “As we continue to implement additional funding resources, our work with Florida Housing aims to alleviate some of the stress we know individuals are facing as a result of COVID-19.”

“We are thrilled to offer these programs that will be able to assist Floridians,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “We hope property owners and local governments will use these resources to ensure all Florida residents can remain in their homes, especially during this difficult time.”

Coronavirus Relief Fund updates are as follows:

Strategy 1- $120 Million for Rental Assistance for Tenants in Florida Housing’s Portfolio

• To date, a total of 548 affordable multifamily rental housing developments in Florida Housing’s portfolio have responded to the Invitation to Participate in the program.
• Property owners and managers indicate with this funding they will be able to provide assistance to over 10,000 rental households in Florida.

Strategy 2- $120 Million for Rental and Mortgage Assistance for Homeowners and Renters

Since the announcement of this program, more than 80 percent of all local government entities have signed their funding agreements and begun the process of providing rental and mortgage assistance for individuals and families impacted by the pandemic in Florida. Within funding guidelines, participating local governments have the ability to prioritize how the resource will be utilized in their communities.

Strategy 3- $2 Million for Operations Assistance for Housing that Serves Persons with Special Needs or Homeless Households

• 33 special needs developments (representing 2,191 units) in Florida Housing’s portfolio responded to the Invitation to Participate in the program.
• Financial assistance will be provided to these developments to assist them with coronavirus related expenses including extra staffing and cleaning services and supplies that will help keep their residents with special needs healthy during the pandemic.
• Agreements have been sent out to the eligible developments.

In June, Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Housing first announced the $250 million to assist Floridians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with rental and mortgage assistance. Impacted homeowners and renters can still apply for funding assistance through their local government housing office.

For more information on the program, please click here. The toll-free Coronavirus Relief Fund for Impacted Homeowners and Renters Information Line is available from 9 am - 7 pm for those who would like to speak directly with a representative: 1-888-362-7885.

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PLEASE NOTE:  Board Members will be meeting in person at the offices of Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 227 N. Bronough St., Tallahassee Florida; however, due to the current public health crisis and social distancing recommendations, all others wishing to participate in the meeting are asked to do so via the call-in information provided, if possible.

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2020 Board Packages - on August 28.

If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Freaney at Sheila.Freaney@floridahousing.org

Panama City, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the relaunch of the Hurricane Michael Recovery Loan Program to assist those who were impacted by the Category 5 hurricane in 2018. Administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing), the homeownership program will provide $10 million in down payment assistance (DPA) to Floridians in the following impacted counties: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington.

“This $10 million will help over 660 families purchase homes,” said Governor DeSantis. “I was proud to support this program last legislative session and pleased it was included in the state budget I signed in June. I’d like to thank our Northwest Florida legislative delegation for their efforts in getting this critical funding across the finish line for their constituents.”

“Florida Housing thanks Governor DeSantis and the legislature for providing these important housing resources,” said Florida Housing Finance Corporation Executive Director Trey Price. “We were very successful in allocating $5 million for down payment assistance here in 2019 for more than 335 households and are thrilled to see this relaunch effort to assist the area again.”

“It is an honor to work alongside Governor DeSantis, my colleagues in the Legislature and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to provide safe, quality affordable housing for the people of Northwest Florida,” said Senator George Gainer. “These homeownership and down payment assistance programs will further assist in the rebuilding of these Panhandle communities, and we will continue to utilize available resources to ensure these areas fully recover. This is one of the many reminders that we have not been forgotten here in the panhandle and we deeply appreciate Governor DeSantis for his commitment that he has delivered.”

“It is an honor to fight for much-needed relief for Northwest Florida in the legislature,” said Representative Jay Trumbull. “I would like to thank Governor DeSantis for his steadfast support of our community. Witnessing the success of this project last year, I’m proud to stand here today announcing additional housing funds for individuals and households in my district. This timely appropriation will help our community rebuild after Hurricane Michael and continue to push us to greater prosperity.”

“As a long-time supporter of affordable housing for rural communities, I am happy to see and be a part of the continued recovery efforts for Florida families in the Panhandle that were impacted by Hurricane Michael,” said Representative Brad Drake. “Working closely alongside Chairman Trumbull this past legislative session, we were able to secure funding and resources to the affected areas. We thank Governor DeSantis for his steadfast support of Northwest Florida.”

Expected to launch September 1, the Hurricane Michael Recovery Loan Program will offer below market 30-year fixed rate first mortgages coupled with up to $15,000 in down payment (DPA) and closing cost assistance for qualified homebuyers. DPA loans will be zero percent interest, non-amortizing and forgivable at 20 percent per year over five years. The DPA loan is fully forgivable if an active duty serviceperson is officially reassigned and must sell the home.

Additionally, those eligible do not have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for this program, though the home must be owner-occupied. Interested homebuyers should contact one of Florida Housing’s Participating Lenders to start the process. This information can be found in the Homebuyer Loan Wizard on Florida Housing’s website at www.floridahousing.org.

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Apopka, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) Board of Directors unanimously approved the release of $75 million to local governments to assist Floridians in need of rental and mortgage assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Governor DeSantis made available $250 million, of which $120 million will be sent to local governments to provide rental and mortgage assistance program. The $75 million approved today is the first release of the funding to local governments.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound disruption to families throughout the state,” said Governor DeSantis. “It is my hope that these funds and the rest of the $250 million will provide some level of relief to individuals who—through no fault of their own—are now having difficulty making ends meet.”

The $75 million includes allocations to many local governments in Florida, but the Governor travelled to the City of Apopka to highlight Orange County’s allocation of $7.3 million.

For a full list of the allocations, click HERE.

“As Floridians continue to struggle with the negative economic impacts of COVID-19, Florida Housing remains committed to providing renters and homeowners with housing assistance,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “We are proud to stand with the Governor to ensure affordable housing remains a top priority, and that families have the necessary assistance to remain in their homes during these difficult times.”

$120 Million Coronavirus Relief Fund for Impacted Homeowners and Renters

Impacted homeowners and renters can apply for the following assistance through a local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program housing office:

• Rental and mortgage assistance payments for persons who experienced a hardship that prevents them from making these payments;
• Emergency Repair; and
• Rehabilitation and New Construction related specifically to a need caused by the COVID-19 emergency.

Click here for more information on the program and how to start the process. Florida Housing encourages homeowners and renters impacted by the pandemic to visit the website. Also, the toll-free Coronavirus Relief Fund for Impacted Homeowners and Renters Information Line 1-888-362-7885 will be available starting Monday, July 20th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays for those who would like to speak with a representative.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $250 million in CARES Act funding for rental and mortgage assistance for Florida families that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many families across our state have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 through no fault of their own,” said Governor DeSantis. “This initiative strives to provide financial assistance through multiple affordable housing programs to ensure these Floridians receive the support they need during this difficult time.”

“Florida Housing is grateful for the Governor’s strong support of housing and the programs proposed to give renters and homeowners impacted by COVID-19 the relief they desperately need,” said Florida Housing Finance Corporation Executive Director Trey Price. “The Governor and Florida Housing stand together in guaranteeing Florida households stay a priority, and ensuring families have the necessary assistance and tools in place to remain in their homes affordably during this public health emergency.”

The initiative includes two funding pools totaling up to $240 million and sets aside up to $10 million in expected operational costs for the program.

Rental Assistance for Affordable Rental Housing Tenants

Administered by Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), $120 million will be provided in short-term rental assistance for COVID-19 impacted households residing at multifamily rental properties in FHFC’s portfolio. FHFC will reimburse participating properties to subsidize eligible households’ rents for each impacted month. The rental assistance will be available to help pay a household’s rent for eligible months from July through December 2020. The household may be eligible for assistance to pay rent arrearages accrued during the months of April, May and June 2020.

Rent and Mortgage Assistance

A separate pool of $120 million will be released to counties based on a county’s reemployment assistance rate for the determined disbursement period. These funds would be used for rental and homeowner assistance programs such as new construction, rehabilitation, mortgage buydowns, down payment and closing cost assistance, emergency repairs and homeownership counseling for individuals impacted by COVID-19. The allocation also includes $200,000 for technical assistance to local governments.

Operations Assistance for Special Needs Developments and Administrative Costs

A one-time allocation of $2 million will be provided to assist with past and future costs related to additional staffing, security and supplies directly related to COVID-19 in serving special needs and homeless households residing in the supportive housing developments. The allocation will be based on each development’s total number of units.

Additionally, $8 million will be provided in expected administrative costs, including credit underwriting, disbursement review and processing, compliance monitoring and technical assistance. Funds not used for administration, if any, would be added to Rental Assistance and/or Operations Assistance for Special Needs Developments.

More information will be provided by Florida Housing Finance Corporation as these programs move forward at FloridaHousing.org.

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PLEASE NOTE: Board Members will be meeting in person at the offices of Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 227 N. Bronough St., Tallahassee Florida; however, due to the current public health crisis and social distancing recommendations, all others wishing to participate in the meeting are asked to do so via the call-in information provided, if possible.

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2020 Board Packages - on Friday, July 10.

If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Freaney at Sheila.Freaney@floridahousing.org

Affordable housing provider asks Floridians to share what the word ‘home’ means to them

Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is proud to celebrate National Homeownership Month showcasing the importance of home. While the structure of people’s homes may not have changed, its meaning has indeed transitioned over the past few months. Home has become a place of comfort, safety, good health, and family. As the state’s housing finance agency that assists Floridians with their housing needs, Florida Housing understands that now, more than ever, access to a stable, quality home is necessary. To emphasize this message, Florida Housing is asking people to share their stories on social media using the hashtag #MyHomeIsMy. A video was also filmed in honor of our 40th anniversary this year featuring Florida Housing employees across all departments sharing what the word home means to them.

“Florida Housing understands that the meaning of the word home has changed for many Floridians,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “As we continue to keep safe social distances, our homes have turned into more than just a place to return after a long day at work. At Florida Housing, our goal is to ensure every Floridian has an affordable place to call home.  We recognize that many individuals interested in renting or purchasing a home can no longer afford it due to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19. To those families, our message is this: we are here for you. The team at Florida Housing will be available to assist you whenever you are ready; we are all in this together.  Florida Housing has partnerships with lenders and realtors statewide who are well versed in our programs. We thank them for their commitment to Florida Housing’s mission.”

"Buying your first home is daunting for most people, but buying your first home when you've spent your whole life believing it's nearly impossible makes it terrifying," said Andrew Fischer, first time home buyer who utilized Florida Housing's homeownership program. "I doubted myself at every step, scared that I would mess up and spend a bunch of money on a pipe dream. I'm extremely grateful to the team at Florida Housing and my lender Deb Holloway, for offering guidance, responding to my numerous emails, and transforming the rough pile of documentation I provided into something that made sense. I am proud to say that I now have a place to call home.”

For more information on Florida Housing Finance Corporation, please visit www.floridahousing.org.

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Florida Housing was created by the Legislature 40 years ago. We are the state’s housing finance agency (HFA) that administers state and federal resources to help provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for the citizens of Florida.

PLEASE NOTE:  Board Members will be meeting in person at the offices of Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 227 N. Bronough St., Tallahassee Florida; however, due to the current public health crisis and social distancing recommendations, all others wishing to participate in the meeting are asked to do so via the call-in information provided if possible.

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2020 Board Packages.

To listen to the LIVE stream, Click Here. (Click on “Livestreams” and scroll down to the meeting.)

If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Freaney at Sheila.Freaney@floridahousing.org

MAY 28, 2020, BOARD MEETING CANCELLED

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board Meeting scheduled for May 28, 2020, at 1:30 p.m., EDT, has been cancelled.  The meeting will be rescheduled for early June, and as soon as the date has been set, that information will be provided.

If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Freaney at Sheila.Freaney@floridahousing.org.

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Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis along with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) announced the distribution of $5 million to local governments through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program to assist individuals and families in Florida impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with the housing assistance and resources.

My administration continues to take bold steps in ensuring families in Florida have the housing resources needed in these uncertain times,” said Governor DeSantis. “Families can take comfort knowing the additional funding to local government housing offices will be quickly distributed to help keep a roof over Floridian’s heads.”

“During these turbulent times, Governor DeSantis and Florida Housing remain committed to helping Floridians with homeownership and rental assistance with this much-needed allocation,” said Trey Price, Executive Director for Florida Housing. “Because COVID-19 has impacted Florida as a whole, Florida Housing has accelerated this release of available disaster recovery funds to eligible SHIP counties and cities.”

As allowed by statute, Florida Housing held back $5 million of the 2019/2020 SHIP appropriation for disaster recovery, which is typically used to assist SHIP participants with recovery from natural disasters.  In years that the funds are not used for that purpose, they are added to the normal SHIP allocation at the end of the fiscal year and released in accordance with the statutory allocation process.  Those funds were fortunately not needed for that purpose this fiscal year.

Additionally, in our continued effort to support SHIP local governments Florida Housing has implemented the following:

• Approving waiver requests from local governments related to homeownership (65%), construction (75%), rental restriction (25%) and advertising requirements; and
• Approving technical revisions to Local Housing Assistance Plans (LHAPs) to allow for rental assistance/eviction prevention, mortgage payment assistance/foreclosure prevention.

For more information about Florida Housing Finance Corporation and COVID-19 housing resources, please visit www.floridahousing.org.

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Tallahassee, Fla. – Trey Price, the Executive Director of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing), issued an Emergency Rule to discourage rent increases at properties funded by Florida Housing during this public health emergency. Those who choose to implement rent increases that impact residents during this global pandemic could jeopardize opportunities for future Florida Housing funding.

“Florida Housing is doing everything legally possible to discourage rent increases from landlords that have received our resources,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “We thank the overwhelming majority of landlords we work with who have not increased rents at this time and they can rest assured they will not see funding penalties.”

Last week Price released a statement strongly urging property owners and managers of properties funded by Florida Housing to suspend rent increases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Florida Housing continues to be committed to the health and well-being of all Floridians, we have compiled a list of resources with relevant information for homeowners, residents, developers, apartment owners, management companies, participating lenders, Realtors and SHIP administrators regarding COVID-19.

Find more information on the emergency order and Florida Housing’s response to COVID-19 by clicking here. For more information about Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s programs, please visit www.floridahousing.org.

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Florida Housing was created by the Legislature 40 years ago. We are the state’s housing finance agency (HFA) that administers state and federal resources to help provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for the citizens of Florida.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) unveils the redesign of the statewide online affordable rental housing locator called FloridaHousingSearch.org <www.floridahousingsearch.org>. The locator is part of Florida Housing’s ongoing effort to respond to affordable rental housing needs in general as well as during natural disasters. While there has been no change to the locator’s services it provides and it is still free, the new design is more user and mobile-friendly making it easier for affordable housing developments to list their vacancies and for consumers to find them.

Interested Renters

This online service is an easy way to find available affordable rental housing in Florida. Moreover, during a natural disaster displaced families and individuals can find properties that are available to rent. Also provided is a toll-free, bilingual call center support service, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT.

Property Owners and Managers

FloridaHousingSearch.org currently allows Florida Housing funded properties, other government subsidized and privately-owned affordable rental properties to post for free their vacancies. Additional tools include the ability to identify the features and amenities at the property, provide information such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the location (with a map link), rent and deposit requirements, utilities and much more. Property owners and managers will also be able to update vacancy status immediately as units are being rented.

The redesigned locator does not require landlords to register the rental properties that are already registered in the locator’s database.  To register and list your properties with FloridaHousingSearch.org, visit www.floridahousingsearch.org or call the toll-free number at 1-877-428-8844 and a customer support staff from Socialserve.com will assist you.

Florida Housing is working with Socialserve.com, a national non-profit provider of housing locator services. Socialserve.com created the software being used on the website and is responsible for maintaining the site.

For additional information, visit www.FloridaHousingSearch.org or call the toll-free number 1-877-428-8844.

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Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Trey Price, the Executive Director of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing), strongly urged property owners and managers of properties funded by Florida Housing to suspend rent increases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As Floridians grapple with the COVID-19 public health emergency, the last thing they need is for landlords to increase rental payments,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “Florida Housing stands with Florida families by urging no rent increases and ensuring Floridians have access to affordable and safe housing during these uncertain times together. Those who choose to implement rent increases that impact residents during this global pandemic could result in consequences for future funding opportunities with Florida Housing.”

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) unveiled 2020 rent and income limits in March, and are posted on Florida Housing’s website.

For more information about Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s programs, please visit www.floridahousing.org.

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Florida Housing was created by the Legislature 40 years ago. We are the state’s housing finance agency (HFA) that administers state and federal resources to help provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for the citizens of Florida.

Pilot program releases data that shows promise for a statewide initiative.

Tallahassee, Fla. - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) has recently released its findings from a pilot program conducted in Santa Rosa County looking at the significant need for affordable, permanent housing options for homeless families with school-aged children. The state of Florida currently has more than 96,208 homeless schoolchildren, and in many cases, a lack of stable housing prevents these children from attending school on a consistent basis. Florida Housing, in collaboration with local community partners including: the Santa Rosa County School District, Opening Doors Northwest Florida, Milton Housing Authority, and Family Promise – created the Homeless Schoolchildren Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Pilot Program to provide eligible homeless families in Santa Rosa County with one year of rental assistance and case management support.

The TBRA Pilot Program is the first of its kind in Florida that works to provide financial and housing relief to homeless families, while also emphasizing the importance of childhood education,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “Florida Housing, along with our partners at the Department of Education and in the local Santa Rosa County community, are proud to release successful findings from the first year of the program’s launch.

The TBRA Pilot Program assisted homeless families in rural and small communities in Santa Rosa County, Florida identified by the school district based on children who were already in the county’s homeless education program. They received 12 months of rental assistance, academic support for students and community-based supportive services to maintain stability and self-sufficiency. The goal of the pilot program was to learn whether the benefits of these resources and community partnerships would allow for greater assistance of homeless families in smaller counties with a significant number of rural and small communities, as Florida Housing’s traditional practices have proven more effective in larger counties and urban areas.

The TBRA Pilot Program was launched in early 2018. It has been a successful approach in helping to decrease the number of homeless schoolchildren in the county from 1,033 to 656. Of the children participating in the pilot program, 98% were promoted to the next grade in school and there was an 11% increase in regular attendance. Parents also gained employment and showed an increased income.

“This grant from Florida Housing has allowed us to increase our community’s awareness and demonstrate that homelessness is a significant issue in the state of Florida,” said Dr. Karen Barber, Director of Federal Programs with Santa Rosa County School District. “Now, even more so in light of the recent global pandemic, there will be an increased need for housing across the state as more families experience economic setbacks and we cannot let this impact their children’s need for a strong education. We hope this pilot program in Santa Rosa County inspires other communities to begin similar initiatives in their area.

Hernando County is the next county in Florida that has implemented Florida Housing’s TBRA program in an effort to combat the number of known homeless schoolchildren in its communities. The program’s primary partners will be the Hernando County School District, Hernando County Housing Authority, the Hernando County Health and Human Services Division and the Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition. As in Santa Rosa County, the partners have formally committed to provide services and resources to assist eligible homeless families in accessing rental housing, obtaining stability and preventing future homelessness.

For more information about Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s variety of programs and services throughout the state of Florida, please visit www.floridahousing.org.

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Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) was created by the state legislature in 1980 to assist in providing a range of affordable housing opportunities for qualifying Florida residents. As the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), Florida Housing administers state and federal resources to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options across the entirety of the state. The vision of Florida Housing is to be recognized as an outstanding provider of innovative, measurable, data-driven and fiscally sustainable solutions that respond to the affordable housing challenges in Florida. Through its work with developers, lenders, realtors, local governments and elected officials, Florida Housing continues in its mission to increase housing opportunities and ensure its programs are well matched to the needs of those it serves.

TALLAHASSEE - Florida Housing's upcoming Board of Directors' Meeting will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020 in Tallahassee. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. For Board Package information, please click here.

Event Details:
Who: Florida Housing's Board of Directors
What: Board Meeting
When: Friday, March 6, 2020 beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Tallahassee City Hall, Commission Chambers
             300 South Adams Street  
             227 N. Bronough Street
             Tallahassee, FL 32301
 
For more information on this Board Meeting, please contact Sheila Freaney, Board Liaison, at 850-488-4197 or via email at sheila.freaney@floridahousing.org

Additional Resources and Links Meet Florida Housing's Board of Directors

Pensacola, Fla. - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the unveiling of the “Salute Our Soldiers” Military Loan Program (SOS) that will be offered to veterans and active duty military personnel throughout the state. The announcement was made following a roundtable to discuss ongoing issues and initiatives that involve Florida’s military and veteran population. The Governor was joined by Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) Executive Director Danny Burgess and Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) Executive Director Trey Price.

“I’m excited to announce my administration’s newest veteran-focused initiative: the “Salute Our Soldiers” Military Housing Loan Program for veterans and active duty military personnel throughout the state,” said Governor DeSantis. “To start, Florida Housing will set aside funds to assist over 1,000 veterans and active duty military members by making the homebuying process easier and more affordable. More veterans calling Florida home is a great thing for all involved and we look forward to the positive impacts this program will have on the lives of our veterans and the communities in which they live.”

Photo Credit: Governor’s Press Office  

Administered by Florida Housing this program is offering up to $8 million in a variety of down payment and closing cost assistance, coupled with low-interest rate first mortgages. Importantly, there will be down payment and closing cost assistance options that will be forgivable after five years. The program will be available starting March 2nd, 2020.

“As an Army Reserve Captain and former state legislator, I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve those who served us,” said FDVA Director Danny Burgess. “Following on the heels of our Forward March statewide veteran outreach initiative, I’m proud to join Governor DeSantis today for this announcement to encourage veterans to set roots in Florida and call our state home.”

“Florida Housing is grateful to our Veterans and active duty military members for their service and sacrifice to this country,” said Florida Housing Executive Director Trey Price. “To show our appreciation, we along with Governor DeSantis, wanted to provide them with an incentive to put down roots and call Florida home.”

Some of the attributes of to the program include the following:

• A variety of down payment and closing cost assistance products with little or no interest charged;
 
• Florida Assist down payment assistance - $7,500 at 0 percent interest with no payments for 30 years but due upon sale or refinance;
• Salute Our Soldiers PLUS forgivable down payment assistance – choice of 3 percent, 4 percent or 5 percent of the purchase price that is forgiven at 20 percent per year over five years. Active duty military members who receive official orders to relocate will have any remaining balance forgiven upon sale of the home;
• Homebuyer Loan Program (HLP) down payment assistance - $10,000 at 3 percent interest over 15 years.
• Reduced costs (no documentary stamp taxes or intangible taxes on the notes and mortgages) and fees to the military homebuyer; and
• Veterans are exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement. Active duty military members cannot have owned a primary residence in the last three years.

For more information, please visit Florida Housing’s Homebuyer Loan Program Wizard at www.floridahousing.org.

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Providing affordable housing assistance to more than two million Floridians

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is celebrating four decades of service as an outstanding provider of innovative, timely solutions that assist Floridians with their housing needs. As the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), Florida Housing partners with developers, lenders and nonprofits across the state to finance affordable housing properties, specifically tailored to demographics such as senior citizens, families, veterans, homeless and persons with disabilities. Florida Housing also offers a variety of programs and resources that aim to make the renting and homebuying process easier for all families.

“Florida Housing works daily to assist families in attaining affordable housing options, without compromising important safety and design features,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “We know people thrive when they have stable, quality housing – it increases employment, increases children’s performance in schools and improves health. Our team is proud to celebrate this 40-year milestone and the impact Florida Housing programs have made on those choosing to take the next steps toward renting or purchasing their first home.”

Florida Housing’s programs have disbursed billions of dollars of funding and assisted hundreds of thousands of families over forty years, with more than $8.5 billion provided towards homeownership first mortgage assistance and more than $674 million in down payment assistance. Through programs such as the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, Florida Housing has provided $2.5 billion to local governments to assist in financing affordable homeownership and rental housing for lower income families at the local level. Florida Housing has also provided emergency funds for those left in need after a natural disaster. 

“When Hurricane Michael hit, my kids and I were left stranded with nowhere to call home,” said Kristin Cummings, first grade teacher and Hurricane Michael Recovery Loan participant. “Florida Housing Finance Corporation allowed my family to move out of the RV we’d been living in for almost a year, and move into our current home. Without Florida Housing, we would still be recovering from mass devastation.”

To celebrate Florida Housing’s forty years of impact, the agency will be hosting multiple development tours across the state to allow elected officials and media an inside look at affordable housing properties in various locations throughout Florida.

For more information on Florida Housing Finance Corporation, please visit www.floridahousing.org/40-years. 

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Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) was created by the state legislature in 1980 to assist in providing a range of affordable housing opportunities for qualifying Florida residents. As the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), Florida Housing administers state and federal resources to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options across the entirety of the state. The vision of Florida Housing is to be recognized as an outstanding provider of innovative, measurable, data-driven and fiscally sustainable solutions that respond to the affordable housing challenges in Florida. Through its work with developers, lenders, realtors, local governments and elected officials, Florida Housing continues in its mission to increase housing opportunities and ensure its programs are well matched to the needs of those it serves.