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

“Florida Housing is grateful to the Governor’s continued commitment and support of affordable housing programs.  2021 continued to challenge many Florida families and Governor DeSantis, remains dedicated to helping Floridians with homeownership and rental assistance using the financial resources entrusted to us,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. 

Notable 2021 accomplishments: 

Legislative Funding 

For the third year in a row, Governor Ron DeSantis recommended full funding for the affordable housing trust funds. Florida Housing received $209.2 million, and Florida Housing applauds his efforts.  

Florida Housing’s appropriation goes towards the following: 

• State Housing Trust Fund 

• $ 62.5 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. 

Homeownership  

• Assisted 4,155 Florida homebuyers purchased their first home; 
• Provided more than $816 million in first mortgage loans; 
• Provided more than $37.7 million in down payment assistance (DPA); 
• Salute Our Soldiers, an active military and veteran loan program announced in early 2020, has provided 895 loans, $224.5 million in first mortgage loans and $6.76 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 48 builders participating in the program. 103 borrowers have participated to date with $2,572,510 in DPA provided.  

Rental Housing 

• Awarded 105 developments with funding to build rental housing across the state; 
• A total of 12,838 units in developments awarded funding; and  
• Funding for these developments totaled $490,568,531 in loans/grants and $158,883,001 in annual housing credit allocations. 

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program 

• For the 2021 closeout report on funding appropriated in fiscal year 2018/2019, more than $43.5 million was disbursed by Florida Housing to local governments statewide. It was used to assist close to 3,000 households with rehabilitation, emergency repairs, down payment assistance, homeownership counseling, new construction, down payment and closing cost assistance, impact fees and mortgage buy-downs. 

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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Program offered exclusively to veterans and active-duty military members

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled his Freedom First Budget proposal providing $355.5 million for affordable housing programs from the State and Local Government Housing Trust Funds. Funding at the full level continues to show the Governor’s leadership and commitment to safely housing our citizens, a must have for Florida’s essential workforce.

Florida Housing Board Chairman Ron Lieberman said, “Providing sustainable, affordable housing for families, especially home ownership, in Florida continues to be the mission of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. The value of home ownership can never be understated, as it is a gateway to freedom for many families and our continued commitment to this goal will be our driving motivation to put these funds to the best use and elevate Florida’s families.”

Florida Housing Executive Director Trey Price said, “Since taking office, Governor Ron DeSantis has been a strong advocate for funding Florida’s affordable housing programs, because affordable housing is a lynchpin for Florida’s workforce. For the fourth year in a row, Governor DeSantis has recommended full funding in his budget; which totals over $1.5 billion dollars. Collectively, it represents the largest request of any Governor since the early 2000’s.  Governor DeSantis understands these funds meet critical housing needs and provides a significant economic impact in our communities statewide.

As the state’s housing finance agency, Florida Housing successfully implements both state and federal affordable housing programs. State funding for programs such as the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program leverages millions of dollars in federal resources for developers to build even more affordable rental developments throughout the state. Additionally, homeownership funding for our veterans and down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers that helps families achieve the American Dream will also continue.

The Freedom First Budget includes funding for Florida Housing’s largest affordable housing programs:

• $95 million for the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program, which provides gap loan financing to developers to leverage funding available under both the Multifamily Mortgage Revenue Bond and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs, resulting in the full financing needed to construct affordable rental units for families and elders. These are low-interest loans awarded on a competitive basis to developers of affordable rental housing.


• $220.5 million for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily rental housing. The program is designed to serve very low, low and moderate income families. The minimum allocation per county is $350,000 and may be used for a variety of strategies such as home rehabilitation and emergency repairs, down payment and closing costs assistance, homeownership counseling, new construction and homelessness prevention. 

The Freedom First Budget also includes $40 million to establish a revolving loan program to support workforce homeownership, including down payment assistance and closing cost assistance. 

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 www.floridahousing.org.

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ORLANDO -  The Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board Meeting scheduled for Friday, December 10 in Orlando, will be held as follows:

Event Details:
Who: Florida Housing's Board of Directors
What: Board Meeting
When: Friday, December 10, 2021, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Orlando Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport
             9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd
             Orlando, FL 32827

To listen to the meeting, please use the phone number found below. Please note that callers will only be able to listen to the meeting and not participate or make comments.
Call in number:  888-585-9008
Conference ID:  357-546-738

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2021 Board Packages.

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

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 in 2020 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 active military and veteran-focused initiative in March 2020 with $8 million available in down payment and closing cost assistance 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 800 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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Panama City - The Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board Meeting scheduled for Friday, October 22, 2021, will be held as follows:

Event Details:
Who: Florida Housing's Board of Directors
What: Board Meeting
When: Friday, October 22, 2021, 9:30 a.m. (Central Time)
Where: Sheraton Panama City Beach 
             4114 Jan Cooley Dr.
             Panama City Beach, FL 32408

To listen to the meeting, please use the phone number found below. Please note that callers will only be able to listen to the meeting and not participate or make comments.
Call in number:  888-585-9008
Conference ID:  357-546-738

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2021 Board Packages.

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

St. Petersburg - The Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board Meeting scheduled for Friday, September 10, 2021, will be held as follows:

Event Details:
Who: Florida Housing's Board of Directors
What: Board Meeting
When: Friday, September 10, 2021, 9:30 a.m. EDT 
Where: Hyatt Place Downtown St. Petersburg 
             25 2nd St N,
             St. Petersburg, FL 33701

To listen to the meeting, please use the phone number found below. Please note that callers will only be able to listen to the meeting and not participate or make comments.
Call in number:  888-585-9008
Conference ID:  357-546-738

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2021 Board Packages.

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

Orlando - The Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board Retreat is scheduled for Thursday, July 29, 2021, will be held as follows:

Event Details:
What: Board Retreat
When: Thursday, July 29, 2021, 10:00 a.m. EDT 
Where: Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport 
             9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd
             Orlando, FL 323827

Mask wearing is required in the meeting.

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2021 Board Packages.

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

Orlando - The Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board Meeting scheduled for Friday, July 30, 2021, will be held as follows:

Event Details:
Who: Florida Housing's Board of Directors
What: Board Meeting
When: Friday, July 30, 2021, 9:30 a.m. EDT 
Where: Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport 
             9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd
             Orlando, FL 323827

Mask wearing is required in the meeting.

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2021 Board Packages.

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

Tallahassee City Hall will be social distancing audience chairs in the Commission Chambers and mask wearing is optional.  There will be no call-in option.

The meeting materials will be posted to the Florida Housing website here - 2021 Board Packages - on June 11, 2021.

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

Programs and services available for Floridians looking to purchase their first home

Tallahassee, Fla. - In honor of National Homeownership Month in June, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is highlighting the importance of quality, affordable housing for all. Florida Housing understands that homeownership can significantly impact the lives of families, communities, and the local economy now more than ever. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 50% of all Floridians lived just one paycheck away from homelessness. As unemployment skyrocketed in 2020 and families experienced unprecedented financial strain, more than 57,300 evictions and 7,400 foreclosure suits were filed between March and December, even with the emergency moratoriums in place. 

As the country slowly begins to recover from this pandemic, Florida Housing continues our efforts in providing Floridians with the necessary assistance when they’re ready to take the next step in securing a home. In the past year, more than 4,000 households have utilized Florida Housing’s homeownership programs and services to purchase their first home, totaling more than $799 million in first mortgage loans and more than $38 million in down payment assistance.   

“Over the last year, we have all been reminded of the significance of having a safe, stable and affordable place to call home,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “Throughout the month of June, our team will continue to highlight the value of homeownership while also emphasizing the critical need for quality, affordable housing throughout the state of Florida. Purchasing a home is a huge milestone in life, and when you’re ready, we are here to help make your dream a reality.”   

“As a builder of residential affordable housing for more than 30 years, I have witnessed firsthand what having a place to call home does for a family,” said Ron Lieberman, Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board-Chair. “When people have a place to call home it facilitates a healthy family environment, leading to stronger communities and an overall increase in local economic impact. I’m proud to work with Florida Housing to provide hardworking individuals throughout the state of Florida with that welcome home moment.” 

“There is a reason we call it the DREAM of Homeownership, because for far too many hard-working Floridians it is just a dream,” said Florida REALTORS^® President Cheryl Lambert. “Fortunately, Florida has fantastic housing programs in place to make the dream a reality for so many, and throughout the month of June and beyond, we look forward to celebrating these programs and the countless Floridians they support.” 

To emphasize the importance of homeownership, particularly for families with school-aged children, Florida Housing launched a statewide art contest in May asking kids and teens to submit their original artwork answering the question: What does home mean to you? The winning artwork showcased a variety of heartwarming scenes: children spending quality time with their family, engaging in fun activities, or simply a picture of what their actual home looks like. Out of more than 200 submissions received, the top 40 winning designs will be hung throughout Florida Housing’s building in Tallahassee in honor of National Homeownership Month. To view the winners of this art contest, please visit www.floridahousing.org/artcontest. 

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Florida Housing was created by the Legislature more than 40 years ago as 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.  

Forty kids throughout Florida recognized for their thoughtful artwork emphasizing family and home

Tallahassee, Fla. - Today, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) announced the winners of their statewide art contest, inviting kids and teens age 5-18 to submit their visions on the theme: What does home mean to you? The contest aimed to increase awareness on the importance of having a safe and affordable place to call home, particularly leading up to National Homeownership Month in June. Florida Housing received more than 200 submissions from kids across the state who used their imaginations to illustrate beautiful designs showcasing what they notice most about their home life. An internal review committee has now selected the top 40 to be printed and prominently displayed in the Florida Housing Finance Corporation building in Tallahassee. 

“As the state’s housing finance agency, we recognize the significance of having a place to call home and our goal has always been to provide every Floridian with that opportunity,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “We hope this fun initiative emphasizes the continued need for quality, affordable housing in Florida and the significant role that this can play in a child’s life. On behalf of our entire team at Florida Housing, I want to thank all of the kids who participated in this contest for helping us share that important message.”   

The winning artwork showcased a variety of heartwarming scenes: children spending quality time with their family, engaging in fun activities, or simply a picture of what their actual home looks like. A full slideshow featuring all of the winners has been published on Florida Housing’s website. Each design will also be hung throughout the Florida Housing Finance Corporation building in honor of National Homeownership Month in June.   

For more information about Florida Housing and to view the winners of this statewide art contest, please visit www.floridahousing.org/artcontest. 

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Florida Housing was created by the Legislature more than 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 www.floridahousing.org.  

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 - 2021 Board Packages - on April 23, 2021.

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

Kids 5-18 invited to design a piece of artwork leading up to National Homeownership Month in June

Tallahassee, Fla. - Today, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) announced the launch of a statewide art contest, inviting kids and teens to submit their visions on the theme: What does home mean to you? The contest aims to increase awareness on the importance of having a home by encouraging kids across the state to use their imaginations to illustrate the meaning of what their home truly means. A Florida Housing committee will review all designs and select the top 40 to be prominently displayed in the Florida Housing Finance Corporation building in Tallahassee in honor of National Homeownership Month in June. The deadline to submit artwork is May 3. 

“We are excited to kick off this statewide art contest at a time when having a place to call home is more important now than ever before,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “Leading up to National Homeownership Month, Florida Housing wanted to bring back this fun initiative to engage with kids, while also increasing awareness of the need and significance of quality, affordable housing for all Floridians.”   

Kids and teens between the ages of 5-18 are invited to visit Florida Housing’s website and upload an image of their artwork or print out the online form and mail it directly to Florida Housing’s main office at: Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Attn: External Affairs Department, 227 N Bronough St # 5000, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Florida Housing’s evaluation committee will select the top 40 winners in late May. The winning artworks will be announced on Florida Housing’s webpage and social media and displayed in the in the Florida Housing Finance Corporation building throughout the month of June.   

For more information about Florida Housing and the statewide art contest: “What does home mean to you?” please visit www.floridahousing.org/artcontest. 

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 www.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 - 2021 Board Packages - on March 5, 2021.

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

Tallahassee, Fla. - The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is conducting a state-level assessment to identify permanent rental and supportive housing needs of special needs and homeless individuals and families. Additionally, this study will include the financial modeling required to fully address the rental housing stock needs of each sub-population being assessed.  It will focus on the affordable rental housing needs of persons with disabling conditions, including persons with physical impairments, mental illness or developmental disabilities; survivors of domestic violence; youth aging out of foster care; as well as homeless individuals and families. Permanent supportive housing is affordable rental housing that is linked with community-based healthcare and supportive services to assist persons with special needs to have greater housing stability, self-sufficiency and a better quality of life. 

Florida Housing has established a state-level advisory committee to assist staff and the research partners at the Corporation for Supportive Housing to fully develop the household characteristics and housing needs to be assessed, as well as the research approach and methodology.   

“Florida Housing’s goal is that the findings and conclusions from this research will provide policymakers more refined, data-driven information to help make decisions that address the housing needs of some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation.   

The advisory committee is comprised of members representing state government, academia, state-level housing, homelessness and special needs councils and coalitions, advocacy organizations, as well as providers of housing and services for the study populations.  These members bring vested interests and relevant expertise to the research project.   

Florida Housing is pleased that Florida Representative Michael Gottlieb has agreed to serve on the advisory committee. Representative Gottlieb champions supportive housing for persons with disabilities that is fully integrated in the community. The needs assessment will be conducted throughout this year and is expected to be completed in December 2021.   

“I am truly pleased to be working with Florida Housing Finance Corporation as we work towards finding affordable, supportive housing for those who need it most - our most vulnerable population of those with special needs. This research will benefit the efforts toward the best long-term housing solutions with wrap-around services and it is a privilege to be included in this endeavor”, State Representative Michael Gottlieb said when asked about his participation.

This research will not only focus on the need for affordable rental housing that will help the targeted individuals and families obtain housing stability, but also the need for permanent supportive housing for some of the individuals and families.   

Florida Housing has contracted with the Corporation for Supportive Housing to help staff conduct the needs assessment.  The Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national non-profit that partners with governments and organizations across the country through research and evaluation of data-driven models and programs aimed at providing the housing and services for special needs and homeless individuals and families.   

For more information, visit Florida Housing’s website at www.floridahousing.org. 

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.  

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Tallahassee, Fla. –Today, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled his 2021-22 budget proposal providing $423.3 million for affordable housing programs from the State and Local Government Housing Trust Funds.  Funding at this level, especially during a pandemic, shows the Governor’s persistent leadership and commitment to safely housing our citizens.

Florida Housing Board Chairman Ron Lieberman said, “Providing sustainable, affordable housing for families in Florida continues to be the mission of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Our continued commitment and this funding will go a long way in assisting households that are most in need, especially as we recover from this pandemic.”

Florida Housing Executive Director Trey Price said, “Since taking office, Governor Ron DeSantis has been a strong advocate for housing. Together, the Governor and the Legislature appropriated more than $550 million for fiscal year 2020-21 in housing, disaster relief and pandemic funding, while aiding tens of thousands to find safe, stable, affordable housing.  This money also provided significant economic impact in communities throughout our state.”  

As the state’s housing finance agency, Florida Housing oversees a number of programs and policies that were a success in 2020 that we plan to carry forward into 2021. Rental housing funding for programs such as the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program leverages millions of dollars in federal resources for developers to build even more affordable rental developments throughout the state. Additionally, homeownership funding for our veterans, and down payment assistance and closing costs for first-time homebuyers that helps families achieve the American Dream, will also continue. 

Florida Housing’s largest affordable housing programs funded with state dollars are: 

The State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program provides gap loan financing to developers to leverage funding available under both the Multifamily Mortgage Revenue Bond and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs, resulting in the full financing needed to construct affordable rental units for families and elders. These are low-interest loans awarded on a competitive basis to developers of affordable rental housing.  

The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily rental housing. The program is designed to serve very low, low and moderate income families. The minimum allocation per county is $350,000 and may be used for a variety of strategies such as home rehabilitation and emergency repairs, down payment and closing costs assistance, homeownership counseling, new construction and homelessness prevention. 

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 www.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 - 2021 Board Packages - on January 15, 2021.

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