Disaster relief resources and information
In the wake of the devastation the State of Florida has experienced due to recent natural disasters, Florida Housing Finance Corporation
(Florida Housing) is working with state and federal officials to provide information on disaster relief resources and information.
This webpage provides available resources to assist you or those you know with recovery efforts. Florida Housing will continue to
provide updates as more resources and information becomes available.
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane Michael Recovery Loan Program (Homeownership)
- The Hurricane Michael Recovery Loan Program provides low 30-year fixed interest rate first mortgages along with up to $15,000 in down payment assistance (DPA) and closing cost assistance for Program qualified homebuyers with incomes up to 140 percent AMI.
- The funding is targeted specifically for the following 11 Hurricane Michael impacted counties. They are: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington Counties.
- DPA loans will be at zero percent interest, non-amortizing (no monthly payments) and forgivable at 20 percent per year over five years.
- Any unforgiven principal balance of the DPA loan will be fully forgiven if an active duty serviceperson is officially reassigned and must sell the home.
- A total of up to $5 million in DPA will be available and may be used in conjunction with a variety of Florida Housing’s Homebuyer Loan Program first mortgage products, including Veterans Affairs (VA) loans.
- Those eligible do not have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for this program, though the home must be owner-occupied.
For more information and to see if you qualify, contact an approved Participating Lender. You can find a lender on our Homebuyer Loan Program Wizard on our Homebuyer Programs Wizard.
This Program is NOT available as "stand alone" DPA. It is only available when used in conjunction with one of Florida Housing’s Homebuyer Loan Programs First Mortgage products. You DO NOT have to be a first-time homebuyer to utilize these funds.
Hurricane Housing Recovery Program (Homeowners/Renters)
The Florida Legislature appropriated $65 million for the Hurricane Housing Recovery Program (HHRP) for the SHIP-eligible local governments affected by Hurricane Michael.
- The eligible local governments include: Bay County, City of Panama City, Jackson County, Gulf County, Calhoun County, Gadsden County, Washington County, Liberty County, Leon County, City of Tallahassee, Franklin County, Wakulla County and Holmes County.
- Click here for contact information of the local SHIP office on funding assistance for storm repairs to your home, rental assistance or temporary relocation.
- Final HHRP Allocation
Foreclosure Counseling Program (Homeowners)
- Florida homeowners impacted by Hurricane Michael in need of foreclosure prevention, click here for information on the Foreclosure Counseling Program.
Rental Recovery Loan Program (Developers)
The Florida Legislature appropriated $55 million for the Rental Recovery Loan Program (RRLP).
- The Request for Applications Process will fund developments located in Hurricane Michael impacted areas of the following: Bay and Jackson County (Tier 1), Calhoun, Gadsden and Gulf Counties (Tier 2) and Washington, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla and Holmes Counties (Tier 3).
- Click here for additional program information
HURRICANE IRMA
Community Block Grant Disaster Recovery
Florida Housing is partnering with the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) providing $140 million for the construction of new affordable workforce housing to help address housing shortages worsened by Hurricane Irma. Florida Housing will launch a competitive application cycle, allowing housing developers and public housing authorities with experience in the development and management of rental properties to apply for funding. Local governments may partner with these entities to apply for funds.
- Click here for additional information.
- The Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) website contains disaster relief information on the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Program. Click here for more information.
GENERAL INFORMATION
HOMEOWNERS/RENTERS
- FloridaHousingsearch.org is an affordable rental housing locator for the State of Florida. Affected families may search the locator for rental housing units that are available throughout the state. They may also contact the locator’s toll-free call center for assistance in conducting a search. The toll-free number is 1-877-428-8844.
- The Mortgage Bankers Association of Florida (MBA Florida) has information on available assistance for Florida homeowners affected by recent disasters. To visit their website, click here.
- Florida homeowner's who have a mortgage serviced by U.S. Bank and were impacted by Hurricane Michael can contact their special information line. The toll-free number is 1-888-287-7817.
- Click here for contact information of the local SHIP office on funding assistance for storm repairs to your home, rental assistance or temporary relocation.
FEDERAL
- For federal disaster relief option, please click here to visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) resource page. Other federal assistance information can be found on the following websites:
STATE
- The Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) website contains disaster relief information on the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Program.
- The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s (DEM) website contains disaster preparedness and recovery information for Florida citizens.
- Special Needs Registry website
- Information on other insurance assistance can be found on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s website.
- Information on employment opportunities from the National Dislocated Worker Grants can be found on the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) website
LOCAL
- Information on recovery and housing assistance may be available in your local county. You will need to directly contact your local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program office to see what is available to assist you.
- Contact information for local SHIP offices can be accessed here.