Lee County (Fort Myers) offers income-tiered SHIP assistance up to $85,000, plus the statewide Florida programs.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator · Sourced from Lee County and Florida Housing · Last updated: June 2026
Lee County buyers can combine a generous income-tiered county SHIP program plus a Housing Finance Authority second mortgage with the statewide programs.
Lee County local assistance
| Program | Maximum assistance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lee County SHIP (income-tiered) | $85,000 very-low / $65,000 low / $25,000 moderate | Up to 120% AMI; 15-year deferred, forgivable if you stay the full term |
| Lee County HFA FirstPlus | Up to $10,000 | 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage |
Both require first-time buyer status, homebuyer education, and a primary residence in Lee County. Funds are limited each cycle.
Statewide programs you can also use in Lee County
- Hometown Heroes: up to $35,000 for full-time workers in 50+ eligible occupations
- Florida Assist: up to $10,000, 0% deferred second mortgage
- HFA Preferred: conventional loan with reduced mortgage insurance plus assistance
- Mortgage Credit Certificate: up to $2,000/year federal tax credit
See the full breakdown on our Florida down payment assistance guide and the 2026 Lee County loan limits.
How to get started
Start with a HUD-approved homebuyer education course and get pre-qualified with a participating lender. Request a free eligibility check and we’ll map the Lee County and statewide programs you qualify for.
Sources: Lee County Department of Human and Veteran Services, the Housing Finance Authority of Lee County, and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 2026. Local funding is limited and allocated each cycle; verify current terms with the administering office.