Polk County (Lakeland area) offers income-tiered SHIP assistance, plus the statewide Florida programs.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator · Sourced from Polk County and Florida Housing · Last updated: June 2026
Polk County buyers can combine an income-tiered county SHIP program with the statewide Florida Housing programs.
Polk County local assistance
| Income level | Maximum SHIP assistance |
|---|---|
| Very-low income (at or below 50% AMI) | Up to $30,000 |
| Low income (at or below 80% AMI) | Up to $20,000 |
| Moderate income (at or below 120% AMI) | Up to $15,000 |
Assistance is a deferred second mortgage. Note: the county program covers Polk County but generally excludes homes inside Lakeland and Winter Haven city limits (those cities run their own programs). Current-cycle funds can be exhausted; new SHIP funding opens July 1, 2026. Contact Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development at (863) 534-5240.
Statewide programs you can also use in Polk 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 Polk 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 Polk County and statewide programs you qualify for.
Sources: Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 2026. Local funding is limited and allocated each cycle; verify current terms with the administering office.