Sarasota County offers up to $75,000 in gap financing for income-eligible buyers, layered on top of the statewide Florida programs.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator · Sourced from Sarasota County HERO and Florida Housing · Last updated: June 2026
Sarasota County buyers can combine a sizable county program with the statewide Florida Housing programs available in every county.
Sarasota County local assistance
Administered by the county’s Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO), the SHIP-funded program provides gap financing for income-eligible buyers of a primary residence.
| Assistance | Up to $75,000 in gap financing for down payment and closing costs |
| Structure | 0% interest, deferred-payment loan (second mortgage) |
| Eligibility | Very-low or low-income household buying a primary residence in Sarasota County (outside City of Sarasota limits) |
| Eligible homes | Single-family, townhome, or condo (manufactured homes excluded) |
| Administered by | Sarasota County HERO office |
Sarasota County is allocated new SHIP funds each state fiscal year; funds are limited, so confirm current availability before making an offer.
Statewide programs you can also use in Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota County and statewide programs you qualify for.
Sources: Sarasota County Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (herosrq.net) and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 2026. Local funding is limited and allocated each cycle; verify current terms with the administering office.