Housing Programs

If you need immediate assistance regarding housing, please call 211 to speak with a highly trained resource specialist. Calls to 211 Helpline are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staff will listen to each individual's situation to provide information on available social services, community services and resources that include food assistance, medical clinics, foreclosure prevention, parenting information on developmental concerns (Help Me Grow) & special needs, senior services that include free "Sunshine" daily calls, services for teens and more.

Applicants must be first-time home buyers and mortgage-ready. Eligible applicants must currently live and/or work in the City of Port St. Lucie. All completed applications will be randomized and given a number. Then, the applications will be processed, based on that number.

To learn more about the program and begin preparing to apply, please visit the CLT of PBCTC website.

• Read specific program criteria

Below is a list of documents and information to have on hand to complete the homeownership application:

• Most recent bank statement for all accounts of all adults in household
• Most recent pay stub‐for annual income for all adults in household
• If self‐employed, Schedule C from most recent tax return or Profit and Loss
• Names and date of birth for all persons that will be living in the home, including children and non‐buying adults such as an elderly parent
• Proof of any other income such as pension, SSI, SSID, child support, etc.
• List of debts with creditor, balance owed, and monthly payment, i.e., each credit card, car note, student loan, personal loan

How to apply online

To apply online, visit the CLT of PBCTC website. The information on the website will assist you in determining if you qualify.

How to apply in person

If you have issues accessing the online application and need to make an appointment or speak with someone to arrange assistance with applying in person or over the phone, call Alex Tasca in the Neighborhood Services Department at (772) 579-3927.

On June 5, 2024, the City hosted two public information sessions at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at City Hall and online via Zoom to provide detailed information to interested applicants. It is highly recommended that applicants read all the information about the program on the CLT's website and watch the recording of the information session to be completely informed about the program.

Watch the information session

General program information can be found at 24 CFR Part 5, such as income and other eligibility issues. Program specific information can be found at 24 CFR Part 982, that speak to Housing Quality Standards and rent reasonableness. The HOME TBRA regulations can be found at 24 CFR, Part 92. These regulations are intended to assist the applicant in providing a responsive application for consideration. The program can also be a stand-alone deposit assistance program, providing security and utility deposits to eligible relocating families.

*The City reserves the right to publish updates and adjust the program, in line with Federal and State regulations.

The Committee will consist of nine members subject to the Sunshine Law's provisions and serve voluntarily. Qualified candidates must reside within the City of Port St. Lucie. The Committee is held annually and must consist of one local, elected official and representatives from at least 6 of the following categories.

Eight individual member seats are available for residents actively engaged in one or more of the areas listed below:

1. A citizen who is actively engaged in the residential home-building industry in connection with affordable housing.
2. A citizen who is actively engaged in the banking or mortgage industry in connection with affordable housing.
3. A citizen who is a representative of those areas of labor actively engaged in home building in connection with affordable housing.
4. A citizen who is actively engaged as an advocate for low-income persons in connection with affordable housing.
5. A citizen who is actively engaged as a for-profit provider of affordable housing.
6. A citizen who is actively engaged as a not-for-profit provider of affordable housing.
7. A citizen who is actively engaged as a real estate professional in connection with affordable housing.
8. A citizen who actively serves on the local planning agency pursuant to section 163.3174, Florida Statutes, notwithstanding any City ordinance or resolution to the contrary. Only one citizen who actively serves on the local planning agency may serve on the affordable housing advisory committee.
9. A citizen who resides within the jurisdiction of the local governing body making the appointments.
10. A citizen who represents the employers within the jurisdiction.
11. A citizen who represents essential services personnel, as defined in the local housing assistance plan.

• 2021 AHAC Report(PDF, 1MB) (approved by Council on Nov. 8, 2021)
• 2022 AHAC Report(PDF, 1MB) (approved by Council on Nov. 28, 2022)
• 2023 AHAC Report(PDF, 1MB)

All meeting agendas and minutes are available at psl.legistar.com.

The Live Local Act requires the City to publish an inventory list of city owned real property which may be appropriate for affordable housing development by Oct. 1, 2023.

The City of Port St. Lucie has identified city owned parcels of land which may be appropriate for affordable housing development as part of it's regular AHAC activities via the Neighborhood Services Department and has documented said parcels of land in an inventory list referenced as Exhibit “A” of Resolution 23-R106(PDF, 153KB) that was adopted by City Council on Sept. 25, 2023.

Learn more about the Live Local Act from the Florida Governor's Office and Florida Housing Coalition.

#1. How do I qualify for Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program assistance?

• Households must meet income limit guidelines
• Mortgage and Property Taxes must be current
• Property must be:
  • located in Port St. Lucie city limits (see #2)
  • the primary residence of the homeowner/applicant for 1 year or more (see #10)
  • assessed at $560,154 or less

#2. What are the income limits?

Households must be classified under S.H.I.P. guidelines to be eligible for the program. Income includes gross wages, income from assets, retirement, social security, disability, unemployment and any other resources or benefits received by household members age 18 and older. Household income must not exceed the current income limits (adjusted for family size) are as follows:

2024 Income Limits by family size:

#3. Is there a limit on cash I may have saved?

Cash available should not exceed $15,000. Extenuating circumstances may be considered.

#4. How much assistance is available?

1. Comprehensive Repair Rehabilitation program is $50,000.
2. Limited Repair Rehabilitation program is $15,000.
3. Accessibility/Retrofit (Special Needs) program is $15,000.
4. Disaster Recovery program is $25,000.
5. Water or Sewer Connection program is $7,600 (Grant)
6. Water/Sewer Assessment program is $5,000 (Grant)

#5. Do I pay back the money I receive?

Assistance is in the form of a deferred payment loan (DPL). You will sign a note and mortgage for the maximum amount of assistance available. When all repairs are completed, you will sign a corrective note for the actual amount of program funding utilized. The mortgage will be recorded as a lien against your property until the note is satisfied. There is no interest and no payments are made unless there is a default, or the home is sold.

1. The DPL for Comprehensive Repair/Rehabilitation Program will be forgiven at the rate of 1/15 of the amount of assistance each year until the entire amount of the loan is forgiven in its entirety after 15 years.
2. The DPL for Limited Repair/Rehabilitation, Accessibility/Retrofit and Disaster Recovery Programs will be forgiven at the rate of 20% of the amount of assistance each year until the entire amount of the loan is forgiven in its entirety after 5 years.

#6. Can I repair/rehab my manufactured home?

Manufactured homes do not qualify for assistance under this program.

#7. What types of home repair/rehab and/or special needs items will qualify?

The program provides funds to assist in eliminating housing related code violations, and correcting safety and sanitary issues. We may also provide wind mitigation improvements, such as hurricane shutters, or accessibility/retrofit items to assist disabled household members with increased access and/or use of their homes. These modifications include either structural adaptations or addition of apparatus that is permanently affixed to the housing unit.

Pools and/or hot tubs are not eligible for repair. A home inspection is performed, and the inspector and housing coordinator will provide you with a list of approved repairs.

Illegal structures and non-permitted repairs/remodeling, such as converted garages, non-permitted electrical repairs, etc. will need to be removed, returned to the original use, or brought up to code if the work is eligible and there is sufficient funding; otherwise the matter will be referred to the building department for appropriate action.

#8. Are there funds available for water/sewer assessment and/or water/sewer hookup assistance?

Households may qualify for payment of the remaining balance of the water/sewer assessment fee and water/sewer hookup fee, funds for this activity are limited. Please call 772-344-4084 for more information on funding availability.

#9. Does Neighborhood Services hire the contractors?

You select your own licensed contractors. You must obtain three (3) bids for each job. Bids must be based on standard builder-grade replacements/improvements. For jobs of $2,500 or more we will schedule a pre-construction conference with you, the contractor(s), and a representative from our inspection service. You will review and sign a written agreement with the contractor(s), indicating the general requirements for any work funded under the Program.

#10. Do I need to have good credit to get assistance?

Applicants do not need to have good credit to apply. However, if your home is in foreclosure, if a bankruptcy action affecting the home has been filed, if you are behind on your home loan payment or property taxes, or if it appears you cannot sustain your housing payment, or pay impending taxes or homeowner’s insurance, the funding may be delayed until the payments are brought current or sustainability has been established.

#11. How do I apply for assistance?

Neighborhood Services establishes a list for clients who need assistance when funding is available. For information on funding availability, please call 772-871-5284, check the Housing Programs page at www.cityofpsl.com/housing, or send an email to nsd@cityofpsl.com. Clients on the repair/rehab waiting list will be chosen on a first come, first served basis unless selection by income is required to maintain compliance with State guidelines. Special Needs applicants may also receive priority in order to maintain required set-asides for funding.

#12. When will I know if I have been selected?

We are required to send verifications to confirm all sources of income and assets. This process usually takes a few weeks. If you are qualified, your file will be chosen on a “first-come, first-ready” basis. You will receive a letter letting you know whether you have been selected and the status of your application.

#13. Will I be allowed to refinance if I receive housing assistance?

In order for you to receive assistance, we place a mortgage against your property and must approve of any refinancing that you may be considering. The City’s current policy allows for refinancing (subordination of our mortgage), if the household will benefit with an interest rate and/or housing payment reduction sufficient to offset the costs of refinancing. You may not receive any funds (cash out) in the transaction, but the City may approve of funds paid directly to a contractor for home improvements. In general, the City will require that its original mortgage position be maintained, and that tax and insurance payments be escrowed. This policy is subject to change at any time.

#14. Can I apply for assistance more than once?

Households may not qualify for additional funding under the same strategy even if the original loan has been satisfied.

The City provides applicants with a list of contractors who have worked or would like to provide repair/rehabilitation services under this program. Homeowners can select their own licensed and registered general, residential, or building contractors to complete the repair/rehabilitation work. All contractors are subject to approval. 

If you are a contractor and are interested in working with the program, call the Neighborhood Services Department at 772-344-4084.

Press Releases

• City awarded $1.8 Million Grant for Home Repair/Rehabilitation Program (9/12/24)

History

The City closed the last Homeowner Repair & Rehabilitation Assistance Program "Pre-application List" on September 7, 2020, due to funding availability for the following programs:

• Comprehensive Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation
• Limited Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation
• Accessibility/Retrofit (Special Needs)
• Water/Sewer Connection
• Water/Sewer Assessment Payment

However, SHIP funding was approved in the State of Florida's budget for FY 21/22 and FY 22/23 funding years. The City is set to receive $2,054,125 during this fiscal year FY 22/23. Per the rules and regulations of the program, the City advertised and announced by press release when the Repair and Rehabilitation pre-application list was re-opened on October 3, 2022.

You must meet eligibility criteria to qualify for the program. Eligibility is based on Section 3201 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Pub. L. No. 117-2:

1. One or more individuals within the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or a reduction in income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during or due, directly, or indirectly, to the coronavirus pandemic.
2. One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability.
3. The household is a low-income family (as defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437 a(b)).
   1. Priority will be given to households that are very low-income.

Federal Area Median Income (AMI) Limits: St. Lucie County 2024

*if your gross total household income (before taxes), is more than the amount listed, under 80% AMI, for your household size, please do not apply, as you will not qualify for the program.