Home Repair Program Information Statement
The HOME REPAIR PROGRAM is made available through the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. The purpose of the program is to preserve existing affordable housing inventory and assist eligible homeowners to improve the physical condition of their homes by addressing hurricane mitigation and code related items. The program provides loans to eligible homeowners at 0% interest. The program helps with the home repair process including identifying needed repairs, developing scopes of work, helping owners review bid proposals, and ensuring the contracted work is completed before funds are released to contractors.
Loan applications are prioritized on a first qualified, first served basis.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must own the home, meet income guidelines, and occupy the home being rehabilitated. Currently, eligible household incomes must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The table below shows the Maximum Annual Household Income by Family Size for Program Eligibility (effective 4/1/24 ):
| Family Size | 1 person | 2 persons | 3 persons | 4 persons | 5 persons | 6 persons |
| Maximum Annual Income | $53,500 | $61,150 | $68,800 | $76,400 | $82,550 | $88,650 |
Household income is defined as all income sources for all adult household members 18 years and older; residing or intending to reside in household. Incomes are updated annually. Households cannot earn more than the amount identified in the table.
Eligible Properties
The property may be a single-family home, condominium, townhome, single unit PUD (Planned Unit Development), or manufactured home. Eligible manufactured housing is defined as those constructed after June 1994 and installed in accordance with the installation standards for mobile or manufactured homes contained in rules of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Properties may be located either within the unincorporated area of Pinellas County or within the municipal boundaries of one of the cooperating cities listed below. NOTE: The assessed value of the property cannot exceed $375,000, as listed by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office (www.pcpao.gov).
| Belleair | Belleair Bluffs | Belleair Beach | Dunedin |
| Gulfport | Indian Shores | Indian Rocks Beach | Kenneth City |
| Madeira Beach | North Redington Beach | Pinellas Park | Redington Beach |
| Redington Shores | Safety Harbor | Oldsmar | St. Pete Beach |
| Seminole | South Pasadena | Tarpon Springs | Treasure Island |
Eligible Repairs
Roof systems and soffit/fascia; air conditioning/heat systems; housing code related electrical upgrades; windows and exterior doors.
Following application approval, a licensed inspector will visit the property and provide a report to program staff detailing the required repairs. Program staff will prepare a scope of work and submit to pre-approved program general contractors for bidding.
No loan funds can be paid to the homeowner or anyone other than a licensed contractor for labor and materials used on the structure. Loans cannot be used to reimburse for repairs already completed or expenses incurred prior to loan closing.
Loan Amount and Terms
Loans are available at 0% interest with a maximum term not to exceed 20 years. The minimum loan amount is $10,000 and the maximum loan amount is up to$75,000, including closing costs.
Loans for low-income households (at or below 80% AMI) are permanently deferred. Permanently deferred loans are reduced annually by 5% of the original loan amount and may be forgiven in its entirety at the end of 20 years, provided the following conditions are met: title remains under the ownership of the borrowers signing the mortgage and note; property remains the borrowers principal residence; borrower maintains required hazard/flood insurance on the property; property taxes are current; and property meets minimum housing code.
Loans for moderate -income households in the Lealman district (81-120% AMI) are amortized over the 20-year affordability period. The maximum monthly payment for an amortizing portion of the loan will not exceed$312.50. The actual payment will be determined prior to loan closing and loan repayment begins 4 months after loan closing.
All loans are secured by a mortgage and promissory note recorded in the Official Records of Pinellas County.
The total cost of the project cannot exceed 50% of the property’s just value, as listed by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office.
Home Repair Loan Program Amortization Schedule:
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term |
| $10,000 ‐ $75,000.00 | 0% | Up to 240 months |
Loan Proceeds
Loan proceeds are dispersed as work is completed. No advance payments will be authorized. No application fees, processing fees, points, or origination fees are charged. There are no out-of-pocket expenses to the applicant. All closing costs are included in the loan. Closing costs associated with the loan usually include title insurance, documentary stamps, and recording fees. Program costs such as credit reports and inspections fees are provided as a grant. All costs are disclosed to the applicant prior to and at the time of loan closing. There is no prepayment penalty; borrowers may pay off any outstanding principal balance at any time.
Program Requirements
There are no debt-to-income ratio eligibility requirements; however, a credit report is required for all borrowers. Households may not receive assistance if there are existing mechanic and tax liens. A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy must be fully discharged for a minimum of two years. Homeowners must be current on their mortgage payments. Homeowners behind on their payments are not eligible, regardless of whether they are currently in foreclosure. Homeowners cannot have a reverse mortgage or balloon mortgage.
Loans are not assumable. Outstanding balances are due and payable if the borrower sells, rents, leases or otherwise vacates the residence.
Homeowners must have homeowners’ insurance on the property to be assisted and must maintain coverage throughout the term of the loan. Exceptions may be made in cases where insurance coverage is dependent upon completion of eligible repairs and the homeowner is able to demonstrate ability to purchase renewed coverage.
Evidence of flood insurance, which must be maintained through the term of the loan, will be required if the property is determined to be located in a FEMA-designated Floodplain.
Loan Administration
All loan payments are sent to Covey Financial, the servicing agent for Pinellas County loans. All loan payments are due on the first day of each month. There is a 5% late fee for any payment that is over 15 days late.
Pinellas County makes reasonable accommodations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If an applicant needs special accommodations such as home visits, large print documents, sign language interpreter, documents on audiotape, etc., please contact our office as indicated below.
Review criteria and processing guidelines are determined by Pinellas County. It is not practical to list all possible requirements and terms in this abbreviated format. Any applicant who has a complaint or inquiry regarding eligibility or any other determination made by Pinellas County personnel are entitled to have their complaint or inquiry reviewed. If any applicant has questions or needs more information about program requirements or processing or has not received an adequate response to their complaint or inquiry, please contact the Project Manager for the Home Repair Program at the following address and phone number:
Pinellas County Housing and Community Development Department
Community Development Division
440 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727-464-8210
Fax: 727-464-8254
Our goal is to offer the residents of Pinellas County the highest quality service possible. We are always interested in any comments about the quality of our services or suggestions for ways to improve them.