Home Repair & Independent Living Programs
2024 Update: Fully forgivable loan up to $75,000 now available.
To help locals stay in their homes and maintain their property, Pinellas County has revised its state-funded Home Repair Program by increasing financial help up to $75,000 for critical needs like roofs, windows and AC replacements.
This vital support now comes in the form of a fully forgivable loan. That means homeowners planning to sustain roots in Pinellas will not be required to pay back the loan nor make any monthly payments as long as the home is their primary residence.
The County offers two programs for homeowners who need major home repairs and/or improvements to make their home more accessible.
Home Repair Loan: Up to $75K for major home repairs
If you make $53,500* or less a year as an individual ($76,400 for a family of four), you may qualify for a loan up to $75,000 to make repairs like roofs, windows, exterior doors, HVAC, and housing code-related improvements.
(*Max household income is higher for homeowners residing in a Lealman Tax District per the Property Appraiser (LETF, LFPW). See details below.)
Independent Living Program: Up to $20K grant for accessibility improvements
Homeowners who need accessibility modifications can also qualify for an additional $20,000 grant in conjunction with the Home Repair Loan Program, including grab bars, walk-in showers, wheelchair ramps, and door widening. To be eligible for the grant, applicant must be able to demonstrate need, such as permanent physical impairment and/or the loss of one or more life functions requiring the use of prosthetic equipment, a walker, or a wheelchair.
How to Apply
To apply for both programs, register through our application portal, but FIRST make sure you meet all the following eligibility requirements and collect the required documents (see below):
- Applicant must occupy the home as their primary residence.
- Assessed Value for the home per the Property Appraiser cannot exceed $375,000.
- Program is only available in Pinellas County, excluding properties located within the city limits of: Belleair Shore, Clearwater, Largo and St. Petersburg (if you live in these cities, check their websites for alternative programs).
- You will not be eligible if your mortgage is currently past due or has been past due in the six months.
- Your household cannot earn more 80% of the Area Median Income, which is $53,500 for an individual. See max income limits below or view eligible annual income limits:
| Family Size | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons | 8 Persons |
| Maximum Annual Income | $53,500 | $61,150 | $68,800 | $76,400 | $82,550 | $88,650 | $94,750 | $100,850 |
Lealman residents with moderate income can qualify for a zero-interest amortized home repair loan
Homeowners who make up to $80,280 and live in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area can also qualify for an amortized home repair loan with zero interest. To verify if your property is located in the Lealman CRA, go to www.pcpao.gov and enter your property address. Properties with Tax Districts LETF and LFPW are eligible properties within the Lealman CRA.
Lealman CRA Income Limits (Applicants cannot earn more than 120% of the Area Median Income):
Family Size | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons | 8 Persons |
| Maximum Annual Income | $80,280 | $91,680 | $103,200 | $114,600 | $123,840 | $132,960 | $142,200 | $151,320 |
Eligible Improvements
Home Repair Loan Program
- Roof – including soffit/fascia
- Windows and exterior doors
- Air conditioning/heating
- Housing Code related electrical upgrades
- Full program and eligibility information is available in the Home Repair Program Information Statement.
Independent Living Program
- Wheelchair ramps
- Railing
- Bathroom grab bars
- Tub to shower conversions
- Walk-in or roll-in showers
- ADA-approved toilets
- Door widening
- Other improvements to promote barrier-free housing.
Required Documents
Applications are time sensitive: Applicants are encouraged to submit within 30 days for priority processing. It is strongly recommended you collect the following documents before you start your application:
- Income documents, such as paystubs, Social Security award letter, pension statement, etc.; tax statements are only permitted if the applicant is self-employed.
- Bank statements (2 months checking; 1 month savings), including all pages and all accounts.
- Homeowner’s Insurance Declaration Page (for Home Repair Loan only). If you do not have insurance, call Pinellas County Community Development before starting your application at (727) 464-8251.
Application details and timeline
To submit an application for the Home Repair Loan Program or the Independent Living Program, eligible homeowners must log into the application portal.
Review the Homeowner Guide for Housing Rehabilitation Applications for instructions on how to register an account and to submit an application.
Community Development staff will review applications on a first completed, first served basis. The average time from completed application submission to work starting is 90 days.
For more information or application help, call Pinellas County Community Development at (727) 464-8251 or submit our contact form.
Additional Resources
- Energy Star Program
- Foreclosure Prevention Information
- Know Your Options – Resource for housing education and information