Lealman Residential Improvement Grant Program
Get up to $15,000 in grants for facade and site improvements visible from the street. To qualify, properties must be in Lealman and property owners must have household income of less than 120% of Area Median Income (AMI) (up to $87,600 for an individual or $125,160 for a family of four). The maximum income levels are based on the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s SHIP Program, which is adjusted annually. Applicants may receive a matching grant (depending on their income) of up to $15,000 for eligible improvements. Read below for more details on program requirements, income guidelines and the application process.
Matching Grant Amount Based on AMI%
| % AMI | % Match from resident |
|---|---|
| Between 0% and 30% AMI | No match |
| Greater than 30% to 50% AMI | 5% match |
| Greater than 50% to 80% AMI | 25% match |
| Greater than 80% to 120% AMI | 50% match |
Lealman Residential Improvement Grant Program- Income Eligibility
| % of Annual Area Median Income (effective April 1, 2025) | 30% | 50% | 80% | 120% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person Household | $21,950 | $36,500 | $58,450 | $87,600 |
| 2 Person Household | $25,050 | $41,700 | $66,800 | $100,080 |
| 3 Person Household | $28,200 | $46,950 | $75,150 | $112,680 |
| 4 Person Household | $32,150 | $52,150 | $83,450 | $125,160 |
| 5 Person Household | $37,650 | $56,350 | $90,150 | $135,240 |
| 6 Person Household | $43,150 | $60,500 | $96,850 | $145,200 |
| 7 Person Household | $48,650 | $64,700 | $103,500 | $155,280 |
| 8 Person Household | $54,150 | $68,850 | $110,200 | $165,240 |
Residential Improvement Grant Program
Eligible Improvements
- Exterior painting of all exterior elevations on residence and detached secondary or accessory buildings, including pressure washing (to be paired with additional projects only).
- Repairing siding, masonry, or stucco. Repairing or replacing doors and windows on principal elevation(s)1 of residence.
- Install, replace, or repair window or door awnings and shutters (including hurricane shutters).
- Install, replace, or repair front porches and stoops.
- Construct or repair/replace accessibility ramps.
- *Driveway/sidewalk installation and repair (considered on a case-by-case basis depending on permitting requirements).
- Remedying exterior code enforcement violations.
- Fencing repair or replacement or removal of front yard chain link fences (front yard only; double frontage lots shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; new chain link fencing is ineligible).
- Landscaping (for areas visible from the street) (no sod allowed, must be Native or “Florida-Friendly” plants and pre-approved by Pinellas County; not to exceed 10% of grant award).
- Tree trimming or removal (requires county approval, and the county may require a licensed arborist to confirm tree removal is necessary).
Is my home eligible?
- Owner of the property
- Property located in Lealman CRA boundaries
- Structurally sound
- Meet Florida building codes and local housing codes
- Current on all property taxes
- No outstanding liens or Code Enforcement violations
- Property not in foreclosure
- Income eligibility: household income is 120% and below the area median income
- Properties are eligible for grant every three years
Application Process
- Submit application online
- Submit documents (photos, Driver License, property tax bill, income form/proof, others as requested)
- Staff will review within 3 business days
- Owner will have 30 days to submit any requested documentation
- Owner will have 60 calendar days to contact vendors and collect 2 bids from licensed contractors
- Staff will select contractor, owner will execute contract
- Notice to Proceed will be issued within 14 days of approval; contractor will sign within 14 days; contractor will begin work within 30 days of the date on the Notice to Proceed
- Contractor will have 120 calendar days to complete all work.
- Inspection and payment (requires board approval and for all necessary permits to be closed out)