Lealman Residential Improvement Grant Program

Thank you for your interest in our Lealman CRA Residential Improvement Grant program. We have recently received a large volume of applications  and must pause accepting new applications. Please check back in a couple of months to see if we have been able to reopen the application portal

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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)