Lealman Residential Improvement Grant Program

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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 $96,360 for an individual or $137,640 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 May 2026) 30% 50% 80% 120%
1 Person Household $24,100 $40,150 $64,250 $96,360
2 Person Household $27,550 $45,850 $73,400 $110,040
3 Person Household $31,000 $51,600 $82,600 $123,840
4 Person Household $34,400 $57,350 $91,750 $137,640
5 Person Household $38,680 $61,950 $99,100 $148,680
6 Person Household $44,360 $66,550 $106,450 $159,720
7 Person Household $50,040 $71,150 $113,800 $170,760
8 Person Household $55,720 $75,500 $121,150 $181,680

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
  • Homeowner will have 30 days to submit any requested documentation
  • Homeowner will have 60 calendar days to contact contractors and collect 2 bids from licensed contractors (if a license is required for their trade). Bids must be comparable (same materials, scope, labor, etc.)
  • Staff will select contractor and draft a contract for the homeowner and contractor to sign. Please wait for final approval to begin any work or sign anything from the contractors.
  • Homeowner will pay percentage of project total, if applicable. Staff will send Notice to Proceed to contractor, 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 processing (requires board approval and for all necessary permits to be closed out): May take up to 30 days from date of invoice