Homeowners facing hazards such as leaks, electrical problems, or mobility barriers may be able to receive financial help from a new county program in certain areas of Florida.
In Hillsborough County, the initiative is meant to help eligible residents pay for important repairs that keep their homes safe, accessible, and livable over time.
Here's what to know
People who live within Tampa city limits aren't eligible to apply since the city runs its own rehabilitation program. Outside Tampa, the county's Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program serves low, very low, and moderate-income homeowners in Plant City, Temple Terrace, and unincorporated Hillsborough County, according to the Tampa Free Press.
County officials said the money is intended for serious housing problems, not cosmetic work or general remodeling. Affordable Housing Services administers the program using funding from the State Housing Initiative Partnership, or SHIP.
Applicants must meet the program's income limits. They also need to own a single-family home that has been their homesteaded primary residence for at least two years.
More background
Eligible work includes roof repair or replacement, electrical and plumbing fixes, HVAC replacement, structural repairs to floors and load-bearing walls, foundation and porch work, and replacement of broken water heaters.
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The program also covers accessibility upgrades such as wheelchair ramps, widened door openings, and bathroom or kitchen modifications. In older homes, funding may also be used for lead-based paint removal and other environmental hazards.
Covered weatherization upgrades include efficient doors and windows, insulation, and appliances. Those improvements may also help cut energy waste and lower utility bills.
In more severe cases, the county may even approve demolishing and rebuilding a home when repairs would cost more than half of its appraised value.
What's being done?
Funding does not necessarily extend to projects that involve raising a home. In those cases, residents could instead be referred to the county's Rebuilding for Tomorrow program.
Applications are open online through Affordable Housing Services. Residents can also contact the agency directly with questions before applying by calling (813) 635-1610 or emailing AffordableHousingServices@HCFL.gov.
Where can I learn more?
These articles look at hidden plumbing hazards, storm damage disputes, and ways homeowners can make their properties more resilient.
• In Florida, hidden lead-contaminated pipes may trace back to negligent builders and developers.
• After hurricane flooding, one homeowner questioned an HOA's liability for retention pond damage.
• A coastal Florida homeowner showed how hurricane-proof design choices helped protect the house.
• Also in Florida, one family said the house held firm as Hurricane Helene destroyed others.
• At Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered town kept lights on through Hurricane Ian.
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