The Ultimate Guide to Florida Mortgage Relief Programs: Navigating Your Options After HAF

The stress of struggling with mortgage payments can be overwhelming. For homeowners in Florida, finding a clear path forward through financial hardship is a critical first step toward stability. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the mortgage relief programs and resources currently available. It offers a clear roadmap to help you navigate these challenges and preserve your homeownership.

Critical Update: The Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is Closed

It is essential for homeowners to know that the primary statewide relief program, the Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), is no longer accepting new applications. This federally funded program was created under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to address pandemic-related financial hardships.

Managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), now Florida Commerce, the HAF program offered up to $50,000 per household. This aid covered delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and utility bills. The program stopped accepting new applications on August 26, 2022, due to overwhelming demand that exceeded its $676.1 million allocation.

Checking an Existing HAF Application

If you submitted an application before the deadline, you can still check its status.

• Phone: Contact the HAF Customer Assistance Center at 833-987-8997.
• Email: Reach out to HomeownerAssistanceFund@DEO.MyFlorida.com.
• Online: Florida also launched a public dashboard to track HAF program progress and funds distributed.

The closure of this centralized program means homeowners must now explore a variety of other options. This guide will help you understand the fragmented landscape of mortgage relief that remains available.

Beyond HAF: A Roadmap to Available Mortgage Assistance in Florida

With the HAF program closed, the strategy for finding mortgage relief in Florida has shifted. Homeowners should now focus on local, federal, and direct-lender options.

The primary avenues for assistance now include:

1. Local Government Grants: County- and city-level programs, often funded through the state's State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), offer direct financial assistance.
2. Federal Refinancing Programs: Specialized refinancing options from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can lower monthly payments for eligible homeowners.
3. Direct Lender Negotiations: Forbearance and loan modification programs are available directly from mortgage servicers.
4. Professional Guidance: Free, expert advice is available from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counseling agencies.

Florida Mortgage Relief Options at a Glance

Local Government Assistance: The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program

With the statewide HAF program closed, the most important source of grant-based mortgage assistance is now at the local level through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program.

Understanding SHIP: Florida's Hyper-Local Relief Network

The SHIP program provides funds to all 67 counties and 55 eligible cities across the state. Administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, SHIP is an ongoing initiative established in 1992 to create and preserve affordable housing.

Local governments use these funds for a range of housing activities, including emergency repairs and mortgage assistance to prevent foreclosure. This makes local SHIP offices the most direct alternative to HAF for homeowners seeking grants. Funding is targeted toward very-low, low, and moderate-income families, with income caps varying by county.

How to Find and Apply for Your Local SHIP Program

Finding and applying for local assistance requires a direct approach:

1. Identify Your Local Office: Use the directory on the Florida Housing Finance Corporation website. Search for your city first; if it's not listed, search for your county to find the correct contact information.
2. Inquire About Available Funds: Contact the local office to ask about the current availability of funds for "mortgage assistance" or "foreclosure prevention."
3. Confirm Eligibility: If funds are available, ask about the specific eligibility requirements and the application process for your locality.

Examples of SHIP Programs in Major Counties

The implementation of SHIP varies widely. The following examples illustrate the types of programs that may be available, but homeowners must always contact their local office to confirm current status and details.

• Miami-Dade County: The Mortgage Relief Program (MRP) provides up to $3,500 for late mortgage payments, HOA fees, insurance, and utility bills for homeowners with an income up to 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
• Palm Beach County: This county has previously used federal funds to offer up to $10,000 for delinquent mortgage and HOA payments for households impacted by COVID-19 with incomes at or below 80% of AMI.
• St. Lucie County: The Homeowner Assistance Program has offered up to $6,000 for past-due mortgage, escrow, insurance, or HOA fees for residents with an income at or below 80% of AMI.
• Lake and Lee Counties: Lake County's SHIP program focuses on down payment assistance. Lee County offers a Financial Crisis Assistance program for past-due mortgage or utility bills resulting from a temporary loss of income.

Quick Reference Guide to Housing Assistance in Major Florida Counties

Federal Refinancing Options to Lower Your Monthly Payments

For homeowners with a steady income who are struggling with an unaffordable monthly payment, refinancing may be a solution. The federal government sponsors specific programs for homeowners who might not qualify for a traditional refinance. These programs are best for those who are current on their mortgage but are overburdened by a high interest rate or have little equity.

Fannie Mae RefiNow™

RefiNow™ is a refinance option for homeowners whose mortgage is owned by Fannie Mae. You can verify ownership using the official Fannie Mae Loan Lookup Tool.

Key Benefits

• Guaranteed Savings: The program requires the new loan to reduce your interest rate by at least 0.50% and lower your total monthly payment.
• Appraisal Assistance: A $500 credit is provided to you if a home appraisal is required.

Eligibility Requirements

• Income: Your household income must be at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
• Payment History: You must have no missed mortgage payments in the past six months and no more than one in the past 12 months.
• Loan-to-Value (LTV): Up to 97%.
• Debt-to-Income (DTI): Up to 65%.
• Credit Score: A minimum credit score of 620 is required.

To apply, you must work with a lender participating in the RefiNow™ program. A list of lenders is available on Fannie Mae's website.

Freddie Mac Refi Possible®

Refi Possible® is a parallel program for homeowners whose mortgage is owned by Freddie Mac. You can confirm ownership using the Freddie Mac Loan Look-Up Tool.

Key Benefits

• Guaranteed Savings: Also requires a minimum 0.50% interest rate reduction and a lower monthly payment.
• Appraisal Assistance: Also provides a $500 credit if an appraisal is needed.

Eligibility Requirements

• Income: Household income must be at or below 100% of AMI.
• Payment History: No 30-day late payments in the past six months and no more than one in the last 12 months.
• LTV: Up to 97%.
• DTI: Up to 65%.
• Credit Score: Lenders typically require a score of at least 620.

Fannie Mae RefiNow™ vs. Freddie Mac Refi Possible®

Streamline Refinance for FHA, VA, and USDA Loans

Homeowners with government-backed mortgages (FHA, VA, and USDA) have access to a simplified "Streamline Refinance" process. These programs are a fast and low-cost way to get a lower interest rate.  

Key features typically include:

• Reduced paperwork.
• No re-verification of income or employment.
• Often, no new home appraisal is needed.

This is a critical option for homeowners who do not have conventional loans and therefore do not qualify for RefiNow™ or Refi Possible®.

Essential Resources and Professional Guidance

Navigating mortgage hardship is complex, but you don't have to face it alone. Leveraging professional support is often the most important step a homeowner can take.

Your First Call: Negotiating with Your Mortgage Lender

Before seeking any external program, your first and most critical action is to contact your mortgage servicer. Lenders are generally motivated to find solutions to avoid foreclosure and often have internal programs available.

The two most common options are:

• Forbearance: A temporary agreement to pause or reduce payments for a specific period. This is for homeowners facing a short-term hardship. Missed payments must be repaid later.
• Loan Modification: A permanent change to your mortgage terms to make payments more affordable. This can involve extending the repayment period, reducing the interest rate, or deferring a portion of the principal.

Expert Help is Available: HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certifies non-profit agencies that provide free, expert, and unbiased advice to homeowners. Contacting a HUD-approved housing counseling agency should be one of the very first steps for any homeowner in distress.

A HUD-approved counselor can:

• Assess your financial situation and explain all available options.
• Help prepare the necessary documentation for applications.
• Negotiate with your mortgage lender on your behalf.
• Provide guidance on avoiding foreclosure and protecting your credit.
• Help you identify and avoid mortgage relief scams.

Directory of HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in Florida

You can find a local agency using the official HUD Housing Counseling Agency Lookup tool or by calling (800) 569-4287. Below are several key agencies operating in Florida:

• Statewide/National with Florida Presence:
• Green Path Financial Wellness: (866) 648-8118
• Money Management International, Inc.: (866) 232-9080
• South Florida:
• Consolidated Credit Solutions, Inc.: (954) 740-5520 (Plantation)
• Hispanic Unity of Florida: (954) 342-0415 (Hollywood)
• Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida: (305) 751-5511
• Central Florida:
• Catholic Charities of Central Florida: (407) 658-1818 (Orlando)
• Solita's House Inc.: (813) 425-4847 (Tampa)
• Housing and Education Alliance: (813) 932-4663 (Tampa)
• North Florida:
• City of Panama City Community Development: (850) 872-7231

Understanding Foreclosure Defense

If you have received a formal notice of foreclosure, you may need legal assistance. A foreclosure defense attorney can navigate the legal proceedings, verify the lender has followed all required procedures, and represent you in court or negotiations. This step is typically for those in an advanced stage of delinquency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Florida Mortgage Relief

What is the official website for Florida mortgage assistance?

There is no longer a single, official statewide website for mortgage assistance. The best starting point for information on state-level programs is the Florida Housing Finance Corporation website (floridahousing.org). For direct grant assistance, homeowners must contact their local county or city housing office.

How do I apply for mortgage relief in Florida?

The application process varies by program.

• For local grants (SHIP): Contact your county's housing office directly.
• For federal refinancing (RefiNow/Refi Possible): Apply with a participating mortgage lender.
• For forbearance or modification: Contact your mortgage servicer directly.

What documents are typically required for mortgage assistance applications?

Most programs ask for a standard set of documents, including a government-issued photo ID, proof of income, a signed hardship letter, and recent statements for your mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and utilities.

Will receiving mortgage assistance negatively affect my credit score?

The impact depends on the type of assistance.

• Grants: Receiving a grant should not negatively impact your credit score.
• Forbearance/Modification: These agreements may be noted on a credit report, which is less damaging than a missed payment or foreclosure.
• Refinancing: This involves a hard credit inquiry, but successfully refinancing can improve long-term credit health by preventing future missed payments.

Are there special mortgage programs for teachers or first responders in Florida?

Yes, the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers in over 50 eligible professions. The program offers up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $35,000) as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. Note that this is a home purchase program, not a foreclosure prevention program.

How can I identify and avoid mortgage relief scams?

• Upfront Fees: Legitimate organizations, especially HUD-approved counselors, provide services for free. Never pay a fee for a promise of assistance.
• Guarantees: No one can guarantee they will stop a foreclosure.
• Instructions to Stop Payments: Never stop making mortgage payments based on the advice of a third party. Always communicate directly with your mortgage servicer.

Frequently Asked Questions