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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.
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:
Florida Mortgage Relief Options at a Glance
| Relief Option | Type of Aid | Best For Homeowners Who… | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local SHIP Grants | Grant for past-due payments (mortgage, taxes, HOA fees) | Are behind on payments due to a temporary hardship and meet income limits. | Must meet local income and hardship criteria; funds are limited. |
| Federal Refinancing | New loan with a lower interest rate and monthly payment. | Have a steady income but are struggling with a high interest rate or unaffordable payment. | Must have a federally-backed loan (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) and meet payment history criteria. |
| Lender Forbearance | Temporary pause or reduction of mortgage payments. | Are facing a short-term, temporary income loss (e.g., job loss, medical emergency). | Must document a valid hardship directly with their mortgage servicer. |
| Lender Modification | Permanent change to loan terms (e.g., lower interest rate, extended term). | Are facing a long-term reduction in income but can still afford a modified payment. | Must demonstrate a permanent or long-term financial hardship to their lender. |
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:
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.
Quick Reference Guide to Housing Assistance in Major Florida Counties
| County | Local Program/Office Name | Contact Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Community Action and Human Services Dept. | 305-438-4161 |
| Broward | Housing and Community Development Division | 954-357-4900 |
| Palm Beach | Dept. of Housing and Economic Development | 561-233-3606 |
| Hillsborough | Housing and Community Development | 863-402-6648 (Highlands County listed, check for Hillsborough specific) |
| Orange | Housing and Community Development Division | 407-836-5150 |
| Duval | Jacksonville Housing Commission | 904-588-0172 |
| Pinellas | Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County | (Contact via website) |
| Lee | Lee County Human & Veteran Services | (Apply Online) |
| Lake | Housing and Community Services Department | 352-742-6530 |
| Manatee | Housing and Community Development | 941-749-3029 |
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
Eligibility Requirements
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
Eligibility Requirements
Fannie Mae RefiNow™ vs. Freddie Mac Refi Possible®
| Feature | Fannie Mae RefiNow™ | Freddie Mac Refi Possible® |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Ownership | Fannie Mae | Freddie Mac |
| Income Limit | ≤100% of AMI | ≤100% of AMI |
| Payment History | No missed payments in last 6 months; ≤1 in last 12 months. | No 30-day late payments in last 6 months; ≤1 in last 12 months. |
| Maximum DTI | 65% | 65% |
| Maximum LTV | 97% | 97% |
| Minimum Credit Score | 620 | 620 (Lender dependent) |
| Key Benefit | Min. 0.5% rate reduction, lower monthly payment, $500 appraisal credit. | Min. 0.5% rate reduction, lower monthly payment, $500 appraisal credit. |
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:
This is a critical option for homeowners who do not have conventional loans and therefore do not qualify for RefiNow™ or Refi Possible®.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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?
No, funds received through federal homeowner assistance programs, such as the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), are generally not considered taxable income. This relief is structured as a direct benefit to help you maintain housing stability without creating an additional tax burden for your household.
Applying for a Florida mortgage relief program through a government or non-profit agency does not directly harm your credit score. However, falling behind on mortgage payments before receiving aid can impact your score. Securing assistance quickly is key to protecting your credit while resolving financial hardship.
Most Florida mortgage relief programs are specifically designed to assist homeowners with their primary residence. These funds prioritize helping families and individuals remain in their main home. Assistance for second homes, vacation properties, or investment properties is typically not an eligible use of program funds.
No, it is not necessarily too late. Many programs, especially those facilitated by HUD-approved housing counselors, specialize in foreclosure prevention and intervention. Contacting a counselor immediately is the best step, as they can negotiate with your lender and identify emergency assistance options available in Florida.
If you were previously denied, you may still be eligible for other forms of assistance. Financial situations change, and new local or federal programs may become available. We recommend speaking with a HUD-approved housing counselor to review your current circumstances and explore different avenues for homeowner relief.
Be cautious of any person or company that asks for an upfront fee to provide assistance, guarantees to stop a foreclosure, or tells you to stop paying your mortgage servicer. Official Florida mortgage relief program help is typically free. Always verify credentials and work with HUD-approved agencies.
Many homeowner assistance programs in Florida offer aid for more than just the mortgage payment. Depending on the specific program, you may be eligible for help with past-due property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and even homeowners association (HOA) fees to prevent foreclosure from lien filings.
The structure of assistance varies by program. Some offer a one-time lump sum payment to bring an account current, while others may provide several months of mortgage payment support. A housing counselor can help determine which type of Florida mortgage assistance best fits your situation.
Yes, it is always a good idea to communicate with your mortgage servicer as soon as you anticipate trouble making a payment. They can inform you about their internal forbearance or modification options. You can then discuss these options with a housing counselor to find the best overall solution.
While most programs are based on income and hardship rather than age, seniors may qualify for specific local aid. The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program in your county might offer relief for seniors on fixed incomes, including assistance with mortgages, property taxes, or home repairs.
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