Hernando County has received an estimated $1,468,462 in grant funds under the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program during State Fiscal Years (FY) 2025-2026. Funding for the SHIP Program is based upon the amount of revenue generated through the local doc stamp tax paid on all real estate transactions and the State's approved budget through Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC).

SHIP dollars may be used within Hernando County to fund the following strategies: 

• Down Payment Assistance
• Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation
• Special Needs Housing
• Emergency Repairs
• Multi-Family Affordable Housing
• Non-Profit Construction
• Mandatory Septic to Sewer Conversion - Phase 1
• Disaster Strategies

The County will make funds available at various times throughout the year for approved strategies and activities outlined in the current Local Housing Assistance Plan.

Currently, Hernando County is seeking applications for the following programs: 

• Down Payment Assistance
• Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation
• Special Needs Housing
• Emergency Repairs
• Multi-Family Affordable Housing
• Non-Profit Construction
• Disaster Strategies

Applications for the Hernando County Septic to Sewer Conversion Project - Phase 1 will be accepted beginning March 2, 2026 through March 31, 2026 at 621 West Jefferson St. Brooksville, FL 34601 or on our website at State Housing Initiative Program. The connection fee will be paid directly to the Hernando County Utilities Department on behalf of approved, income eligible homeowners to offset the cost to connection to their central collection system. 

For further details, please contact: 

Hernando County's Housing & Supportive Services Department
621 W. Jefferson Street
Brooksville, FL 34601
Phone: (352) 540-4338
Email: HousingandSupportiveServices@hernandocounty.us

Published: Jan 30, 2026