Single Family Development Assistance Program...

The William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act was signed into law on July 7, 1992 and, subsequently, incorporated into Chapter 420 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation established a dedicated revenue source for affordable housing, benefiting very low, low, and moderate income persons. Local governments receive an annual allocation through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program.

Palm Beach County created the Commission on Affordable Housing to implement and develop programs to increase the availability of single family and multi family housing opportunities.

For homeowners, the SHIP Program provides the following Single Family Developmental Financial Assistance:

Single Family Developmental Assistance Program- This program provides assistance to eligible developers of single family developments serving very-low, low and moderate income households with the goal of increasing the number of affordable owner housing unit available to income eligible residents.  This is achieved through a reduction in the purchase price charged by the builder/developer, equivalent to the amount of SHIP funds given.

All of the funds provided by SHIP, administered by the Commission on Affordable Housing , are financed with a zero percent interest loan.  These loans secured by a mortgage and promissory note on the property for a period of 30 years.   No payment is due as long as the home remains the primary residence of the applicant.  If the home is sold; title transferred or conveyed; of the home ceases to be the primary residence of the applicant during the term of the loan, the entire amount of assistance provided will become due and payable. 

If the loan conditions are not violated, the loan is considered paid in full at the end of 30 years.

Financing for developers varies by program.