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Housing Assistance Programs
Panama City Housing Assistance (SHIP Program)
The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program was established in the State of Florida by the passing of the 1992 William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act. Funds are allocated to each municipality based on population and are derived from the collection of documentary stamp tax revenues.
The City of Panama City's SHIP Program uses state SHIP funding to help residents purchase homes, repair homes, provide rental/utility support and prevent housing loss - all in an effort to promote affordable, stable housing opportunities for eligible low- and moderate-income community members. For more information, please explore the programs below.
The Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation and Emergency Repairs program can provide funding to repair homes with code violations and health and safety issues. If the home is beyond repair and funding permits, Demolition/Reconstruction Assistance may be available. After an applicant qualifies for the program, the program will conduct a home inspection to assess and evaluate the required repairs, develop a construction plan, and partner with contractors to repair the home.
Program funding is distributed as a second mortgage on repaired or reconstructed homes that are:
- Located in the city limits of Panama City, FL
- The applicant’s primary residence.
The program cannot:
- Reimburse for repairs that have already occurred; or
- Offer additional assistance for repairs already funded by some other source, such as FEMA, SBA, or a private insurance company.
Eligible applicants must:
- Submit a completed application and provide all required program documentation
- Meet all required program guidelines
- Demonstrate that they own and reside in the property.
- Not exceed income limits for their household size (see income limit table below)
Provide documentation of any funding or benefits received from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA), Insurance, or other social assistance (verified during the program qualification process).
Income Eligibility Guide
Household Size | Percentage Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Bay County / Panama City | 30% | 19,800 | 19,800 | 26,650 | 32,150 | 37,650 | 43,50 | 48,650 | 54,150 | Refer to HUD | Refer to HUD |
50% | 32,950 | 37,650 | 42,350 | 47,050 | 50,850 | 54,600 | 58,350 | 62,150 | 65,870 | 69,634 | |
80% | 52,750 | 60,250 | 67,800 | 75,300 | 81,350 | 87,350 | 93,400 | 99,400 | 106,392 | 111,414 | |
120% | 79,080 | 90,360 | 101,640 | 112,920 | 122,040 | 131,040 | 140,040 | 149,160 | 158,088 | 167,122 |
Find the number of people in your household on the top row (1 – 8+). If your household’s combined gross income* is within the income range listed below your household size, you may qualify for assistance.
Median: $94,100
*Combined income includes ALL pre-tax income for individuals 18 years or older living in your home, including full-time, part-time, or overtime salary, social security, supplemental security, or disability income, pension(s), VA benefits, child support, etc.
If you are facing an income-related hardship that has resulted in difficulty paying your mortgage, the Foreclosure Prevention and Mortgage Assistance Program may be able to help. Eligible applicants must be able to demonstrate a qualifying hardship; staff will verify this when reviewing the application for assistance. Program funding is distributed as a grant for applicants who:
- Submit a completed application and all required program documentation
- Meet all required program guidelines
- Own a home located in the city limits of Panama City, Florida
- Can demonstrate that they own and reside in the property
- Can demonstrate sustainable income, but do not exceed income limits for their household size (see income limit table below);
- Are no less than three (3) months or no more than $10,000 past-due on their mortgage payments
Income Eligibility Guide
Household Size | Percentage Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Bay County / Panama City | 30% | 19,800 | 19,800 | 26,650 | 32,150 | 37,650 | 43,50 | 48,650 | 54,150 | Refer to HUD | Refer to HUD |
50% | 32,950 | 37,650 | 42,350 | 47,050 | 50,850 | 54,600 | 58,350 | 62,150 | 65,870 | 69,634 | |
80% | 52,750 | 60,250 | 67,800 | 75,300 | 81,350 | 87,350 | 93,400 | 99,400 | 106,392 | 111,414 | |
120% | 79,080 | 90,360 | 101,640 | 112,920 | 122,040 | 131,040 | 140,040 | 149,160 | 158,088 | 167,122 |
Find the number of people in your household on the top row (1 – 8+). If your household’s combined gross income* is within the income range listed below your household size, you may qualify for assistance.
Median: $94,100
*Combined income includes ALL pre-tax income for individuals 18 years or older living in your home, including full-time, part-time, or overtime salary, social security, supplemental security, or disability income, pension(s), VA benefits, child support, etc.
The Rental and Utility Assistance Program can provide rental assistance to eligible applicants in the city limits of Panama City, FL. There are two forms of rental assistance made available to income-eligible applicants:
- Rental, security, and utility deposit payments on a newly leased rental property. The program will pay the landlord and utility company directly.
- To qualify, household income must not exceed 80% AMI (refer to the income limit table below) and demonstrate a qualifying hardship.
- Eviction prevention
- To qualify, household income must not exceed 80% AMI (refer to the income limit table below) and demonstrate a qualifying hardship.
Funding is distributed as a one-time grant to applicants who:
- Submit a completed application and all required program documentation
- Meet all required program guidelines
- Are seeking affordable rental properties located in the city limits of Panama City, Florida
- Have not received rental assistance from SHIP-funded programs within the last three (3) years
Income Eligibility Guide
Household Size | Percentage Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Bay County / Panama City | 30% | 19,800 | 19,800 | 26,650 | 32,150 | 37,650 | 43,50 | 48,650 | 54,150 | Refer to HUD | Refer to HUD |
50% | 32,950 | 37,650 | 42,350 | 47,050 | 50,850 | 54,600 | 58,350 | 62,150 | 65,870 | 69,634 | |
80% | 52,750 | 60,250 | 67,800 | 75,300 | 81,350 | 87,350 | 93,400 | 99,400 | 106,392 | 111,414 | |
120% | 79,080 | 90,360 | 101,640 | 112,920 | 122,040 | 131,040 | 140,040 | 149,160 | 158,088 | 167,122 |
Find the number of people in your household on the top row (1 – 8+). If your household’s combined gross income* is within the income range listed below your household size, you may qualify for assistance.
Median: $94,100
*Combined income includes ALL pre-tax income for individuals 18 years or older living in your home, including full-time, part-time, or overtime salary, social security, supplemental security, or disability income, pension(s), VA benefits, child support, etc.
The First-Time Homebuyers Program assists current and future Panama City residents in purchasing affordable homes, including New Construction/Infill. The program provides up to $50,000 for down payment assistance and up to $10,000 for eligible closing cost. In addition to funding, program participants will also receive first-time homebuyer counseling. Funding is distributed as a second mortgage on purchased homes that:
- Are located in the city limits of Panama City, FL
- Pass standard home inspections
- Do not exceed a sale price of $300,000
- Select an eligible property type, including single-family, townhouse, condominium, one side of a duplex that will be owner-occupied.
To participate in the First-Time Homebuyers' Program, eligible applicants must:
- Submit a completed application and provide all required program documentation.
- Meet all required program guidelines.
- Complete a first-time homebuyer course offered by a Certified HUD-Approved Counseling Agency before closing on a home.
- Obtain pre-approval from a mortgage lender.
- Not have purchased or owned a home within the last 3 years.
- Not exceed income limits for their household size (see income limit table below)
Income Eligibility Guide
Household Size | Percentage Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Bay County / Panama City | 30% | 19,800 | 19,800 | 26,650 | 32,150 | 37,650 | 43,50 | 48,650 | 54,150 | Refer to HUD | Refer to HUD |
50% | 32,950 | 37,650 | 42,350 | 47,050 | 50,850 | 54,600 | 58,350 | 62,150 | 65,870 | 69,634 | |
80% | 52,750 | 60,250 | 67,800 | 75,300 | 81,350 | 87,350 | 93,400 | 99,400 | 106,392 | 111,414 | |
120% | 79,080 | 90,360 | 101,640 | 112,920 | 122,040 | 131,040 | 140,040 | 149,160 | 158,088 | 167,122 |
Find the number of people in your household on the top row (1 – 8+). If your household’s combined gross income* is within the income range listed below your household size, you may qualify for assistance.
Median: $94,100
*Combined income includes ALL pre-tax income for individuals 18 years or older living in your home, including full-time, part-time, or overtime salary, social security, supplemental security, or disability income, pension(s), VA benefits, child support, etc.
The Impact Fee Assistance Program may cover a portion or all the sewer/water connections fees, deposits, permits, plan review, school impact fees, etc. for income-eligible, owner-occupied single-family homes. This Program may be used for existing homes currently on a septic system or for new construction homes. Program funding is distributed as a grant. To participate in the Impact Fee Assistance Program, eligible applicants must:
- Submit a completed application and provide all required program documentation.
- Meet all required program guidelines.
- Not exceed income limits for their household size (see income limit table below)
Income Eligibility Guide
Household Size | Percentage Category | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Bay County / Panama City | 30% | 19,800 | 19,800 | 26,650 | 32,150 | 37,650 | 43,50 | 48,650 | 54,150 | Refer to HUD | Refer to HUD |
50% | 32,950 | 37,650 | 42,350 | 47,050 | 50,850 | 54,600 | 58,350 | 62,150 | 65,870 | 69,634 | |
80% | 52,750 | 60,250 | 67,800 | 75,300 | 81,350 | 87,350 | 93,400 | 99,400 | 106,392 | 111,414 | |
120% | 79,080 | 90,360 | 101,640 | 112,920 | 122,040 | 131,040 | 140,040 | 149,160 | 158,088 | 167,122 |
Find the number of people in your household on the top row (1 – 8+). If your household’s combined gross income* is within the income range listed below your household size, you may qualify for assistance.
Median: $94,100
*Combined income includes ALL pre-tax income for individuals 18 years or older living in your home, including full-time, part-time, or overtime salary, social security, supplemental security, or disability income, pension(s), VA benefits, child support, etc.
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development has approved our agency to provide the following types of housing counseling.
Counseling:
- Financial Management/Budget Counseling
- Mortgage Delinquency and Default Resolution Counseling
- Pre-purchase Counseling
Workshop:
- Non-Delinquency Post Purchase Workshops
- Pre-purchase Homebuyer Education Workshops
The City of Panama City receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The City is considered an “entitlement community” with a prescribed formula for funding developed by HUD using select City demographic information. This City receives this funding each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to allocate to community projects that meet one of the three national objectives established by Congress:
- Benefit Low- and Moderate-Income Persons (LMI): At least 70% of CDBG funds must be used for activities that benefit LMI individuals or households. This can include housing, public services, and economic development projects that serve areas where at least 51% of residents are LMI persons.
- Prevent or Eliminate Slums & Blight: Activities that address conditions detrimental to public health or safety in designated areas can qualify under this objective.
- Meet Urgent Needs: This applies to activities that address urgent community development needs where existing conditions pose a serious threat to health or welfare and where other funding is not available.
Eligible Activities under the CDBG program can include, but are not limited to:
- Housing Activities: Rehabilitation of residential properties, construction of new housing, and assistance to homebuyers.
- Public Services: Funding for services such as health care, job training, and youth programs, provided they meet the LMI benefit requirement.
- Economic Development: Activities that create or retain jobs for LMI persons, including support for small businesses and job training programs.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Projects that improve public facilities, such as roads, parks, and community centers, particularly in LMI neighborhoods.
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) is a federal initiative created by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help communities recover from the impacts of the housing crisis. It provides funding to local governments and nonprofits to acquire, rehabilitate, redevelop, or demolish foreclosed and abandoned properties. The goal is to stabilize neighborhoods, reduce blight, increase affordable housing options, and support community revitalization.
To apply for assistance, please call the Housing and Community Services Department at (850) 872-7230.