The city of Fort Lauderdale has an ongoing housing rehabilitation program that offers interest-free loans of up to $85,000 to low-income homeowners to cover structural repairs in their homes.
The program, active since May 1, 2026, is processed online through the Neighborly Software platform and is part of the federal HOME Investment Partnerships program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The assistance is provided as a deferred loan at 0% interest, with no monthly payments, secured by a lien on the property.
According to the official program brochure, projects up to $85,000 are subject to a 15-year lien, whereas those up to $30,000 are subject to a ten-year lien.
Funds are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The municipality advises that eligible property owners should submit their applications "as soon as possible."
Who can apply for the program?
To access the benefit, the applicant must meet a series of conditions:
- To own a single-family home within the limits of the city of Fort Lauderdale.
- To occupy the property as a primary residence and have a valid homestead exemption.
- Having a residence with documented deterioration or violations of the municipal housing code.
- Be up to date on mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance.
- Having no other encumbrances on the property.
- That the gross income of all household members does not exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI) according to HUD limits for fiscal year 2026.
The table of maximum annual incomes for Fort Lauderdale, based on the number of household members, is as follows:
1 person: 76,300 dollars per year.
2 people: $87,200 per year.
3 people: $98,100 per year.
4 people: 109,000 dollars per year.
5 people: 117,750 dollars per year.
6 people: 126,450 dollars annually.
7 people: 135,150 dollars per year.
8 people: 143,900 dollars per year.
What repairs are covered?
The program finances roof work, windows, central air conditioning systems, plumbing, electricity, water heaters, waterproofing, and accessibility improvements.
The expansions of surface area, swimming pools, window air conditioning units, and washing or drying machines are expressly excluded.
Emergency Repair Program
Fort Lauderdale also offers a supplemental program of up to $20,000 for very low to moderate income homeowners who urgently need to replace their air conditioning system or water heater.
This benefit is granted as a one-time payment and is aimed at preserving minimum living conditions.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the Neighborly Software portal. For additional inquiries, the Fort Lauderdale Housing and Community Development Office can be reached at 954-828-6024 and via email at HousingAssistance@fortlauderdale.gov.
Other municipalities in South Florida have similar programs active this fall: North Miami offers up to $60,000 for housing rehabilitation, and Tamarac has opened applications for assistance of up to $85,000 for first-time homebuyers.
Also Hallandale Beach offers up to $100,000 for first-time buyers.
Each program operates independently and only applies within its own municipal jurisdiction.
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