Fort Lauderdale Offers Up to $85,000 Housing Repair Loans for Low-Income Owners

Low-income homeowners in Fort Lauderdale can secure up to $85,000 in zero-interest, deferred-payment loans for structural repairs through a municipal housing rehabilitation program running on the Neighborly Software platform. Funded by the federal HOME Investment Partnerships program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the assistance requires no monthly payments and is secured by a property mortgage lasting 15 years for projects up to $85,000, or 10 years for amounts up to $30,000.

Eligibility Rules and Household Income Caps for 2026

Applicants must own and occupy a single-family home within Fort Lauderdale city limits as their primary residence, hold a valid homestead exemption, maintain current mortgage, tax, and insurance payments, have no other charges on the property, and have a home with documented code violations or structural deterioration. Gross household income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area median income for fiscal year 2026. Annual income caps scale by household size, permitting up to $76,300 for a single person, $87,200 for two people, $98,100 for three, $109,000 for four, $117,750 for five, $126,450 for six, $135,150 for seven, and $143,900 for an eight-person household.

Eligible Repairs and Emergency Assistance Options

The program covers roofing, windows, central air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical work, water heaters, weatherproofing, and accessibility modifications, while expressly excluding surface extensions, swimming pools, window units, and laundry appliances. A separate emergency repair track provides up to $20,000 as a single payment for very low- to moderate-income owners needing urgent replacement of failing water heaters or cooling systems to preserve basic habitability.

Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified submissions. Property owners can apply through the Neighborly Software portal. Municipal housing officials can also be reached directly at 954-828-6024 or via email at HousingAssistance@fortlauderdale.gov.

Neighboring South Florida municipalities operate parallel housing initiatives this autumn. North Miami offers up to $60,000 for rehabilitation projects, Tamarac provides up to $85,000 for first-time homebuyers, and Hallandale Beach offers up to $100,000 for first-time buyers, though each municipal program remains strictly confined to its own jurisdiction.