Homeownership Development Program

Expanding Affordable Homeownership

The Homeownership Development (HOD) Program leverages the County’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds to narrow the affordability gap on newly constructed, site-built housing. Up to $100,000 per home is provided as a 0% deferred payment, forgivable loan that first assists the builder during construction and then transfers to the buyer at closing. Instead of receiving a free house, eligible families purchase quality homes at a reduced cost, which helps Leon County grow its inventory of affordable housing.

For Developers and Builders

For-profit and nonprofit organizations with experience in affordable housing may request up to $100,000 per unit to cover land acquisition, infrastructure, construction costs, fees, and permits. Funds are awarded as a 0% interest, deferred payment loan for up to 18 months and are secured by a recorded mortgage and note. The loan is completely forgiven when the home is sold to an eligible buyer with long-term affordability restrictions recorded on the property; otherwise, it must be repaid. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating financial strength, proven on-time performance, Community Land Trust units, and projects located within Neighborhood First planning areas.

Ready to Get Started?

Leon County’s Division of Housing Services will host an informational workshop on our Homeownership Development (HOD) Program on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Office of Human Services & Community Partnerships, located at 615 E. Paul Russell Road. This workshop will serve as a prelude to the opening of the Fiscal Year 2027 HOD Program application period on October 1, 2026.

Register to attend a developer workshop, or contact the Housing Services Division at (850) 606-1900.

The HOD Program is one of the Division of Housing Services' strategies to grow the stock of affordable housing in Leon County. The HOD Program awards funding for-profit and not-for-profit organizations for the development of homes for low-income first-time homebuyers. 

At the workshop, we will provide:

• An overview of the program and application process
• Eligibility requirements
• Information on closing documents and long-term affordability requirements
• Examples of previous HOD projects 

Interested developers are encouraged to attend this informational workshop.

Before you apply, please review the Homeownership Development Program (HOD) presentation for program information and overview.

If you are a developer that would like to apply for this program, please apply for funding using the Homeownership Development (HOD) Program application.

For First-Time Homebuyers

If you have not owned and occupied a primary residence in the past three years and your household income is at or below 80 % of the Area Median Income, you may qualify.

Buyers must complete an approved homebuyer-education course, keep liquid assets under $30,000*, and secure a first mortgage from a financial lender. At closing, the County's subsidy becomes a 30-year, 0% deferred loan. Beginning in year 11, it is forgiven at 5% per year, provided the home remains your primary residence and you maintain insurance. The subsidy can be layered with down-payment assistance through the Tallahassee Lender’s Consortium or the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, further reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Potential homebuyers interested in the HOD Program can start by contacting the Tallahassee Lenders’ Consortium for access to their HUD-certified First-Time Homebuyer courses, and by contacting the Leon County Division of Housing Services to receive a list of developers that have been awarded HOD Program funding and are currently looking to sell subsidized units. 

*Asset limits are waived during federally- or state-declared disasters.

Questions? Contact Leon County Housing Services at (850) 606-1900 or HSCP-HousingServices@LeonCountyFL.gov.House funded through the Leon County Homeownership Development program.