Estimate Your SHIP Assistance & Out-of-Pocket Costs

Use this simple calculator to see how much you might need for a down payment—and how much help Florida’s SHIP Program could provide.

Based on your estimated home price and down payment percentage, you’ll get a quick look at your possible out-of-pocket cost after SHIP assistance is applied.

Whether you're buying in a big city or a smaller Florida community, SHIP programs across the state offer down payment and closing cost loans ranging from $10,000 to $70,000.

This tool helps you plan ahead and see how affordable homeownership could be with SHIP support.

How the SHIP Program Reduces Your Upfront Homebuying Costs

Florida’s SHIP Program is designed to make homeownership more accessible by directly reducing the upfront expenses that often hold buyers back—like the down payment and closing costs.

Instead of having to save tens of thousands of dollars, qualified buyers can use SHIP loans to cover a large portion of those costs with zero-interest financing that’s deferred or even forgivable over time.

Whether you're buying a $200,000 home or something higher, SHIP funds help bridge the gap between what you can afford and what’s required at closing.

This means you can move into a safe, stable home sooner—without draining your savings.

What Affects the Amount of SHIP Assistance You’ll Receive?

The exact amount of SHIP funding you qualify for depends on several key factors: your income, household size, home price, and the city or county where you’re buying.

Local SHIP administrators determine assistance amounts based on guidelines set by Florida Housing, and those numbers vary throughout the state.

For example, some counties prioritize very low-income buyers or essential workers and offer larger assistance packages accordingly.

The more accurate your estimates are in the calculator—especially your income and home price—the better you'll understand your potential SHIP benefits.

Why It’s Worth Checking Your SHIP Eligibility Early

Before you begin touring homes or applying for a mortgage, it’s smart to check your eligibility for SHIP assistance.

Knowing how much support you may qualify for can help shape your budget, reduce your upfront savings requirement, and even expand your options in the housing market.

SHIP programs are funded locally and often have limited budgets that are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you're eligible, getting started early could mean the difference between securing thousands in assistance—or missing out entirely.

Use our calculator and then check your eligibility online to take the next step confidently.

SHIP Assistance Calculator FAQs

Get quick answers to common questions about estimating your Florida SHIP assistance and using our calculator to plan your home purchase.

How much down payment help can I get from the Florida SHIP Program?

Most homebuyers receive between $10,000 and $70,000 in SHIP assistance, depending on local program limits and financial need.

Is there a calculator to estimate my SHIP assistance in Florida?

Yes, this page features a simple tool to help you estimate your down payment, see the SHIP assistance range, and calculate your remaining out-of-pocket cost.

How do I calculate my out-of-pocket cost after SHIP assistance?

Subtract your eligible SHIP assistance from your estimated down payment to get an idea of what you may need to pay upfront.

What is the average SHIP assistance amount for Florida homebuyers?

While amounts vary by location, many Florida buyers receive between $20,000 and $50,000 through their county or city’s SHIP program.

Does SHIP cover all of my down payment or just part of it?

SHIP can cover a portion or even all of your required down payment, but the exact amount depends on your income, local program rules, and home price.

How much of my home purchase can the SHIP Program cover?

SHIP funds are designed to reduce your upfront costs—not cover the full purchase—but they can significantly lower your financial burden.

Can I get help with closing costs through SHIP too?

Yes, SHIP assistance often includes funding for both down payments and closing costs, helping reduce total upfront expenses.

What’s the maximum SHIP assistance I can qualify for?

In many Florida counties, the maximum assistance is $70,000, though limits vary by local SHIP administrator.

How do I know if my income qualifies me for SHIP help?

Most SHIP programs use income limits based on your area’s median income (AMI), often helping those earning up to 80% or 140% of AMI.

What home price should I use to estimate my SHIP assistance?

Use the price of the home you’re planning to buy or your pre-approval target price—this helps estimate a realistic down payment and SHIP aid range.