Port St. Lucie officials announced a new Disaster Relief Program aimed at helping income‑eligible homeowners repair damage caused by this week’s flooding. According to WPBF, the city has set aside $1 million for the effort, which is funded through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program.
The program offers low‑ and moderate‑income owners of primary residences in Port St. Lucie up to $25,000 in 0% interest deferred‑payment loans. No monthly payments are required, and the loans are forgiven over a five‑year period provided the work complies with program guidelines.
Eligible repairs include tree and debris removal, roof repairs, weatherproofing, water extraction, removal of water‑damaged materials, emergency plumbing or electrical work, temporary structural stabilization, and other actions necessary to protect the home from further damage. Homeowners may also receive assistance covering insurance deductibles for qualified rehabilitation work.
Funding does not cover mold or mildew inspection, testing, removal, or remediation. Homeowners must complete any required mold remediation before approved repairs can begin. Additionally, manufactured homes, pools, hot tubs, and any illegal or non‑permitted work are excluded from assistance.
To qualify, applicants must meet income guidelines, have owned and occupied the home within city limits for at least one year, have an assessed home value of $560,154 or less, and be current on mortgage and property‑tax payments. All work must be directly related to the declared disaster and approved by the city before assistance is provided.
The pre‑application process opens at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. Residents can complete the pre‑application online, call the Neighborhood Services Department at 772‑344‑4084, email [email protected], or visit City Hall at 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd.
City officials emphasized that the program is designed to help families restore habitability quickly and protect their property values after severe weather events. By offering interest‑free loans that are forgiven over time, the initiative aims to lessen the financial burden on homeowners while ensuring essential repairs are completed promptly.
What’s next: Eligible homeowners should prepare documentation of income, property ownership, and damage assessments before the Nov. 5 pre‑application launch. Applications will be reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis until the $1 million fund is exhausted.
Sources: wpbf.com
