Fort Lauderdale Unveils Interest-Free Loans of Up to $85,000 for Home Repairs: Eligibility Requirements Explained

The city of Fort Lauderdale is offering a home rehabilitation initiative providing interest-free loans of up to $85,000 to low-income homeowners for essential structural repairs.

Since May 1, 2026, this program has been accessible online via Neighborly Software, and it falls under the federal HOME Investment Partnerships initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This aid is structured as a deferred loan with 0% interest, requiring no monthly payments, secured by a lien on the property. According to the program's official brochure, projects costing up to $85,000 are subject to a 15-year lien, while those costing up to $30,000 carry a 10-year lien.

Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis among qualified applicants. Eligible homeowners are encouraged to submit their applications "as soon as possible."

Eligibility Criteria for the Program

To qualify for this benefit, applicants must meet several conditions:

• Own a single-family home within Fort Lauderdale city limits.
• Use the property as their primary residence and have an active homestead exemption.
• Have documented deterioration or violations of municipal housing codes.
• Be current on mortgage, property tax, and insurance payments.
• Have no other liens on the property.
• The household's gross income must not exceed 80% of the area's median income (AMI) according to HUD limits for fiscal year 2026.

The maximum annual income limits for Fort Lauderdale, based on household size, are as follows:

• 1 person: $76,300
• 2 people: $87,200
• 3 people: $98,100
• 4 people: $109,000
• 5 people: $117,750
• 6 people: $126,450
• 7 people: $135,150
• 8 people: $143,900

Covered Repairs

The program supports repairs to roofs, windows, central air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical work, water heaters, waterproofing, and accessibility enhancements. Excluded from coverage are expansions, swimming pools, window air conditioning units, and washers or dryers.

Emergency Repair Program

Fort Lauderdale also provides a supplementary program offering up to $20,000 for very low to moderate-income homeowners needing urgent replacement of air conditioning systems or water heaters. This aid is a one-time payment aimed at maintaining minimal living conditions.

Application Process

Applications are submitted online via the Neighborly Software portal. For further inquiries, the Fort Lauderdale Housing and Community Development Office can be reached at 954-828-6024 or via email at HousingAssistance@fortlauderdale.gov.

This fall, other South Florida municipalities have similar programs: North Miami offers up to $60,000 for home rehabilitation, Tamarac has opened applications for up to $85,000 in assistance for first-time homebuyers, and Hallandale Beach provides up to $100,000 for first-time buyers. Each operates independently and applies only within its municipal jurisdiction.