Homebuyer Assistance Program: Important Eligibility Reminder & Updated Guidelines

As lenders and first‑time homebuyers continue participating in the City’s Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP), we want to highlight an important requirement for properties located in a FEMA‑designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

Homes in Flood Zones Must Meet Today’s Standards

To qualify for HAP assistance, any home located in an SFHA must meet current zoning, building code, and floodplain management requirements — even if the home was built before these standards were adopted.

Properties in the SFHA must meet today’s floodplain elevation standards:

• Homes must be elevated at least 2 feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
• Homes that do not meet this elevation requirement are not eligible for CDBG‑DR‑funded assistance.

The floodplain eligibility rule has been part of HAP since the program began as these standards help protect homebuyers and the City's investment from future flood risk.

Updated Homebuyer Assistance Guidelines Now Available

The City recently updated the Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) Guidelines to make them clearer and easier to understand. These updates do not change the long‑standing floodplain requirements described above.

The new updates focus on simplifying language and improving how the program is administered. Key changes include:

• Allowing higher front‑end and back‑end debt‑to‑income ratios to provide more flexibility for qualified buyers.
• Clearer guidance on when HAP assistance can be combined with other funding sources.
• More detail on required flood insurance for HAP‑assisted properties.
• Clarified the rare situations when HAP may forgive compliance‑period requirements.
• Streamlined lead hazard requirements and inspection standards to match HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule.

These improvements help lenders and homebuyers navigate the program more easily and ensure that all assistance complies with federal rules.

The complete Guidelines are available in the Document Library section at SunriseStPete.org.

If you have questions about the Homebuyer Assistance Program, the City's Housing and Community Development team is here to help. Call 727‑892‑5554 or email housing@stpete.org for assistance.

Mayor Welch Announces $173 Million in Additional Sunrise St. Pete Funding

Mayor Kenneth T. Welch announced that St. Petersburg will receive $173 million in new CDBG‑DR funding to expand Sunrise St. Pete services to residents impacted by Hurricane Milton. The funding includes $126 million for housing recovery and $47.6 million for city–county infrastructure and mitigation projects.

This new allocation does not reopen Sunrise St. Pete applications; previously submitted applications will be reviewed for potential eligibility.

Read the full announcement here.

Residential Recovery Service Center Now Open in New Suite

The Sunrise St. Pete Main Service Center has officially reopened in its new location at 1914 4th St N, Suite 1918, still within the same building but just down the hall from the previous office. This move supports the City’s ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and provide more efficient support to applicants.

Both the Main Service Center and the Satellite Service Center at the Enoch Davis Center remain open to assist Residential Recovery and Elevation Program (RREP) and Disaster Relief Program (DRP) applicants during regular hours.

Faster Support with Walk-In Services

To make the process easier for applicants, both Service Centers continue to offer streamlined walk‑in services—no appointment needed. These services include:

• Document scanning
• Document drop‑off
• Scheduling appointments or call‑backs

Applicants do not need to meet with a Case Manager to complete these tasks. This approach helps shorten wait times and improves processing efficiency.

Case Manager Meetings

Residents with active applications can meet with a Case Manager by appointment only. Applicants are encouraged to schedule an appointment.

Why The Changes?

Making these changes allow the case management team to focus on improving the experience, including:

• Faster follow-up and processing
• Increased appointment and call‑back availability
• Continued walk-in access for quick, in‑person needs
• Applicants can complete common tasks without waiting for a Case Manager

Income Limits & Required Documentation

Federal rules require documentation to confirm eligibility. If a Case Manager has asked for items such as your most recent IRS tax transcript, proof of residency, or other information, please send them as soon as possible to keep your application moving forward. These requirements come from federal rules the City must follow when administering assistance programs.

Because federal rules limit most assistance to low‑to‑moderate income households (those earning up to 80% of the area median income or AMI), both the DRP and RREP have strict maximum‑income limits that applicants must meet to qualify. For example, a household of four must earn no more than $91,750 (80% AMI) to qualify for DRP and or $137,650 (120% AMI) to qualify for RREP.

Current HUD income limits can be viewed here (opens in a new window). Find the number of people in your household, then compare your gross (before‑tax) income to the chart.

If you are unsure what documents are still needed, please contact your Case Manager or schedule an appointment for assistance.

Affordable Rental Housing Program Update

On October 1, City Council approved $40.85 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for six affordable housing development projects. This significant investment will support the new construction of 543 affordable rental units and the rehabilitation of 102 existing affordable units across St. Petersburg.

The selected projects were chosen through a competitive review process, with a focus on developer capacity, alignment with the City’s Housing for All Plan, readiness to proceed, financial feasibility, and service to priority populations such as seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those at risk of homelessness. All funded units will serve households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with affordability periods of at least 30 years—many extending to 99 years.

The program remains under the Cone of Silence. Staff are unable to discuss or comment on submitted applications until all Council-approved agreements are fully executed.

Sunrise St. Pete Programs Now Open for Applications

Two Sunrise St. Pete programs are currently accepting applications, expanding support for first-time homebuyers and property owners recovering from Hurricanes Idalia and Helene. Learn more about each program and access additional information through the links below:

Voluntary Buyout Program Expression of Interest

• Property owners in defined Disaster Risk Reduction Areas are invited to express interest in participating in a first-of-its-kind program which allows the City to strategically acquire a limited number of properties in high-risk, lower-income area to strengthen community resilience and help owners relocate to safer housing.

Homebuyer Assistance Program Lender Application Portal

• Lenders apply on behalf of qualified first‑time homebuyers for up to $80,000 toward down payment, closing costs, and/or principal reduction. Homebuyers must complete a required education course.

For program details and updates, visit www.SunriseStPete.org.

Non-Profit Community Support Services - Cone of Silence Remains in Effect

The City received 11 applications from nonprofit organizations for the Mental Health Services Request for Applications under the Non-Profit Community Support Services Program. This program is focused on providing three Core Services to residents: Case Management, Assertive Outreach, and Clinical Mental Health Services.  

The Review Committee completed application scoring on September 18 and held its first deliberation meeting on September 21, followed by a second meeting on October 6. Letters notifying organizations of award recommendations have been sent.

Because the program remains in the Cone of Silence, staff are not able to discuss or comment on submitted applications at this time. The Cone of Silence ends once award agreements are fully executed following City Council approval. The City Council meeting for award consideration is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 1:30 pm.