Disaster Relief Program

image of flooded road

The City of Port St. Lucie’s Neighborhood Services Department – Community Programs Division offers the Disaster Relief Program to assist eligible homeowners for qualifying disaster-related expenses. Eligible uses may include interim repairs to prevent further damage, tree and debris removal necessary to make a home habitable and homeowner’s insurance deductibles.

Assistance is provided through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $25,000 through 0% interest deferred payment loans, with no monthly payments required. Loans are forgiven over a five-year period in accordance with program guidelines.

What repairs qualify?

The Disaster Relief Program may assist with the following:

  • Tree and debris removal necessary to restore habitability.
  • Homeowner’s Insurance deductibles for qualifying repairs.
  • Temporary repairs to prevent further property damage, such as:
    • Roof repairs
    • Weatherproofing
    • Water extraction
    • Removal of water-damaged materials
    • Emergency plumbing or electrical work
    • Temporary structural stabilization
    • Other reasonable and necessary actions required to protect the home from additional damage

All work must be directly related to the declared disaster, deemed necessary to preserve the safety and integrity of the property and approved by the City before assistance is provided.

Funding is not available for mold or mildew inspection, testing, removal or remediation. Homeowners must complete any necessary mold remediation before approved repairs can proceed. Eligible repairs may be funded after remediation is complete.

Manufactured homes, pools, hot tubs and illegal or non-permitted work are not eligible for assistance.

Who may apply?

Applicants must meet all applicable SHIP Program requirements, including requirements related to:

  • Household income;
  • Homeownership and occupancy;
  • Property eligibility; and
  • Other program eligibility requirements.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

  • Applicants must have owned and occupied the home as their primary residence for at least 12 months before applying.
  • Property taxes and assessments must be current.
  • All existing mortgages must be current.
  • Applicant cash and other verifiable assets may not exceed $15,000.
  • Mobile and manufactured homes are not eligible.
  • Applicants who previously received assistance under the SHIP Disaster Recovery strategy are not eligible to reapply, even if the City's mortgage has been paid off or satisfied.

Meeting the program's income requirements does not guarantee assistance. All applications are subject to program eligibility requirements, available funding and the City's application and approval process.

Total gross household income cannot exceed 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the applicable household size.

  • 1 house member: $86,040
  • 2 house members: $98,400
  • 3 house members: $110,640
  • 4 house members: $122,880
  • 5 house members: $132,720
  • 6 house members: $142,560
  • 7 house members: $152,400
  • 8 house members: $162,240

Meeting the program's income requirements does not guarantee assistance. All applications are subject to program eligibility requirements, available funding and the City's application and approval process.

How to apply

The Disaster Relief Program will begin accepting pre-applications at 8 a.m. Nov. 5, 2026.

Apply Online

If you are unable to complete the pre-application online or need assistance with the application process, please contact the Neighborhood Services Department – Community Programs Division.

Phone: (772) 344-4084
Email: housing@cityofpsl.com

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Important Information

Disaster Relief Program assistance is subject to the requirements of the City's approved Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP), SHIP regulations and applicable City policies and procedures. The City reserves the right to determine whether the requested repair meets the program's eligibility requirements.

The City of Port St. Lucie’s Housing Assistance Programs do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or against any other protected class.

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