Buying your first home in Bradenton can feel out of reach when the down payment looms large. The good news is you may not need to cover it all on your own. Local programs funded by SHIP and CDBG can help with down payment and closing costs if you meet the guidelines. In this guide, you’ll learn how these programs work, who qualifies, where to apply, and how to move fast when funds open. Let’s dive in.
What SHIP and CDBG mean
SHIP is a Florida program that sends housing dollars to local governments to support affordable homeownership and rentals. You’ll see it used for down payment help, closing costs, and more through each city or county’s plan. Get the big picture at Florida Housing’s overview of the SHIP program.
CDBG is a federal HUD program that gives annual funds to cities and counties to meet local community needs, including homebuyer assistance. The City of Bradenton is an entitlement city that sets its own priorities and programs. You can review Bradenton’s Housing and Community Development information on the city website.
- Learn about SHIP: Florida Housing’s SHIP overview
- City program hub: City of Bradenton Housing & Community Development
Who runs what in Bradenton
This part trips up many buyers. The City of Bradenton and Manatee County each manage their own funds and programs.
- If the property is inside Bradenton city limits, apply through the City of Bradenton for city‑administered SHIP/CDBG assistance.
- If the property is in unincorporated Manatee County or in a city the County serves (such as Palmetto in some years), apply through Manatee County Community Development.
For county details and the certified lender process, start here: Manatee County down payment assistance and certified lenders.
Who qualifies
Eligibility depends on the program and the current Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP).
- CDBG income limits. CDBG down payment assistance generally serves households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for the North Port‑Bradenton‑Sarasota MSA. You can check the latest numbers in HUD’s income limits dataset. For example, locally published FY2025 figures show illustrative 80% AMI amounts like $60,300 for a 1‑person household and $86,100 for a 4‑person household. See a local summary of 2025 income limits here.
- SHIP income limits. SHIP serves very low, low, and moderate incomes. The exact cutoff for “moderate” varies by the local LHAP and may extend above 100% of AMI. Always confirm the active income bands and assistance limits in the current County or City LHAP or notice of funding.
- First‑time buyer rules. Many SHIP strategies focus on first‑time buyers, often defined as not owning a home in the last 3 years, though local exceptions may apply. Review the active program year’s LHAP for the precise rules.
Helpful links:
- Current income tables: HUD income limits dataset
- 2025 example limits: Sarasota Housing Authority summary
- County process and partners: Manatee County program page
How the assistance works
Most down payment help is structured as a subordinate mortgage, often called a soft second. In Manatee County and the City of Bradenton, it is typically a 0% deferred payment loan. Repayment is usually due if you sell, transfer the title, rent the home, or stop occupying it as your primary residence. Some program years may include a forgiveness schedule or a specific term, such as 20 years. Always check the current local notice or LHAP for exact terms. You can see recent program descriptions in the County’s funding notices.
- Program year details: Manatee County funding notice
Education and the certified lender requirement
Both the City and County require homebuyer education with an approved provider. Manatee County lists partners such as Step Up Suncoast, Rooted Communities (Community Solutions 360), and Money Management International. You also must work with a County‑certified lender, who submits the assistance application on your behalf.
- Start here for classes and lenders: Manatee County down payment assistance page
Step‑by‑step: How to apply
- Complete a HUD‑approved or locally approved homebuyer education course. Keep your certificate handy.
- Get pre‑approved with a participating certified lender. The lender prepares and submits your assistance application to the City or County.
- Gather documents. Expect income verification, bank statements, ID, and a signed purchase contract once you are under contract.
- Underwriting and approval. The City or County will verify eligibility and issue a conditional approval. You will sign the subordinate note and mortgage at closing if approved.
Timing and availability
Funding is limited and opens in cycles. Programs often run on a first‑come, first‑eligible basis until funds are exhausted. Notices of Funding Availability will set application windows and deadlines. Watch for updates and be ready with your education certificate and lender pre‑approval so you can apply quickly.
- Check for openings: Latest Manatee County notices
Layering with the HFA option
Alongside City and County programs, the Housing Finance Authority of Manatee County offers up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% deferred second mortgage. Some buyers can layer HFA support with SHIP or CDBG, depending on program rules. Your certified lender can confirm whether layering is allowed for your loan type.
- Explore the HFA program: Housing Finance Authority of Manatee County
Quick checklist for Bradenton buyers
- Confirm the property’s location to know whether the City or County program applies.
- Take an approved homebuyer education course as early as possible.
- Get pre‑approved with a certified lender and review assistance options.
- Verify the current LHAP for income bands, purchase price caps, and loan terms.
- Ask your lender about combining HFA assistance when permitted.
- Track funding notices and be ready to submit when applications open.
Local guidance when you need it
You do not have to navigate this alone. Our team helps you verify program fit, connect with certified lenders, and time your application so you are ready when funding opens. If you are targeting a home inside Bradenton city limits or elsewhere in Manatee County, we will help you map the right path from pre‑approval to closing. Reach out to the Knetsch Team to get started.
FAQs
What is the difference between SHIP and CDBG in Bradenton?
- SHIP is a state program administered locally, while CDBG is federal funding allocated to local governments; both can support down payment and closing costs through City of Bradenton or Manatee County programs.
Which office do I apply through for a Bradenton address?
- Apply with the City of Bradenton if the property is inside city limits, and with Manatee County Community Development if it is in unincorporated Manatee County or another area the County serves.
What income do I need to qualify for CDBG help?
- CDBG down payment assistance typically serves households at or below 80% of the area median income for the North Port‑Bradenton‑Sarasota MSA; check the current HUD income limits for your household size.
Does SHIP help only first‑time buyers?
- Many SHIP strategies prioritize first‑time buyers, but the exact rules and any exceptions are set in the local LHAP for the current program year.
How is the assistance repaid?
- Most assistance is a 0% deferred second mortgage; repayment is usually due if you sell, transfer title, rent the home, or stop living there as your primary residence, with exact terms set by the local program year.
