Housing Department
Housing Department Mission
The Housing Department provides safe and sustainable housing opportunities that preserves and expand the communities of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The Housing Department provide homeownership opportunities, emergency home repairs and rental housing for Tribal Members through a variety of programs. The goal is to develop quality sustainable housing development in all Tribal Communities, which fosters a full and rich residential quality of life.
Housing Programs (See Current Housing Policy for Terms & Eligibility)
- Home Maintenance
Provides minor repairs to homesites
- Property Management
Exterior lawn management of the of the property which includes hazard elimination
- Residential Health & Safety
Designed to provide preventive services to minimize unsafe and unhealthy conditions
- Healthy Home Program
Courtesy annual home inspections to examine the mechanical, structural, electrical and plumbing integrity of the home
- ADA/Special Needs
Provides new or retrofitted accessibility and accommodations for individuals with specials needs
- Relocation Assistance
Provides relocation and temporary shelter due to unsafe living conditions
- Rental Program
Rental opportunities based on needs and on a waiting list
- Home Finance Program
Outside home lenders with competitive interest rates and fees
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Rent-To-Own Program
The Rent-To-Own Residence Program purpose is to give Tribal Members who are unable to qualify for a HUD 184 Loan or a HELP Primary Loan the opportunity to become homeowners On and Off Tribal Trust Land. Eighty percent (80%) of the rental payment made during the Term of the Rent-To-Own Lease, will be applied towards the Tribal Member's purchase price
- Credit Counseling Program
Helps resolve any inaccurate information on credit report and improve financial stability
- Homeowner/Renter’s Insurance
Blanket policies for homeowners and renters
- Generator Program
Inspections and minor repair of existing standby generators
- Elder Generator Program
Primary Residence Generator Program provides that all Tribal Member Elders are entitled to the installation of a new Generator, one time only
Planning & Development Services Offered
- Renovation Construction to or expansion of an existing home to meet the tribal building code
- Rehabilitation Construction of an existing home to bring the home up to safety, quality and code standards
- New Construction of a home at a site where a home did not previously exist
HUD 184 Loans
Loans designed by congress to create a federal program specifically designed to address the lack of money available to Native Americans to build on Indian country. This program is only made available to Native Americans throughout the continental United States.
HUD 184 Loans - HUD 184 mortgage loans are offered through approved lenders. HUD 184 loans are offered exclusively to members of federally recognized Native American Tribes.
HELP Primary Loan (Home Expansion Loan Program) - The Home Expansion Loan Program, or HELP, was developed by STOF to assist Tribal members who may not qualify for traditional loan programs. HELP assists Tribal members with the construction of a new home, renovation of an existing home, or the purchase of a new home.
HELP Down Payment Assistance (DPA) - Tribal members eligible for the HUD 184 Program may need assistance with down payment and closing costs. HELP Down Payment Assistance loans provide Tribal members with the funds to close on their new home loan.
Home Ownership Retention and Mortgage Reinstatement Loans - The goal of the Home Ownership Retention and Mortgage Reinstatement Loans is to help members in difficult financial situations concerning their mortgages.
Please contact the Housing Department staff for more information about these services and programs.