Thank you for partnering with homebuyers in Bay County, Florida. If you have clients interested in utilizing Down Payment Assistance (DPA), the information below will help you understand the local programs and how they operate.

Bay County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

Bay County administers a State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Purchase Assistance Program designed to help eligible homebuyers with down payment and closing costs.

What You Should Know

• Mortgage lenders do not have to be on an approved lender list to participate.
• Licensed Realtors do not have to be on an approved Realtor list.
• Buyers may work with the lender and Realtor of their choice.
• The County coordinates directly with the lender throughout the transaction once the buyer has been approved.
• Homebuyers must complete a HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Course and obtain a mortgage pre-approval before applying.

Bay County Housing Division

For program guidelines, funding availability, and application questions, contact:

Bay County Housing Division
840 W. 11th Street, Suite 3022
Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: (850) 215-2479

City of Panama City Housing Programs

The City of Panama City administers housing assistance through its Housing & Community Services Department. Down Payment Assistance funding may be available depending on current grant allocations.

What You Should Know

• The City does not publish an approved lender list.
• The City does not publish an approved Realtor list.
• Buyers may generally work with the lender and Realtor of their choice while coordinating with the City's Housing Department.
• Funding availability and program requirements may change as new grants become available.

City of Panama City Housing & Community Services

501 Harrison Avenue, Room 206
Panama City, FL 32401

Main Phone: (850) 872-7230