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State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program

SHIP - Housing a Stronger Florida

Notification

SHIP Notice

Martin County is currently not accepting SHIP applications at this time. 

What is SHIP?

The State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program is administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. It provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable home ownership. SHIP funds are distributed on an entitlement basis to all 67 counties and 52 Community Development Block Grant entitlement cities in Florida.

Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP): The Martin County Human Services Department administers this grant program for the County and develops the three year Local Housing Assistance Plans for the program.

You may be eligible for the SHIP program if:

  • You are a Martin County resident
  • You are the homeowner and the home is your primary residence
  • Your household income falls within the specified guidelines
  • Your home’s market value (determined by the Property Appraiser) does not exceed $509,943
  • You complete the SHIP application and provide required documentation
  • Note: Mobile homes are not eligible

These rates are valid until updated:

Household Income Range

Members in Household

Low

Moderate
1

$47,450

$71,160
2

$54,200

$81,360
3

$61,000

$91,560
4

$67,750

$101,640
5

$73,200

$109,800
6

$78,600

$117,960
7

$84,050

$126,120
8

$89,450

$134,280

The Martin County Rental Assistance is designed to assist renters that are either in arrears with their rental payment(s) or to obtain a lease on a rental unit. The assistance provides funding for the first and last month's rent, plus a security deposit for a new rental.

Assistance for clients in arrears shall consist of no more than three (3) months of rental payments. A documented hardship is required.

Applicants must meet SHIP program guidelines regarding income and the rental limits associated with their income bracket. Please see the chart below.

Percentage Category Income limit by number of persons in household Rent limit by number of bedrooms in unit
  1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3
30% 17,800 20,350 24,860 30,000 35,140 40,280 476 621 814
50% 29,650 33,900 38,150 42,350 45,470 49,150 794 953 1,101
80% 47,450 54,200 61,000 67,750 73,200 78,600 1,270 1,525 1,761
120% 71,160 81,360 91,560 101,640 109,800 117,960 1,906 2,289 2,643

 

It is important to note program funding is limited and subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to apply for rental assistance:

Please call to set up an appointment to drop off your completed application and copies of the required items listed above to:

Human Services Department
435 SE Flagler Avenue
Stuart, FL 34994

Incomplete applications will not be accepted or processed until all documentation is received. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive a letter with further instructions.

If you have any questions, please call Human Services at 772-288-5456. You will receive a call back within 48 hours.

How to Apply

To apply for the SHIP Program, please access our Online Application Portal, then select "Register." Once you create an account, you will be able to submit an application. For any questions, please call us at (772) 288-5456.

If you are unable to register and complete the application online, please call us at (772) 288-5456 to schedule an appointment, and we will arrange for you to complete the application in our office.

Any applications not submitted within 60 days will be considered inactive.

Martin County Human Services
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
435 SE Flagler Avenue
Stuart, Florida 34994
(772) 288-5785

Martin County Housing Assistance

A home made of blocks

Overview

Martin County’s Housing Program serves to meet the housing needs of the very low, low, and moderate income households of Martin County, to expand production of and preserve affordable housing, and further the housing element of Martin County’s comprehensive plan specific to affordable housing.

Please note: Martin County Human Services does not locate rental units or homes. It is the applicant’s responsibility to locate their rental unit or home. If you need assistance with services not offered by Human Services, we encourage you to review our Community Resource Guide.

You may also search floridahousingsearch.org; a free, state resource for renters and property managers in Florida to help you find available rental housing to fit your needs and income. For help searching and listing, call (877) 428-8844 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dial 7-1-1 for TTY. Dial 2-1-1 if you are in a housing crisis.

Housing Assistance Programs

The State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program is administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. It provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable home ownership. SHIP funds are distributed on an entitlement basis to all 67 counties and 52 Community Development Block Grant entitlement cities in Florida.

Currently not accepting applications

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is a Martin County sponsored program to provide qualified residents with rental assistance in order for them to afford their monthly rent. Assistance will be made available as funding is made available and could be terminated at any time, if a participant is deemed to no longer be eligible and/or if funding is exhausted.

Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) is a rental subsidy used to help individual households afford rental housing costs. Martin County’s HOME TBRA assistance may be made available to the following applicants:

  • Residents of Martin County who are age 62 or older at the time of application, whose households income does not exceed 60% of the Area Median Income:
    • 1 Person = $35,580
    • 2 People = $40,680
    • 3 People = $45,780
    • 4 People = $50,820

Applicants who are approved for the HOME TBRA program will be required to contribute 30% of their monthly income or $150, whichever is greater, toward their monthly rent. Approved applicants’ rental unit must be located in Martin County. Perspective tenants may not rent property from family members.

How to Apply:

Over the phone or in person: 

Applicants without access to the internet may utilize computers located at each of the County’s libraries or at Human Services’ office. Those who wish to apply, but are confined by age or disability, may make an appointment to complete an application over the phone or in person.

Electronically: 

Submit completed HOME TBRA Application in person at: 

Martin County Human Services
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
435 SE Flagler Avenue
Stuart, Florida 34994

Or by email to:

Julie Stellatos
Housing Program Coordinator
jstellatos@martin.fl.us
(772) 288-5456

Applicants will be assisted on a first come, first complete, first served basis.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides grants to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate income (LMI) persons. The strategies for these grants are as follows:

Neighborhood revitalization:

Infrastructure in LMI neighborhoods at least 51% must be LMI.

  • Eligible activities: water, sewer, roads, storm drains, neighborhood centers, parks, sidewalks.

Housing rehabilitation:

Rehabilitation/repair in LMI households.

  • Eligible activities: code, safety and hardening.

Commercial revitalization:

CRA improvements in LMI CRA-wide at least 51% in the CRA.

  • Eligible activities: sidewalks, parking, lighting, building code, sewer, water, flood and drainage.

Economic development:

Infrastructure needed for business expansion or new business – job creation is required.

  • Eligible activities: water, sewer, rail, traffic, roads, gas, fiber.

Contact Us

If you are unable to complete applications online, please call us at (772) 288-5456 to schedule an appointment, and we will arrange for you to complete the application in our office. For any additional questions about housing assistance, please select the "Contact Us" button below to submit an inquiry online, or call (772) 288-5456.

Martin County Human Services
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
435 SE Flagler Avenue
Stuart, Florida 34994
(772) 288-5785

Contact Us

ADA, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Fair Housing Coordinator: tgrimm@martin.fl.us | (772) 419-6968

Broadband Speed Test

Faster Florida Broadband Speed Test

Overview

Did you know that there is more than $133 million in state funding available to internet service providers to increase broadband speeds and access throughout the state?

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has developed Florida’s Broadband Availability Map to identify broadband internet service availability and pinpoint areas that are lacking in speed and services.

These insights allow the state of Florida to better identify and reach unserved and underserved areas of the state and allocate funds appropriately. The map will be an asset to local communities and internet service providers to assist with broadband planning efforts.

Help Bring connectivity to Martin County

Martin County needs your help in taking this quick, anonymous Internet Speed Test to identify the broadband speeds in our area. Your participation will help the State of Florida identify gaps in high-speed internet service in order to advance the state’s overall broadband infrastructure expansion goals.

Using your internet connection (please use a desktop/laptop and not your cellphone data service), the speed test will measure the speed of internet transmission between your device and an outside server.

After taking the speed test, which takes less than one minute to complete, your results will populate the map and the data collected will be displayed on the map in real time.

Do You Need Affordable Internet?

Click the link below to see if you qualify for the federal program that provides high-speed internet discounts of up to $30 a month.

Apply Now: USAC Affordable Connectivity Program

Library | Delivery Services

special delivery

Thanks to an endowment to Martin County from the Annie E. Myers Trust, the Library is proud to offer special delivery services to assisted living facilities and individuals who have difficulty visiting a library. This service can be supplemented by the Library of Congress’ Talking Book Program facilitated by the Florida Division of Blind Services.

Types of Delivery Services

Home Delivery
Large Print Carts
Outreach Card

Please contact your local library to ask for a special delivery accommodation. This service is intended for homebound residents and caregivers who live in Martin County.

CONTACT US

For assisted living facilities, a cart of large print titles selected by library staff can be delivered for residents to read. This cart will be periodically refreshed.

REQUEST A CART

If an assisted living facility staff member would like to take responsibility for items and request titles for delivery, they can visit a library with their facility badge to request an Outreach Card.

  • This card provides a four week checkout and no overdue fines.
  • Title requests for delivery must be placed by contacting your local library's staff.
    • While Inter-Library Loans (ILLs), Kits, and Martin's Most Wanted bestsellers are not eligible for delivery, all other items including take-home-tech are!
  • Our NoveList service is an excellent supplement to the Library Catalog to find your next favorite book!
  • Items can be returned during the next delivery or dropped-off at any Martin County Library bookdrop.
VISIT US

Solid Waste Transfer & Recycling Facility

Solid Waste Transfer and Recycling Facility

About

The Martin County Solid Waste Transfer & Recycling Facility is a self-haul / self-unload drop-off facility for recycling and garbage disposal including vegetation, construction and demolition debris, and tires. Residents and businesses can bring waste to the facility for disposal for a fee.

Location:
Solid Waste Transfer & Recycling Facility
9101 SW Busch Street
Palm City, Florida, 34990

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (All vehicles must be weighed in on scales by 4:45 p.m.)
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (All vehicles must be weighed in on scales by 11:45 a.m.)
Sunday: Closed 

Closed on legal holidays.

Businesses

To create an account for a business, please select the "Businesses" tab to download the application. Next, select the "Request a Business Account" button, then attach the completed application and submit.

Contact Us

If you have further questions, please select the "Contact Us" button to submit an inquiry, or call the Solid Waste Transfer & Recycling Facility at (772) 288-5772.

Contact Us

Proclamation Guidelines and Request Process

Environmental Applications

Martin County Environmental Applications, pine trees and palmettos with county seal

Application Process

The Growth Management Department has moved to online environmental permit applications. To apply for an environmental permit, we have outlined the new online application process below.

STEP 1:

To create and submit a Growth Management online permit application, you must first register and log in to our online permit system, Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal. Select the "apply online" button below.

STEP 2:

Once registered, select “Create” from the top menu in the ACA Portal, then select “Growth Management Permit” from the drop-down list. Payment will be accepted by credit card at the end of the online application process.

This new online application process excludes Development Review projects. For Development Review projects requiring an environmental waiver, the additional fee will be paid for with your development application.

Required Documents

Each application type will have a set of required documents that must be uploaded during the online application process. The specific list of required documents by application type(s) are listed below.

Required Documents:

  1. Land Clearing Plan (view sample)
  2. Abbreviated Environmental Assessment

Required Documents:

  1. Deed
  2. Survey
  3. Environmental Assessment 
  4. PAMP Document 
  5. Site Plan

Required Documents:

  1. Pre-Application Evaluation and Determination Letter 
  2. Property Survey (Must show mean high water line/elevation) 
  3. Site Plan (Provide proposed construction location and elevation) 
  4. Erosion Control Plan 
  5. Grading Plan (view sample grading plan)

Required Documents:

  1. Deed
  2. Property Survey
  3. Site Plan

For applications not digitally submitted by a property owner, notarized signatures by the owner and the agent are required on an Agent Authorization Form.

STEP 3:

If you are ready to apply for an environmental permit, please access our online permit system – Accela Citizen Access portal, via the button below.

APPLY ONLINE

Need Help?

If you need additional help, we have created help documents to assist you with the online environmental application process and information on how to apply for these permits.

Help Documents:

If you have any additional questions about the online application process for environmental applications, or if at any time you need assistance during the application process, please contact us.

Contact Us

Martin County Volunteer Opportunities

A group of volunteers

Volunteers have an enormous impact on the health and well-being of our local community. There are many volunteer opportunities available here at Martin County and we hope you will find one or many that interest you! 

Current Opportunities

Senior Games: Martin County Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers to help with the Senior Games. A variety of sports games like swimming, bowling, track and field, tennis, basketball, etc. take place throughout the county to help qualify for the State Senior Games. The volunteer position consists in helping with a variety of sports including keeping score, timers for swimming, assisting with registration forms, helping with our vendor booths, and helping set up and breakdown activities in each sport. The Senior Games take place in October every year.

Music at the Mansion Concert Series: The community concerts will take place on the first Sunday of each month from December through May every year at Indian Riverside Park. The volunteer position consists of helping with setting up and breaking down for the event; face painting; assisting in our marketing booth; and assisting vendors at the event.

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson: The event takes place at the Sailfish Splash Waterpark every June. The volunteer position will assist with registration, provide families with goodie bags, and hand out certificates upon completion of the swim lesson.

Fall Fest: The event is hosted at different parks in October every year. The volunteer positions consist of helping decorate the park for fall fun, assisting with setting up and breaking down for the event, arts and crafts with children, field games, assisting with vendors, costume contest, and much more.

FPSA & FSHAA Swim Meets: The swim meets annually occur at the Sailfish Splash Waterpark during the last weekend in September (FSPA) and the second and third weekends in November (FSHAA). The volunteer position consists of helping with timing each swimmer, gate attendants, volunteer booth, hospitality room, parking detail, etc. 

Winter Fest: This community event takes place at Indian Riverside Park in December every year. Volunteer positions include helping to decorate the park in holiday cheer, assisting with event setup and breakdown, arts and crafts with children, field games, assisting with Santa Clause, and many more similar assignments.

Parks Department: The parks department needs volunteers year-round to assist with cleanup of our county parks and beaches. Please inquire if interested, for more details. You would be shadowing a lead parks attendant at local parks and assisting in a variety of duties from trash pickup to painting. 

Parks Department office assistant: The Parks and Recreation Administration office would need a volunteer to assist with answering phone calls from the public on a variety of topics. The volunteer would be trained and prepared for basic public questions or concerns. In addition, the volunteer may be asked to file paperwork, create spreadsheets, research programs and activities, and assist with other office-related duties as necessary.

Parks Operations: Volunteer opportunities within the park operations division include mulching beds around our park entry signs, planting around our park entry signs, maintenance of our hiking trails, painting picnic tables and data entry.

Library Volunteer Opportunities for Adults:

  • Shelving library materials
  • Repairing damaged materials
  • Digital idea lab assistant
  • Computer Class Instructor
  • Computer Coaching
  • Literacy Services
  • Homework Help
  • Library Docents
  • Assist in the Children's department
  • Bonnie's Bookstore
  • Friend's Book Depot in the B&A Flea market
  • Special Events and Programs

Library Volunteer Opportunities for Teens:

  • Shelving library materials
  • Assist in Children's Department

Book Reviews for Teens:

If you are a teenager interested in volunteer hours by submitting book reviews, please visit the Library's Teen Services page for more information.

How to Apply

  • To apply for a Library volunteer position, please complete the "Library Volunteer Application."
  • To apply for all other (non-library) volunteer opportunities, select "Martin County Volunteer Application."

If you have any additional questions regarding volunteer opportunities, please select the "Contact Us" button to submit an inquiry.

Contact Us

Martin County Beach Fire Permits

Friends enjoying a beach bonfire

Beach Fire Permits

A group gathered around a beach fire

Fires on the beach are the perfect setting for memorable gatherings with friends and family. Want to enjoy the crackle of wood burning while roasting marshmallows to make delicious s'mores? We have great news for you!

Beach fires are allowed daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a permit (in designated fire pits only) at Stuart Beach.

Beach fire permits are ONLY available November through February, during non-turtle nesting season.

BEACH FIRE permits FOR THE upcoming 2024-2025 SEASON WILL OPEN IN OCTOBER, 2024.

FAQs

Read our commonly asked questions below for important information before applying for a beach fire permit.

Beach Fire permits are ONLY issued for designated beach fire location:

STUART BEACH
889 NE Ocean Boulevard
Stuart, Florida, 34996

Permits are issued only to adults over the age of 21.

Proof of Driver's License or State-issued ID will be required to obtain a permit. This is important since the permittee will be responsible for all individuals attending the beach fire activity and will be expected to sign a waiver for the attendees of the beach fire.

The permittee must be on site at all times during scheduled time listed on permit.

Children under the age of 18 must be chaperoned by an adult 21 years of age or older at all times during the beach fire. The permittee will be responsible for all individuals attending the beach fire activity and will be expected to sign a waiver for the attendees of the beach fire.

The permittee must be on site at all times during scheduled time listed on permit.

Yes, the permittee must be on site at all times during the scheduled time listed on the Permit. The permittee will be responsible for all individuals attending the beach fire activity and will be expected to sign a waiver for the attendees of the beach fire.

The approved beach fire permit must be presented upon request from a Fire Official, Law Enforcement Officer, or Martin County Parks and Recreation staff.

Beach Fire permits are only issued to an individual or group of 49 people or less and do not allow for large activities, special events open to the public, or for activities that include vendors, amplified music, tents, entertainment, or other activities that the Martin County Parks and Recreation Department may consider as outside of the permit scope.

If any of these activities are planned, a special event permit will be required. Please contact the Martin County Parks and Recreation Department at (772) 221-1418.

The Martin County Parks and Recreation Department will only provide the fire container to the permittee. Outside containers or apparatuses are not allowed. In regards to beach fire materials, it is the responsibility of the permittee to attain and provide them. 

Beach fire material must not consist of salt treated lumber, tar paper, contents containing any rubber products, creosote treated lumber, glue impregnated material, plastic, foam, or household trash. All burn material shall be free of nails and metal. 

Vegetation or materials located within the beach park are not allowed to be taken, damaged, or used as material in accordance with Chapter 17, General Ordinances, Martin County Code. 

Flammable and/or combustible liquids must not be utilized for fueling beach fires. Paper and matches only must be used to ignite your fire and fluid/gasoline is not allowed.

Material should not be stacked any higher than provided apparatus and a minimum of three (3) feet clearance from the outer edge of the provided apparatus at all times is required.

Appropriate beach fire material must be placed in the provided apparatus assigned to the permittee. 

Vehicles are not allowed on the beach and all material must be hand carried to the site.

Yes, but consumption of alcoholic beverages is restricted to the beach, and no glass containers are allowed.

Yes, non-amplified music is allowed as long as it is at low levels and in compliance with the County’s noise ordinance. For amplified music, contact the Martin County Parks and Recreation Department at (772) 221-1418; a special event permit may be required.

All beach fires must be extinguished by 11:00 p.m. Upon completion of beach fire, the fire must be extinguished completely.

Material or hot ashes may not be buried in the sand or disposed of in a trash container or dumpster. The permittee must close lid on fire pit and lock before leaving site.

All litter or leftover material must be removed from the beach when the permittee is finished.

Unsuitable wind or weather conditions must be taken into consideration prior to and during the time of the permitted beach fire. If unsuitable conditions exist and the permit must be canceled, Martin County Parks and Recreation will contact the permittee at the contact phone number and by email by 12 p.m. (noon) on the day of the permitted activity.

Due to wind and weather conditions that may arise, Martin County Parks and Recreation has the right to cancel permitted activity at any time or to request extinguishment of fire at any time.

Anytime the State or County has issued a red flag warning or a drought exists, no permits will be issued and permits will be canceled. For cancellations made by Martin County Parks and Recreation based on these conditions, Martin County Parks and Recreation may issue a refund or offer another day to the permittee as an option.

For rain or other weather related issues or should the permittee cancel event for any reason, refunds will not be issued so please plan your activity accordingly.

Contact Us

If you have any further questions about obtaining a beach fire permit, please select the "Contact Us" button above to submit an inquiry, or call Martin County Parks and Recreation, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m at (772) 221-1418.

Contact Us

Get a Library Card

Image of four types of martin county library cards. The classic card, educator card, idea lab card, and baby card.

Library Cards

The Martin County Library System will issue FREE library cards to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Martin County. In addition to a photo ID, proof of eligibility can be any of the following:

  • A Martin County residential address on the registrant’s ID
  • A Martin County voter’s registration card
  • Registrant’s name and address in the Martin County Property Appraiser’s database
  • A lease, utility bill, check book, etc., in applicant’s name with a Martin County residential address
  • Registrant’s business license in Martin County
  • Registrant’s pay stub from a business with a Martin County address
  • A student ID from any Martin County school

With your library card you can:

  • Borrow materials
  • Reserve and renew materials
  • Download ebooks and audiobooks
  • Borrow equipment and tech with a signed borrowing agreement (English | Español)
  • Access our online databases from home
  • Log on to our public access computers

... and your library card is valid at ANY branch in Martin County! 

Library cards

Get a Library Card

Library cards provide access to books, audiobooks, DVDs and CDs shared throughout our Martin County libraries, as well as access to eBooks, millions of articles, books from libraries throughout Florida and more!

Apply Now

Once you apply online, you will immediately be issued a library card number which you may use to begin accessing our online services. To add borrowing privileges for physical materials, please visit a Martin County library with proof of eligibility. You may also apply for a library card in person at any branch location.

Guest cards:

Visitors who do not qualify for a free card (e.g. anyone who does not live, go to school, or work in Martin County) can get a Guest Card at the following rates:

  • 1 year: $50
  • 6 Months: $30
  • 3 Months: $20

Guest kids and teens may purchase a one year card for $20.

Children under 16 require a parent to obtain a library card.

Educator and Outreach Cards:

MCLS offers a special card to educators and assisted living facility staff. Apply online via this webpage or visit any library branch to sign up for an Educator or Outreach Card. Institutional identification required.

PC-Only Cards for Computer Access:

Visitors can obtain a free PC-ONLY card that allows use of the library’s computers and electronic resources. This card does not have borrowing privileges. Presenting identification is still required.

SEFLIN OneCard: 

Requires registration at a participating Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) library including the Palm Beach County Library System and Florida Atlantic University. Register for a OneCard here!

Your default PIN is the last four digits of your phone number.

Every three years, we will confirm your residency and update your contact information. But patrons may also update their library card contact information here. 

Lost or Stolen Cards:

A lost or stolen library card should be reported in order for the Library to deactivate the card. You may visit or call your local branch to report the card lost or stolen. 

Replacement Cards:

If a replacement library card is needed, you will need to visit a Martin County Library with a picture ID. The replacement cost is $1.00.

Contact Us

If you have any additional questions about Martin County Library Cards please contact us. 

Contact Us
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