Escambia County Housing Finance Authority

In the 1970's, there was a shortage of affordable, safe and sanitary housing for local residents of moderate to low income. At the same time, funds were limited for the construction, renovation and purchase of such housing, at affordable rates for homebuyers. In response, federal and state governments began to authorize the creation of governmental organizations to address these problems.

The Authority is a public body enabled under the laws of the State of Florida. It was created by Ordinance No. 80-12, as amended, enacted by the Board of County Commissioners of Escambia County, Florida on May 29, 1980. The Authority's governing body consists of a five-member Board of Directors appointed by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners.

The Authority was given the tasks of fostering home ownership, promoting the construction of affordable homes and reducing the cost of loans for the purchase of homes by persons with moderate to low income. In the years since its creation, the Authority has forged many working partnerships in national, state and local housing communities, primarily to provide below-market rate loans. Since 1982, it has issued over $1 Billion Dollars to assist homebuyers in achieving their objective of home ownership.

Current and projected growth rates in Escambia County and its partner counties indicate a continuing need for low-interest loans. Working with committed local builded local builders, realtors and lenders, the Authority anticipates success in the next century equal to that enjoyed in the 20th Century.