The intent of the Demolition Assistance Program is to improve the appearance, property value and
safety of residential neighborhoods within Escambia County. This program provides Community
Development Block Grant funds to low-income households to make possible the elimination of
blighted properties. The program will assist income qualified property
owners with the cost(s) associated with property abatement to include, but not limited to, land clearing,
structure demolition and removal, and debris removal. This program does not cover removal of
inoperable vehicles.
This support is provided as a one-time only assistance on a property. If approved, a deferred payment lien will be placed on the property for the amount of the property abatement. This lien will be forgiven
after two years provided that the property is not sold or transferred and remains free of further code violations for that time period. If a building permit to develop the property is obtained by the current
applicant after the demolition, the applicant can request a release of the lien prior to the two year
expiration date. Due to the limited
funding available, elderly and low-income (at or below 50 percent of the area median income, or AMI) applicants will receive priority.