Naples FL Collier County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Last updated: June 26, 2026

About the Collier County Assistance Program

Residents and small business owners in Collier County impacted by COVID-19 can apply for financial assistance through the Collier County Assistance Program (CCAP). The application period for small business owners has ended, but applications for households, seniors (60 or older), landlords, and temporary quarantine situations continue to be accepted until the end of the fiscal year or until funds are depleted.

Past-due payments must be traceable directly to COVID-19 and accrued on or after March 13, 2020. Applicants must have been current on their rent, mortgage, and utility bills as of that date to be eligible. CCAP provides a one-time payment of up to $10,000 toward eligible rent, mortgage, or utility arrears. Separately, the federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program has no fixed cap on funds but only assists with rent payments through a defined coverage window — applicants are screened for both programs simultaneously, since those who don’t qualify for one may qualify for the other.

Naples FL Collier County Household Assistance Eligibility

Residents of Collier County who have fallen behind on mortgage, rent, or utility payments due to COVID-19-related economic difficulty may be eligible for assistance. Applicants must include all household members 18 or older on the application and provide documentation of household income — every additional household member must independently meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Applications are evaluated case by case. If you’re found eligible, program staff will contact you directly to discuss your options. To understand how Florida’s broader rental assistance landscape works, CCAP operates alongside several other county and statewide programs that may apply if you don’t qualify here.

Pro Tip

Applicants are automatically screened for both CCAP and federal ERA benefits in the same application process. This means submitting one application gives you a shot at two separate funding sources — don’t assume you need to apply separately to each program.

Landlord Eligibility and Tenant Reimbursement

Landlords can submit applications on a tenant’s behalf, though the tenant must still provide proof of income and citizenship status. Reimbursement covers each eligible renter’s unpaid rent for the period from March 13, 2020 to March 31, 2021, or for the most recent unpaid month, whichever applies. All payments must be applied to satisfy the tenant’s unpaid rent for that defined window. Tenants must complete their own portion of the application and verify they meet eligibility requirements before a landlord can be reimbursed, and the renter’s household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Landlords will need the following documents before submitting an application:

• Deed(s) of title to the real estate.
• Mortgage note(s).
• Real estate tax statement.
• Copy of the property insurance declaration.
• Lease or rental agreement including the renter’s name, residence address, and monthly rent amount due.

Important note for homestead properties: If the property is classified as a homestead and you intend to rent it out, your application will be denied. Landlords elsewhere in Central Florida facing similar tenant arrears situations can review the Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance Program for a comparable landlord participation structure.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

1. Gather your documents. Review the program’s FAQ page for the full required documentation list. You can submit your application without uploading documents first, but doing so may delay processing.
2. Submit online or in person. Apply online, or visit any Collier County library to use the free public computer, scanner, and printer/copier equipment set aside for application use.
3. Create an account. You’ll need an email address to set up a username and password for the application portal. Write your login credentials down somewhere secure — staff cannot reset your account or recover your username or password if lost.
4. Track your application through seven stages:
   • Processors — your primary point of contact; reviews eligibility and supporting documentation, and will email with questions.
   • Observer — county staff confirm all required documents are present and the file is complete.
   • Fiscal — the county’s fiscal staff validate the file.
   • Management Review — final review by county personnel.
   • County Approved — county staff have completed their review and the file advances to final processing.
   • Awaiting Clerk’s Payment — the Clerk of Courts is processing your file for payment.
   • Payment from Clerk of Courts — your mortgage company, landlord, or utility provider has received payment.
5. Respond promptly to outreach. You may be contacted by HELP or Collier County Government staff — return calls or emails as soon as possible to avoid delays. Collier County Assistance Center staff remain available after submission for any follow-up questions.

Additional Resources

Food pantries and food banks in Collier County can apply for financial assistance through the Community Foundation of Collier County by contacting them directly. For Florida renters outside Collier County, the Tallahassee/Leon County rental assistance program and Orlando rental assistance program serve their respective regions with comparable eligibility frameworks. If you are facing active eviction proceedings, review alternatives to eviction available in Florida, including legal aid and negotiated payment plans, while your CCAP or ERA application is processed.