Resources for Historic Homeowners
Financial
Financial assistance for the restoration of private residential homes is often very difficult to find. Below are some helpful resources.
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has special loans available for historic home restoration.
- The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program is available for the restoration of income producing properties that are rehabilitated according to standards set by the Secretary of the Interior.
- Many local governments offer ad valorem tax exemptions and/or small grants for the restoration of historic properties, including private residences. To find out if your local government offers such programs, call your city’s Planning or Historic Preservation Department.
Historic Designation
Many communities have local inventories of historic sites. Be sure to contact your local Historic Preservation Office or Planning Department for more information. Below are some helpful resources.
Architectural Design/Restoration Guidelines
If your home is located in a designated historic district, there may be special design regulations and permitting required for restoration and/or additions to your house. Contact your local Historic Preservation Office or Planning Department for more information. Below are some helpful resources.
- Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
- Heritage Preservation Services
- Society of Architectural Historians
- Bungalows
Historic Period Hardware and Materials
- Traditional Building Magazine
- Old House Journal
- NPS Technical Preservation Services
- Coquina Preservation
Finding a Restoration Architect/Contractor
Finding a qualified architect or contractor who is well versed in restoring historic buildings can be difficult. The Florida Trust is happy to suggest restoration architects and firms that have won Florida Trust Awards in the past. Be sure to check out examples of successful projects that these firms have accomplished to be sure they are a good fit for your project. Call our Preservation and Education Coordinator for more information 850-224-8128.
- Ask your local Historic Preservation Office or Planning Office for examples of good restoration projects in your area and contact those property owners for recommendations for architects and contractors.
- As with any major project, be sure to check out each company, firm, materials suppliers, etc. that you use for your restoration.
- The American Institute of Architects keeps a list of their members online.
Locating a Historic Property for Purchase
The Florida Preservationist, the Florida Trust’s newsletter, occasionally advertises historic properties for sale in Florida. Below are some helpful resources.
Insuring your Historic Home
Securing insurance on a historic building is becoming increasingly more challenging. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has an affiliated entity that offers insurance on historic sites. www.nationaltrust-insurance.org.
There are many local insurance companies that offer insurance for historic buildings as well. The best advice is to call around to the local companies as well as asking owners of historic properties in your area who provides their insurance.
Easements
A historic preservation easement is a tool historic homeowners can use to protect the architectural integrity of their property. Granting a historic preservation easement on your home provides additional protection of your property, over and above any protection conveyed by local historic preservation ordinances. Easements include tax benefits for the property owner. Because easements include complex legal and tax issues, you should consult a professional attorney or tax professional before considering donating an easement on your property.
- For more detailed information, visit www.nationaltrust.org/legal/easements.
- The Florida Trust is a qualified easement holding organization. Our staff will be happy to provide more information about our easement program. Please contact the Preservation and Education Coordinator at 850-224-8128.
Technical Education
The Florida Trust offers educational sessions on many topics relevant to restoring a historic building. The schedule for the Professional Development Workshop Series and Annual Statewide Preservation Conference is available in the calendar of events.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation hosts the annual National Preservation Conference each Fall. Many sessions and tours focus on restoration topics.
- Traditional Building Exposition and Conference is hosted by Traditional Building Magazine and includes information sessions and a vendor tradeshow focused on restoration topics and products.
- Many of the larger cities in Florida host Home and Garden shows which include information/vendors who work with historic buildings. Check with the Visitor’s and Convention Bureaus for these cities for upcoming show.
Historic Home Websites