You May Need Less Cash Than You Think
Florida offers more homebuyer assistance than most buyers realize. Between state, county, and city programs, qualified buyers can receive thousands of dollars toward down payment and closing costs. Here is a plain-language look at what is available.
Why This Gets Missed
Most real estate agents do not talk to lenders about DPA programs, and most loan officers do not run homes through DPA eligibility by default.
Why Alex Does
Being dual-licensed means every buyer conversation starts with both the home and the financing on the table. DPA is part of the pre-approval conversation, not an afterthought.
The Catch
These are real programs with real rules. Income limits, purchase price caps, and first-time buyer requirements vary by county and change year to year. Always confirm current terms before making offers.
Statewide Programs
Florida Hometown Heroes
Administered by Florida Housing Finance Corporation
A deferred second mortgage that helps Florida workforce buyers cover down payment and closing costs. Originally designed for essential workers (teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, healthcare, military), the program was expanded to include all Floridians who meet income limits and buy a primary residence.
- •Up to 5% of the first mortgage amount in down payment and closing cost assistance (capped by program rules)
- •0% interest, deferred repayment, non-amortizing
- •Must be used with an eligible Florida Housing first mortgage
- •Primary residence only
- •First-time buyer requirement waived for qualified heroes
FL Assist
Second-mortgage companion to Florida Housing first mortgages
A flat-dollar deferred second mortgage used alongside Florida Housing first mortgage programs (FL First for FHA, VA, USDA, or HFA Preferred / HFA Advantage PLUS for conventional). The balance is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
- •Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost help (amount varies by program and year)
- •0% interest, non-amortizing, deferred
- •Pairs with qualifying Florida Housing first mortgages
- •Simple underwriting once the first mortgage is approved
HFA Preferred & HFA Advantage PLUS
Conventional first mortgage with built-in DPA
Florida Housing's conventional first mortgage options bundled with a forgivable second mortgage that can cover 3%, 4%, or 5% of the purchase price in down payment and closing cost assistance. Reduced mortgage insurance compared with standard conventional loans at the same loan-to-value.
- •3%, 4%, or 5% of purchase price in forgivable DPA
- •Conventional loan with reduced PMI at higher LTVs
- •Income and purchase price limits apply by county
- •First-time buyer requirement applies in most counties
Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP)
Fully amortizing second mortgage
A second mortgage with a real monthly payment, typically used when a buyer needs more than FL Assist provides. Because it amortizes, the payment gets factored into your debt-to-income ratio, so buyers qualify for this program based on total budget room.
- •Up to $10,000 in assistance (subject to program rules)
- •Fixed, low interest rate with monthly payments over 15 years
- •Layered with a Florida Housing first mortgage
- •Works well when FL Assist is not enough to bridge the gap
Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program
Florida Housing first mortgage for active duty and veterans
A Florida Housing first mortgage product for active duty service members, honorably discharged veterans, and qualifying surviving spouses. Can be layered with Florida Housing DPA programs such as FL Assist or HFA Preferred DPA.
- •Government (FHA, VA, USDA-RD) and conventional first mortgage options
- •Layer with Florida Housing down payment assistance
- •No first-time buyer requirement
- •Competitive fixed rates for Florida military borrowers
Local and County Programs
Many Florida counties and cities run their own down payment assistance programs, funded by the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and federal HOME and CDBG funds. Amounts, income limits, and rules change every year, so the best approach is a quick call to match your target area to what is currently active.
Orange County
Down Payment Assistance Program offers funds for low- and moderate-income buyers purchasing in unincorporated Orange County. Income limits and homebuyer education apply.
City of Orlando
Down Payment Assistance Program for buyers purchasing inside the city limits, with income limits set against HUD area median income.
Osceola County
Local SHIP-funded DPA for qualifying buyers in Osceola County; amounts and eligibility updated annually.
Hillsborough County
Down Payment Assistance through the Affordable Housing Services program, available in unincorporated Hillsborough and some partner cities.
Miami-Dade County
Several DPA products through Miami-Dade's Public Housing and Community Development department, plus city-specific programs.
Broward County
Broward Homebuyer Purchase Assistance (HPAP) offers eligible buyers significant DPA for primary residences in Broward.
Not an exhaustive list. If you are buying outside these areas, ask Alex to check what is available in your target county or city.
The Basics of Eligibility
Income Limits
Most DPA programs cap eligibility at a percentage of area median income. Limits vary by county and household size and are updated annually.
Purchase Price Limits
Programs set a maximum purchase price for eligible homes. These caps differ by county and are revised each year to reflect market conditions.
Primary Residence
DPA programs are only for homes you will occupy as your primary residence. Investment properties and second homes are not eligible.
First-Time Buyer Rule
Some programs require first-time buyer status, defined as not owning a primary residence in the last three years. Others, like Hometown Heroes, waive this for qualified workforce borrowers.
Homebuyer Education
Most programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. The course is straightforward, usually online, and completed in a few hours.
Minimum Contribution
Some programs require the buyer to bring a minimum amount of their own funds (often 1%) to closing, separate from the DPA funds.
Important: Down payment assistance program terms, income limits, purchase price caps, and eligibility rules are set by Florida Housing Finance Corporation, federal agencies, and local jurisdictions. They change without notice. Amounts and features shown on this page are general and may not reflect the current offering at the time you apply. This page is not a lending commitment. All loans are subject to underwriting and final approval by the lender. Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Opportunity Lender.
Find Your Program in 15 Minutes
Send your target area, household size, and rough income. Alex will tell you which state and local programs you qualify for and how much they are worth on a real home.