Florida
Florida down payment assistance
The down payment is the wall most first-time buyers hit. Florida runs real programs that help with it — here's what they offer and how to find the ones worth asking about.
The down payment, not the monthly payment, is what stops most Florida first-time buyers. The state’s housing agency runs assistance programs that put money toward your down payment and closing costs — usually as a second mortgage you don’t pay back until you sell, refinance, or move. They stack on top of an ordinary first mortgage, so you can use them with a conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loan.
Two things to know up front. These programs have income and purchase-price limits that change every year and vary by county, so eligibility is something a licensed loan officer confirms against the current tables — not something a web page can decide for you. And funding is finite: popular programs open, run down, and reopen, so timing matters.
Which programs should I ask about?
Answer three quick questions. This points you to the programs worth a conversation — it is not an eligibility check or an approval.
Have you owned a home as your primary residence in the last three years?
Do you work at least 35 hours a week for a Florida-based employer?
Are you a veteran or active-duty military?
The statewide programs, in plain terms
Current as of August 2026. Programs, amounts, and limits change — confirm the latest with the source linked on each.
Florida Hometown Heroes
Up to 5% of your first mortgage, capped at $35,000, toward down payment and closing costs.The largest statewide help, for people who work full-time in Florida.
A 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage with no monthly payment. It is deferred and repaid — not forgiven — when you sell, refinance, pay it off, or the home stops being your primary residence.
Who it's for
- Work at least 35 hours a week for a Florida-based employer (most full-time roles qualify — the program was expanded beyond its original public-service professions).
- First-time homebuyer — no owned primary residence in the last three years. Veterans and active-duty military are exempt from this rule.
- Buying a primary residence in Florida.
- Minimum 640 credit score and standard debt-to-income limits.
- Household income within the program limit (about 140% of area median income, which varies by county and updates yearly).
- Complete an approved homebuyer education course, and use an eligible FHFC first mortgage.
Florida Assist (FL Assist)
Up to $10,000 toward your down payment and closing costs.A no-monthly-payment down payment second mortgage.
A 0% interest, deferred second mortgage with no monthly payment. The balance is repaid — not forgiven — when you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage, or move.
Who it's for
- First-time homebuyer — no owned primary residence in the last three years (military exempt).
- Pair it with an eligible FHFC first mortgage (conventional HFA Preferred, FHA, VA, or USDA).
- Minimum 640 credit score, and income and purchase-price limits that vary by county.
- Complete an approved homebuyer education course.
FL HLP Second Mortgage
$10,000 toward your down payment and closing costs.A larger set of buyers, with a small monthly payment.
A second mortgage at 3% interest, fully amortizing over 15 years — so it does carry a small monthly payment. The remaining balance is due when you sell, refinance, or move.
Who it's for
- First-time homebuyer — no owned primary residence in the last three years (military exempt).
- Pair it with an eligible FHFC first mortgage.
- Minimum 640 credit score, and income and purchase-price limits that vary by county.
- Complete an approved homebuyer education course.
Don't forget your county and city
Beyond the statewide programs, many Florida counties and cities — Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Orange, Pinellas, and others — run their own down payment assistance with different limits and funding. They can sometimes be combined with a state program. A licensed loan officer who works your county will know which local programs are open and how they fit together.