Buying a home in Florida may take less cash upfront than you think.
Florida homebuyers have access to a wide range of state, county and city down payment assistance programs that may help with the down payment, closing costs or both. Some programs offer a few thousand dollars in assistance, while others can provide significantly more depending on your income, location and eligibility.
The catch? These programs are not all the same, and funding can change throughout the year.
How Down Payment Assistance Works in Florida
Down payment assistance, often called DPA, generally comes in a few different forms:
Forgivable second mortgages — The assistance may be forgiven over time as long as you meet the program requirements, such as continuing to live in the home as your primary residence.
Deferred second mortgages — These loans typically have no monthly payment. Repayment is usually delayed until a triggering event, such as selling the home, refinancing or paying off the first mortgage.
Amortizing second mortgages — These are separate loans with their own repayment terms and monthly payment.
Eligibility varies by program. Income limits, purchase price limits, credit requirements, homebuyer education and first-time homebuyer rules may all apply.
The application process also depends on the program. Florida Housing programs are accessed through approved participating lenders, while some county and city programs require a separate application, housing counseling or a lender approved by the local agency. That’s one reason choosing a lender who works with these programs matters.
Statewide Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs
Florida Hometown Heroes
Florida Hometown Heroes is one of the state’s best-known homebuyer assistance programs.
Eligible Florida workers, military members and qualifying veterans may receive assistance equal to 5% of their first mortgage loan amount, with a minimum assistance amount of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000.
The assistance is provided as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage with no monthly payment.
Hometown Heroes serves eligible workers in fields such as healthcare, education, public safety, first response, court services and licensed childcare, along with qualifying military members and veterans.
Funding is limited and availability can change as money is reserved.
Florida Assist
Florida Assist provides up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance when paired with an eligible Florida Housing first mortgage.
The assistance is provided as a 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage with no monthly payment.
The balance generally becomes due when the borrower sells the home, refinances, transfers ownership or pays off the first mortgage.
Florida Homeownership Loan Program
The Florida Homeownership Loan Program, or FL HLP, provides up to $12,500 in assistance.
Unlike Florida Assist, FL HLP is an amortizing second mortgage. The current program is structured as a 30-year second mortgage at 3% interest, which means it comes with its own monthly payment.
This can still reduce the amount of money a buyer needs upfront, but it is important to include the second mortgage payment when comparing monthly costs.
Florida Housing PLUS Programs
Florida Housing also offers PLUS assistance through certain conventional mortgage programs.
Eligible borrowers may receive assistance equal to 3%, 4% or 5% of the first mortgage loan amount.
The assistance is structured as a forgivable second mortgage, with a portion forgiven each year over five years as long as program requirements are met.
One important thing to understand is that the amount of assistance you choose may affect the terms and interest rate of the first mortgage.
That is why it is worth comparing more than just the amount of down payment help.
County and City Down Payment Assistance Programs
Florida’s local housing programs can sometimes provide substantially more assistance than statewide programs.
But they are also more likely to have limited funding, short application windows and location-specific requirements.
Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County has offered homebuyer assistance through programs funded by SHIP, HOME and other housing initiatives.
Some purchase assistance programs have offered eligible buyers up to $100,000, depending on household income, funding source and program requirements.
Palm Beach County has also introduced programs such as the Homebuyer Match Pilot Program, which offered up to $50,000 in assistance during a limited 2026 application period.
Because Palm Beach County programs can open and close based on funding cycles, buyers should check current availability before relying on a specific assistance amount. See our full breakdown of the Palm Beach County SHIP program for more detail.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County offers multiple homeownership assistance options.
Its Down Payment Assistance Program may provide eligible buyers with up to $35,000 through a 0% deferred loan.
Miami-Dade also operates a separate Homebuyer Loan Program that can provide substantially more assistance for qualifying buyers. Depending on the property location and program criteria, assistance may reach up to $80,000 or $100,000.
Because these are different programs with different repayment structures and eligibility requirements, buyers should not assume the largest advertised assistance amount will automatically apply to their purchase.
Broward County
Broward County offers purchase assistance to income-eligible homebuyers, with assistance amounts varying by the city where the property is located.
Many participating communities offer assistance of up to $80,000, while some cities have different limits. West Park, for example, has offered assistance of up to $120,000.
Because the amount can change by municipality, buyers should check the current program limits for the specific city where they plan to purchase.
Orange County
Orange County’s Down Payment Assistance Program provides assistance based on household income.
Eligible buyers may receive up to:
- $70,000 for very-low-income households
- $40,000 for low-income households
- $10,000 for moderate-income households
The assistance is generally structured as a deferred loan.
City of Orlando
Homebuyers purchasing within Orlando city limits may have access to a separate city homebuyer assistance program.
The City of Orlando program has offered:
- Up to $45,000 for very-low-income households
- Up to $35,000 for low-income households
- Up to $20,000 for moderate-income households
However, the city is not currently accepting new applications as of September 2026.
Hillsborough County and Tampa
Hillsborough County’s Home Sweet Home program provides eligible buyers with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Current program amounts include:
- Up to $15,000 for qualifying purchases in Hillsborough County
- Up to $5,000 for qualifying purchases within the City of Tampa
The assistance is structured as a 0% deferred second mortgage.
The City of Tampa also operates its own Dare to Own the Dream program, which may provide up to $50,000 in assistance depending on household income and eligibility. That assistance may be forgiven after 20 years of qualifying owner occupancy.
Jacksonville and Duval County
Jacksonville’s Head Start to HOME Ownership program, commonly called H2H, helps eligible first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs.
The current program provides up to $25,000 in assistance for qualifying buyers purchasing within Jacksonville.
Can You Combine Down Payment Assistance Programs?
Sometimes.
Florida Housing down payment assistance programs generally cannot be combined with another Florida Housing DPA product.
However, assistance from a separate county, city or housing agency may sometimes be layered with a Florida Housing program.
Whether the programs can be combined depends on both programs’ guidelines, lien position requirements and the first mortgage being used.
How to Find the Right Program
Instead of starting with the question, “Which program gives me the most money?” start with a few basics.
Where are you buying? County and city programs are tied to specific locations.
What is your household income? Many assistance programs use income limits based on household size and location.
Are you considered a first-time homebuyer? For many programs, a first-time buyer generally means you have not owned a primary residence during the previous three years.
What type of mortgage are you using? Assistance may be available with conventional, FHA, VA or USDA financing, depending on the program.
Can multiple programs be combined? In some cases, yes.
Don’t Compare Down Payment Help by Dollar Amount Alone
A program offering more assistance is not automatically the least expensive option.
Some assistance programs are tied to specific first mortgage products and interest rates. Choosing a higher assistance amount may sometimes mean accepting a different mortgage rate or repayment structure.
When comparing programs, look at the complete picture:
- Cash needed at closing
- First mortgage interest rate
- Monthly mortgage payment
- Second mortgage payment, if applicable
- Repayment requirements
- Forgiveness terms
- Long-term cost of the financing
The best option is the one that works for your finances both at closing and after you move in.
Ready to See What You May Qualify For?
There are dozens of state and local homebuyer assistance options throughout Florida, and the program that makes the most sense for you can depend on something as specific as the city where you plan to buy.
You do not have to figure it out on your own.
Schedule a call with Wilson Enriquez at Ideal Lending. We can look at where you’re buying, your income, your financing options and the programs currently available to see which ones may fit your situation.
FAQ
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
Not always. Many programs define a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not owned a primary residence during the previous three years. Some programs provide exceptions for veterans, military members or buyers purchasing in certain designated areas. Requirements vary by program.
How do I apply for down payment assistance?
It depends on the program. Florida Housing programs are generally accessed through participating mortgage lenders. Some city and county programs have their own application process, require homebuyer education or require you to use an approved local lender.
Can I combine more than one assistance program?
Potentially. Florida Housing DPA products generally cannot be combined with one another, but a Florida Housing program may sometimes be combined with assistance from another city, county or agency. Your lender will need to confirm whether the specific programs can be layered.
Does down payment assistance affect my mortgage rate?
It can. Some assistance programs are paired with specific first mortgage products and rates. In certain programs, selecting a larger amount of assistance may also mean a different first mortgage rate. Compare the assistance amount, mortgage rate, monthly payment and long-term cost together before deciding which option makes the most sense.
Do I have to pay down payment assistance back?
Sometimes, depending on how the program is structured. Some assistance is forgivable after you meet certain occupancy requirements. Some is deferred until you sell or refinance. Other programs use an amortizing second mortgage with monthly payments. Make sure you understand the repayment requirements before choosing a program.
Are Florida down payment assistance programs always available?
No. Many programs operate with limited funding. County and city programs in particular may temporarily stop accepting applications when funding is committed and reopen when additional money becomes available. Program amounts, eligibility requirements and availability can also change throughout the year.
Program information is current as of September 2026 and is subject to change. Assistance is subject to program availability, eligibility requirements and lender approval. Not all applicants will qualify.
