Down Payment Assistance Programs in Florida

Down Payment Assistance Programs

Down payment is the number-one barrier to homeownership in Florida. Fortunately, Florida has one of the most active DPA landscapes in the country — Florida Housing programs, county and city bond programs, and specialty programs for teachers, first responders, veterans, and healthcare workers. Here's how they actually work and how to combine them with your loan.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation Programs

The state-level programs administered by Florida Housing are the most widely available. They pair with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages.

FL Assist (Second Mortgage)

Up to $10,000 in the form of a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. No monthly payment. Repaid when you sell, refinance, transfer title, or pay off the first mortgage.

Florida HFA Preferred / HFA Advantage (3%, 4%, 5%)

A grant equal to 3%, 4%, or 5% of the first-mortgage loan amount, usable for down payment and/or closing costs. Pairs with a conventional HFA Preferred first mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance pricing.

Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program

Reduced-rate first mortgage for active military and veterans, layerable with FL Assist or the HFA grants. No first-time buyer requirement.

Florida Hometown Heroes

Program status has fluctuated recently — availability, funding, and eligibility change with each legislative session. When available, it provides substantial DPA for full-time Florida workforce employees (teachers, first responders, nurses, military, and others).

Program funding is finite

Florida Housing programs are funded from bond proceeds and can run out mid-year and re-open when new funding is authorized. If a program is on the table, apply while it's active — don't wait.

County & City Programs

Many Florida counties and cities operate their own SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) or bond-funded DPA programs on top of Florida Housing. Assistance amounts and terms vary widely. Examples of active jurisdictions include Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, Duval, Pinellas, Polk, and many smaller counties.

Local programs commonly offer:

$7,500 to $60,000+ in DPA depending on the jurisdiction and program
Deferred, silent, or partially forgivable second mortgages
Income limits typically 80–140% of area median income
Required homebuyer education (HUD-approved online course, ~$100)
Owner-occupancy requirement (usually the full life of the second)

How DPA Layers With Your Loan

DPA works alongside — not instead of — your first mortgage:

FHA + DPA: the most common pairing. 3.5% minimum down is often fully covered by DPA plus closing-cost assistance.
Conventional (HFA Preferred) + DPA: 3% down conventional with reduced mortgage insurance and grant funds toward that 3%.
VA + DPA: VA needs no down payment, but DPA can cover closing costs and the VA funding fee.
USDA + DPA: USDA is already zero-down; DPA can cover closing costs and prepaids.

Typical Eligibility Requirements

First-time buyer (no ownership in previous 3 years) — waived for veterans and targeted areas
Income at or below program limits for your household size and county
Purchase price at or below program limits
Owner-occupied primary residence only
Minimum credit score, usually 640 for Florida Housing
HUD-approved homebuyer education course completion
Minimum borrower contribution (varies; often $1,000)

Common Questions

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use DPA in Florida?

Most Florida Housing programs require you to be a first-time buyer (no ownership in the last 3 years), but there are exceptions — veterans and buyers in federally-designated targeted areas often qualify without the first-time requirement.

How much down payment assistance can I get?

It depends on the program. Florida Housing's FL Assist provides up to $10,000. HFA Preferred / Advantage 3%/4%/5% grants provide 3–5% of the loan amount. Some county and city bond programs offer $15,000–$60,000+ in specific areas. We can layer additional employer- or non-profit-based assistance on top of that.

Is DPA a grant or a loan?

Both exist. Grants never have to be repaid. Deferred/silent second mortgages carry no monthly payment and are repaid at sale, refinance, or payoff. A few programs are forgivable — the balance decreases each year you stay in the home until it hits zero.

Are there income limits?

Yes. Florida Housing's income limits vary by county and household size. As a rough guide, they run 80–140% of area median income depending on program. We check eligibility using your actual documented income before you apply.

What to Do Next

Tell us the county you want to buy in and your household income — in one call we'll match you to every DPA program you're eligible for at the state, county, and city level, and show you a full-picture payment with the DPA layered in.