First-time homebuyer programs and grants in Florida
Senior Content Writer
Quick insights
- Florida first-time homebuyer programs include the Florida Housing Homebuyer Program, Florida Assist, the Florida Homeownership Loan Program and Florida Hometown Heroes.
- Eligible homebuyers may receive a fixed-rate first mortgage and assistance with their down payment or closing costs, but some assistance is structured as a repayable second mortgage, not a grant.
- Florida housing programs may require a certain credit score, completion of approved homebuyer education, and compliance with county income and purchase-price limits.
From coastal communities to growing cities such as Miami, Orlando and Tampa, Florida offers attractive places to purchase a first home. However, saving enough for a down payment and closing costs can still be difficult. Florida first-time homebuyer assistance programsOpens overlay may help qualified homebuyers reduce those upfront costs and secure affordable mortgage financing. Let’s review several that may be available.
Florida first-time homebuyer programs
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation, commonly called Florida Housing, works with approved mortgage lenders to provide home loans and down payment assistance programs throughout the state. Eligibility and assistance amounts depend on the homebuyer’s income, credit score, loan type and the county where the home is located.
Florida Housing Homebuyer Program
This program offers 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgages through participating lenders and may be combined with eligible down payment and closing cost assistance. Prospective homebuyers generally need a minimum credit score of 640, must complete an approved homebuyer education course and meet county income and purchase-price limits. Applicants generally cannot have owned and lived in their own home in the past three years, and they must plan to live in the home as their primary residence.
Florida Assist
Florida Assist provides up to $10,000 toward a down payment and closing costs when paired with an eligible Florida Housing FHA, VA, USDA or conventional mortgage. Assistance comes as a 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage with no regular monthly payments, but it is not forgivable. The balance becomes due when you sell the property, transfer the deed, refinance the home, pay off the first mortgage or stop using the property as your primary residence.
Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP) Second Mortgage
The FL HLP Second Mortgage provides $12,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. It is a 30-year, fully amortizing second mortgage with a 3% annual interest rate. This means you make regular payments every month for 30 years until the loan is completely paid off, starting right after you close on your new home. The second mortgage carries a monthly payment, which may be considered in your debt-to-income ratio during underwriting.
Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
The 2026 Hometown Heroes program is limited to eligible full-time health care workers, school staff members, first responders, public safety or court employees, childcare workers, qualifying military members and certain employed veterans. This program helps eligible, income-qualified workers purchase a primary residence.
Qualifying buyers may receive 5% of the first mortgage amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, for their down payment and closing costs. The assistance is a 0% interest, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage that is not forgivable. You must pay it back completely if you sell the home, refinance or move out.
Regional and city programs in Florida
Some Florida cities and counties offer additional help with down payment and closing costs.
- Miami-Dade County: Miami-Dade CountyOpens overlay offers up to $15,000 in down payment assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers as a deferred 0% second mortgage. Applicants must meet income limits, qualify for an approved mortgage and purchase a primary residence in the county.
- Orlando: The City of OrlandoOpens overlay may provide up assistance to eligible, approved applicants. They must complete a homebuyer education workshop, obtain a fixed-rate mortgage through a city-registered lender and purchase within Orlando city limits.
- Tampa: Tampa’s Dare to Own the Dream programOpens overlay offers up to $50,000 toward down payment and closing costs. Applicants must meet income limits, complete homebuyer education and purchase an eligible home within Tampa.
Applying to Florida first-time homebuyer programs
Here are some tips for the process of choosing and applying to an assistance program.
- Review your credit and finances. Check your credit score, monthly debts, income and available savings to understand which mortgage and assistance programs may fit your situation.
- Estimate your homebuying costs. Use a homebuyer assistance calculator to estimate your down payment, closing costs and potential monthly mortgage payment.
- Confirm your first-time homebuyer status. Florida Housing defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not owned and occupied a primary residence within the previous three years, although some exceptions may apply.
- Compare state and local assistance. Review Florida Housing programs and contact the housing office in the city or county where you plan to purchase. Program funding and requirements can change, so researching assistance before making an offer or finalizing a mortgage can be helpful.
- Confirm funding availability. Assistance programs may have limited funding that is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Review the repayment requirements. Some programs provide forgivable assistance, while others require repayment when you sell, refinance, transfer the home or stop using it as your primary residence. Availability depends on the program.
- Complete homebuyer education. Take an approved course early, since education or counseling is required for many state and local programs.
- Work with an approved lender. Florida Housing programs must be accessed through a participating lender that can evaluate your eligibility, process the mortgage and determine the available assistance. Lenders may request tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, identification, information about your current liabilities and more.
In summary
Florida first-time homebuyer programs can help buyers become homeowners through distinct mortgage options and assistance with the down payment or closing costs. Programs include the Florida Assist, the Florida Homeownership Loan Program and Florida Hometown Heroes. Each has different eligibility, funding and repayment requirements.
Comparing statewide and local options (and working with an approved Florida home lending advisor) can help you find the assistance that best fits your budget and homebuying goals.
