DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE is available to first time homebuyers! Check back for updates to new and available programs!
Down Payment Assistance in Central Florida
The down payment is often the part of buying a home that makes people say, “Maybe next year.” Before you put your plans on hold, let’s see whether an assistance program could help.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage programs through participating lenders. Eligible buyers may also qualify for help with down payment and closing costs. Income limits, purchase price limits and other requirements vary by program and county. floridahousing.org
What assistance is available?
| Program | How it works |
|---|---|
| Florida Assist | Offers up to $10,000 as a 0% deferred second mortgage. There is no monthly payment, but the assistance is not forgiven and must be repaid when certain events occur, such as selling or refinancing. |
| Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP) | Offers $12,500 as a second mortgage with a 3% interest rate and a 30-year term. It has a monthly payment. |
| HFA Preferred or HFA Advantage PLUS | Offers 3%, 4% or 5% of the first mortgage loan amount as a second mortgage that is forgiven over five years, subject to program terms. It is available with specified Florida Housing conventional loans. |
Florida Housing’s assistance programs above must be paired with an eligible Florida Housing first mortgage; they are not stand-alone grants. floridahousing.org
What about Hometown Heroes? Florida Housing also has a Hometown Heroes program for eligible buyers in specified occupations. Its assistance can be substantial, but funding is limited: Florida Housing announced that all available funding for the 2025–2026 fiscal year had been committed. Ask a participating lender to check its current funding status before counting it toward your purchase. floridahousing.org
Could you qualify?
Florida Housing’s standard Homebuyer Program lists a minimum credit score of 640, approved homebuyer education, a participating lender, and county-specific income and purchase price limits. Its first-time buyer rule generally means you have not owned and occupied a primary residence during the three years before your purchase. A lender can review the rules for the specific loan and assistance program that fits you. floridahousing.org
Local programs may be worth checking, too. Florida’s SHIP program sends funds to counties and participating cities, which may use them for down payment and closing cost assistance under their own local rules. Availability depends on the local program and its funding. State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program
Ready to find out what may be available for your home search? Email homes@happyheather.realtor and ask for my preferred lender list. We can connect you with a lender who can review your options before you fall in love with a house—and its monthly payment.
Explore Florida Housing’s Homebuyer Program · Explore the Hometown Heroes Program
Information reviewed September 27, 2026. Program terms, eligibility and funding can change. A participating lender must confirm current options and qualification.
