70 Florida First-Time Home Buyer Grants & Programs | 2026

Did you know that tens of thousands of Florida first-time home buyers will receive $35,000 in assistance for down payments and closing costs this year?

And that's from just one grant.

See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For

Our guide explores 70 first-time home buyer grants and programs available in Florida that will be funded through the end of 2026.

Learn how much financial aid you can receive, what you need to qualify, and check your eligibility.

Requirements for First-Time Home Buyer Grants & Programs

Understand that you, a first-time buyer in Florida, can access 70 grants and programs that may save you thousands of dollars buying your first home.

These include cash grants, tax credits, and reduced mortgage rates.

While each of these grants and programs have unique terms, the general qualifications include:

• Being a first-time home buyer according to the program's definition.

• Completing a home buyer education course.

• Adhering to specified income and purchase price limits.

• Purchasing a property in an approved area.

• Using the home as your primary residence.

Florida Statewide Programs

These are the major statewide options most Florida homebuyers should check first before layering on any county or city assistance.

#1. Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program

Help: Up to 5% of your loan amount (max $35,000) as a 0% interest second mortgage, forgiven after 5 years if you stay in the home.
Best For: Teachers, nurses, law enforcement, military, and other eligible workers (see full job list).
Basics: 640+ credit, income within county limits, must live in the home as your primary residence.

#2. Florida Assist Down Payment Loan (FL Assist)

Help: $10,000 at 0% interest with no monthly payments; repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage.
Best For: First-time buyers who want help at closing without raising their monthly payment.
Basics: 640+ credit, first-time homebuyer, must live in the home.

#3. Florida HLP Down Payment Loan (FL HLP)

Help: $12,500 second mortgage at 3% interest with a small monthly payment.
Best For: Buyers who need more than $10,000 and can handle an extra monthly payment.
Basics: 640+ credit, income within county limits, must live in the home as your primary residence.

#4. Florida HFA Preferred Plus Conventional Program

Help: 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount as a repayable second mortgage with interest.
Best For: Conventional loan buyers who don’t qualify for Hometown Heroes but still need help with down payment and closing costs.
Basics: 640+ credit, must meet income limits, must occupy the home.

#5. Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program

Help: Special fixed-rate first mortgage with access to down payment and closing cost assistance options for eligible military borrowers.
Best For: Active-duty service members, veterans, and certain surviving spouses buying a home in Florida.
Basics: Must meet military service eligibility, use the home as your primary residence, and qualify under program income, purchase price, and credit score guidelines.

South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe)

#6. Miami-Dade County Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Interest-free, deferred-payment assistance (often up to around $35,000) to cover part of your down payment and closing costs.
Best For: First-time buyers with steady income but limited savings who want to buy anywhere in Miami-Dade County.
Basics: Must meet county income and purchase-price limits, be a first-time homebuyer, use an approved first mortgage, and live in the home as your primary residence.

#7. Miami-Dade Advocacy Trust Grant ($28,500)

Help: Up to $28,500 for down payment and closing costs as a 0% interest, no-payment second mortgage that’s fully forgiven after 20 years if you stay in the home and follow program rules.
Best For: Miami-Dade buyers under local income limits who need a big chunk of upfront help and plan to own long-term.
Basics: Must be a first-time homebuyer, meet income and purchase-price caps, buy in Miami-Dade County, complete homebuyer education, and occupy the home as your primary residence.

#8. Miami-Dade HFA First-Time Homebuyer Program

Help: Down payment help bundled with a Miami-Dade Housing Finance Authority first mortgage—typically a percentage of your loan amount in assistance that doesn’t have to be repaid if guidelines are met.
Best For: First-time buyers who want a 30-year fixed HFA loan and like built-in assistance instead of a separate second mortgage.
Basics: Must meet HFA income, credit, and purchase-price guidelines, work with an approved lender, buy in Miami-Dade County, and live in the home as your primary residence.

#9. Broward County Homebuyer Purchase Assistance (HPA) Program

Help: 0% interest, deferred-payment second mortgage to cover down payment and closing costs—often up to a high amount (sometimes around $80,000) based on need, income, and funding.
Best For: Lower-income first-time buyers in Broward who need a large subsidy to make today’s prices work.
Basics: Generally for households at or below about 80% of area median income; must contribute some of your own funds, complete homebuyer education, get first-mortgage pre-approval, buy in Broward, and live in the home for the full affordability period for forgiveness.

#10. Broward County CDBG Purchase Assistance Program

Help: Extra down payment and closing-cost help funded with federal CDBG dollars, usually layered on top of Broward’s main purchase-assistance options for very low- and low-income buyers.
Best For: Buyers at the lower end of the income range who qualify for Broward HPA but still need more subsidy to close the gap.
Basics: Must meet HUD income limits (generally ≤80% of area median income), purchase in participating Broward communities, complete counseling, and occupy the home as your primary residence for the required affordability period.

#11. City of Fort Lauderdale Purchase Assistance Program

Help: Up to around $75,000 in 0% interest, deferred-payment assistance for down payment, closing costs, or principal reduction on a home in Fort Lauderdale.
Best For: First-time buyers who want to stay in Fort Lauderdale and need a large local subsidy to make the numbers work.
Basics: Income and purchase-price limits apply; must be a first-time homebuyer, buy within city limits, complete homebuyer education, and keep the home as your primary residence through the affordability period for forgiveness.

#12. City of Hallandale Beach First-Time Homebuyer Grant ($50,000+)

Help: 0% interest, forgivable loan from the Hallandale Beach CRA—typically $50,000–$100,000+ for down payment and closing costs, with possible extra incentives for certain workforce buyers.
Best For: First-time buyers willing to live inside the Hallandale Beach CRA area and commit to staying long term (often 10+ years).
Basics: Must meet income limits (roughly 50–140% of Broward median, depending on tier), buy an eligible home in the CRA district, complete counseling, and keep the home owner-occupied for the full affordability period to have the loan forgiven.

#13. City of Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program

Help: Up to about $75,000 in a deferred-payment second mortgage for down payment and closing costs on a home in Lauderhill.
Best For: Very low- to moderate-income first-time buyers targeting Lauderhill specifically.
Basics: SHIP-funded program; income limits apply, must be a first-time buyer, purchase within city limits, complete a HUD-approved homebuyer class, and live in the home through the affordability period.

#14. City of Pembroke Pines SHIP & HOME Purchase Assistance Programs

Help: State SHIP and HOME funds used as a deferred-payment loan to cover part of your down payment and closing costs when you buy in Pembroke Pines (exact award varies by income, need, and funding).
Best For: First-time buyers already focused on Pembroke Pines who just need moderate help with cash to close.
Basics: Must meet SHIP or HOME income limits (often up to 120% of area median income), complete homebuyer education, buy within city limits, and occupy the home as your primary residence for the required affordability period.

#15. City of Sunrise First-Time Homebuyer Program

Help: 0% interest, deferred loan that can cover down payment, closing costs, and sometimes minor repairs when you purchase a home in Sunrise.
Best For: First-time buyers with steady income but limited savings who want to live in Sunrise.
Basics: Income and price caps apply; must complete a homebuyer education course, use an approved first mortgage, buy in Sunrise, and occupy the home for the full affordability period.

#16. City of Miramar First-Time Homebuyer Program

Help: Up to around $90,000 in 0% interest, deferred assistance for down payment and closing costs on a Miramar home, with some variants offering smaller amounts for moderate-income buyers.
Best For: Low- to moderate-income first-time buyers who want to stay in Miramar and need a large subsidy to bridge the affordability gap.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer, meet income and purchase-price limits, get a first-mortgage pre-approval, buy within city limits, complete counseling, and keep the home as your primary residence through the affordability term.

#17. Palm Beach County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

Help: Up to about $100,000 as a 0% interest, long-term deferred loan for down payment, closing costs, and sometimes repair/rehab on your first home in Palm Beach County.
Best For: First-time buyers who qualify under SHIP income limits and need major gap financing in high-cost Palm Beach County.
Basics: Must be a first-time homebuyer, secure a first-mortgage pre-approval, buy a home under the county’s price cap, and live there as your primary residence; the loan is forgiven if you comply with program rules through the full term.

#18. Palm Beach County HOME First-Time Homebuyer Program

Help: Up to about $100,000 in 0% interest, deferred assistance for down payment, closing costs, and acquisition—using federal HOME funds aimed at lower-income buyers.
Best For: Palm Beach County households under roughly 80% of area median income who qualify for a standard mortgage but can’t save enough for a down payment.
Basics: Must meet HUD HOME income and asset limits, meet the first-time homebuyer definition, purchase within county price limits, and occupy the home as your primary residence for the full affordability period.

#19. City of Marathon First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program

Help: Up to about $20,000 in down payment assistance as a 0% interest loan with no monthly payments and prorated forgiveness after a long-term residency period (often 30 years).
Best For: First-time buyers who live or work in the Middle Keys and want to purchase within the City of Marathon.
Basics: Income limits apply; home must be in Marathon and owner-occupied; assistance is structured as a community second mortgage that’s forgiven if you meet the long-term residency requirement.

#20. Monroe County SHIP Homebuyer Assistance (Florida Keys)

Help: Countywide SHIP assistance that can provide up to around $25,000 in 0% interest, deferred assistance for down payment and closing costs.
Best For: Key West and Florida Keys buyers who meet SHIP income limits and need modest help to buy in Monroe County’s high-price market.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer, purchase in Monroe County, meet very low- to moderate-income limits, and agree to SHIP recapture or shared-appreciation rules when you sell, refinance, or move out of the home.

Central Florida (Orlando, Space Coast, Polk)

#21. City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Up to $45,000 in 0% interest, forgivable help for down payment and closing costs on homes inside Orlando city limits.
Best For: First-time buyers in Central Florida who can qualify for a fixed-rate mortgage but need a big boost for upfront cash.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer, meet income limits, complete a HUD-approved class, use a city-registered lender, buy within Orlando city limits, and live in the home for about 10 years for full forgiveness.

#22. Orange County FL Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: 0% interest, 10-year deferred loan up to $70,000 (very low income), $40,000 (low), or $10,000 (moderate) for down payment and closing costs.
Best For: Orange County renters who can afford a first mortgage payment but don’t have enough saved for closing.
Basics: First-time buyer, 620+ middle credit score, income within HUD limits, recent residency in approved Central Florida counties, complete homebuyer education, buy an eligible home in Orange County under the price cap, and stay in the home for 10 years for forgiveness.

#23. Osceola County SHIP Purchase Assistance

Help: Interest-free second mortgage up to $80,000 (very low income), $60,000 (low), or $40,000 (moderate) for down payment, closing costs, and principal reduction.
Best For: First-time buyers in Osceola County who are “mortgage ready” but short tens of thousands of dollars in upfront funds.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer, income typically ≤120% of area median, complete an 8-hour HUD-approved class, contribute at least $1,000 of your own funds, buy an eligible home in Osceola County under the price cap, and live in the home as your primary residence.

#24. HANDS of Central Florida Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: HUD-approved homebuyer education classes and one-on-one counseling that satisfy the education requirement for many Central Florida down payment assistance programs.
Best For: Buyers in Central Florida counties who plan to use city/county DPA and need the required education certificate plus credit/budget coaching.
Basics: HANDS itself doesn’t give grant money; you complete their seminar or counseling, get a certificate, and your lender uses that with whichever city or county DPA program you’re applying for.

#25. City of Winter Haven SHIP Purchase Assistance

Help: Up to $60,000 in SHIP-funded, 0% interest down payment and closing cost help for homes within Winter Haven city limits.
Best For: Low- to moderate-income first-time buyers who want to purchase in Winter Haven and have solid income but limited savings.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer, meet income limits, complete an 8-hour homebuyer workshop, buy an eligible home in Winter Haven under the price cap, and sign a 0% deferred, forgivable note and mortgage with a multi-year residency requirement.

#26. Sumter County Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Up to $20,000 as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage for down payment and closing costs on a home in Sumter County.
Best For: Income-eligible buyers (including workers around The Villages and other Sumter communities) who can afford the monthly mortgage but need help at closing.
Basics: Must meet SHIP income and eligibility rules, buy an eligible home in Sumter County, work with an approved lender, and repay the loan if you sell, refinance, or stop living in the home as your primary residence.

#27. Volusia County Homebuyer Assistance Program

Help: Up to $75,000 as a 0% interest, 15-year deferred/forgivable loan for down payment and closing costs.
Best For: First-time, income-eligible buyers anywhere in Volusia County who need a large amount of gap financing to get into a home.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer, meet federal and state income limits, purchase an approved home under the county price cap, apply through an Affordable Housing Partner, and live in the home during the 15-year affordability period for full forgiveness.

#28. Brevard County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

Help: SHIP-funded 0% interest second mortgage that can reach roughly $60,000–$75,000 for the lowest-income households, covering down payment, closing costs, and sometimes repairs.
Best For: Very low- to moderate-income buyers purchasing in Brevard County (outside city-specific programs) who need deep assistance to make the numbers work.
Basics: Typically for first-time buyers under SHIP income limits using a 30-year fixed mortgage; you work through Community Housing Initiative and an approved lender, buy an eligible home in Brevard County, and keep it as your primary residence for the full deferred-loan term.

#29. City of Melbourne Purchase Assistance Program

Help: City of Melbourne SHIP funds (administered by CHI) can provide around $40,000+ in 0% interest assistance for down payment, closing costs, and sometimes minor repairs on homes inside city limits.
Best For: First-time buyers who want to live in Melbourne and need more than just a small grant to get to the closing table.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer, meet income and purchase-price limits, complete homebuyer education, buy within Melbourne city limits, and accept a deferred 0% second mortgage with an affordability period.

#30. City of Palm Bay Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Palm Bay’s SHIP-funded program (often via CHI) offers a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage that can cover most or all of your minimum down payment and some closing costs on a home in Palm Bay.
Best For: First-time buyers targeting Palm Bay who qualify for a first mortgage but need substantial help with upfront cash.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer under city income and price caps, complete homebuyer education, purchase within Palm Bay city limits, and agree to a deferred 0% second mortgage that becomes due if you sell, refinance, or stop occupying the home during the affordability period.

#31. City of Titusville First-Time Homebuyer Program

Help: Up to $70,000 in assistance as a 0% interest, deferred loan for down payment, closing costs, and/or interest rate buy-down on homes within Titusville city limits.
Best For: Low-income first-time buyers who want to stay in Titusville and need a big boost to get into an affordable payment.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer, meet SHIP income limits, complete a homebuyer training workshop, buy an eligible property in Titusville under local price caps, and accept a forgivable second mortgage with a 5–15 year affordability period depending on assistance.

#32. City of Cocoa Purchase Assistance Program

Help: Forgivable SHIP-funded purchase assistance for very low- and low-income first-time buyers in Cocoa, covering down payment, closing costs, and sometimes needed repairs.
Best For: Lower-income buyers committed to purchasing within Cocoa city limits who are willing to complete counseling and meet SHIP guidelines.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer, meet SHIP income limits, buy an eligible home in Cocoa (with some property-type and age restrictions), work with CHI and an approved lender, and keep the home as your primary residence through the program’s forgivable-loan period.

Tampa Bay & West Central (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee)

#33. City of Tampa “Dare to Own the Dream” Program

Help: Up to $50,000 in 0% interest down payment and closing cost assistance as a “silent second” loan, fully forgivable after 20 years of continuous owner-occupancy.
Best For: First-time buyers purchasing within Tampa city limits who need a bigger chunk of help than most programs offer.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer under household income and purchase price limits, complete city-approved homebuyer counseling, use an approved lender/agent, and live in the home as your primary residence.

#34. Hillsborough Home Sweet Home Program

Help: Up to $10,000 in 0% interest down payment and closing cost assistance as a 30-year deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments.
Best For: First-time buyers anywhere in Hillsborough County who have solid credit but are short on upfront cash.
Basics: Must be a first-time homebuyer (with some exceptions), meet county income and price limits, have roughly a 660+ credit score, complete homebuyer education, and occupy the home within about 60 days of closing.

#35. City of St. Petersburg Housing Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Up to $75,000 toward down payment and closing costs for eligible first-time buyers within St. Petersburg city limits.
Best For: Buyers targeting homes inside the city who need much more than a typical $10,000–$15,000 assistance amount.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer, purchase within St. Petersburg, meet income and purchase price caps, complete a homebuyer education class, and use the home as a primary residence.

#36. Pinellas County Housing Finance Authority First-Time Homebuyer Program

Help: Up to $7,500 in 0% interest, non-amortizing down payment and closing cost assistance through the Home Key Plus second mortgage.
Best For: First-time buyers (or eligible veterans) in Pinellas County who mainly need a modest boost to cover cash-to-close.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer (or qualifying veteran), meet income and price limits, contribute at least $1,000 of your own funds, complete an 8-hour HUD-approved class, and buy a primary residence in Pinellas County.

#37. Pasco County Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Up to $65,000 in 0% interest assistance as a long-term second mortgage, with the maximum amount based on your income tier (very low, low, or moderate).
Best For: Lower- and moderate-income buyers in Pasco County who need substantial help to get into a home, not just a small grant.
Basics: Must meet SHIP income limits (often up to 120% of area median income), buy in Pasco County, complete homebuyer education, and live in the home; some tiers are fully forgiven after long-term occupancy while others are repaid over time.

#38. Hernando County SHIP Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Typically up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs, with an option for additional rehab funds (often up to about $20,000) as a 0% interest subordinate loan.
Best For: First-time or income-eligible buyers in Hernando County who may also need light repairs or updates on the home they’re buying.
Basics: Must meet SHIP income guidelines, purchase in Hernando County, use the home as a primary residence, complete homebuyer education, and keep the home long enough for forgiveness or repay the loan if you move or sell early.

#39. Manatee County HFA Homeownership Program

Help: Down payment and closing cost assistance (commonly up to around $15,000) paired with a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage, usually as a 0% deferred second mortgage.
Best For: Low- to moderate-income buyers in Manatee County who want both a competitive first-mortgage rate and help with cash-to-close.
Basics: Must meet first-time buyer rules (with some exceptions), stay under income and purchase price limits, complete approved homebuyer education, and occupy the home in Manatee County as a primary residence.

#40. Sarasota County “Own a Home Opportunity” Program

Help: Up to $10,500 in 0% interest down payment and closing cost assistance as a 30-year deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments.
Best For: First-time buyers in Sarasota County using FHA, VA, USDA, or HFA Advantage conventional loans who need a mid-sized boost for their down payment.
Basics: Must be a first-time buyer (or meet targeted-area exceptions), have at least a 640 credit score, stay under income and purchase price caps, complete approved homebuyer education, and occupy the home within about 60 days of closing.

Southwest Florida (Lee, Collier, Charlotte)

#41. Lee County FirstPlus Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage (due when you sell, refinance, transfer, or rent out the home).
Best For: First-time buyers using FHA, VA, or USDA loans in Lee County (and partner counties) who just need a modest boost to cover upfront cash.
Basics: First-time homebuyer, 640+ credit score, within program income and DTI limits, must live in the home as your primary residence and move in within about 60 days.

#42. Lee County CDBG Homeownership Assistance Program

Help: Up to 50% of the lender-required down payment, plus extra subsidy if needed, capped at $75,000, as a 0% interest second mortgage forgiven over 5 years if you stay.
Best For: Low-income buyers purchasing in unincorporated Lee County who need a larger down payment boost to keep their monthly payment affordable.
Basics: Max purchase price around $380,000; must meet HUD low-income limits, complete a HUD-approved homebuyer class, keep front-end DTI near 35% and back-end near 45%, and occupy the home as your homesteaded primary residence.

#43. Lee County HOME Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Up to 10% of the purchase price (capped at about $34,000) as a 0% interest second mortgage that forgives 10% per year over 10 years if you stay in the home.
Best For: First-time or returning buyers without other property who are purchasing an existing home anywhere in Lee County and need help with both down payment and closing costs.
Basics: Existing single-family, condo, or townhouse up to roughly a $340,000 price cap; must complete HUD homebuyer education, meet income limits, not own other homes, and occupy as your principal residence.

#44. Collier County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

Help: Interest-free, deferred loan up to $75,000 (amount based on income level) to cover down payment and closing costs, with no monthly payments and repayment generally only when you sell or transfer.
Best For: First-time buyers in Collier County (Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, and unincorporated areas) who need a large, silent second to bring the home within budget.
Basics: Single-family, townhome, or condo under the current SHIP price cap; first-time buyer under the 3-year rule, HUD homebuyer class, pre-qualified for a first mortgage, within SHIP income and DTI limits, and must live in the home as your primary residence.

#45. Charlotte County SHIP Homebuyer Assistance Program

Help: Up to 10% of the purchase price (up to about a $75,000 lifetime cap) as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage for down payment, closing costs, and/or principal reduction, with no monthly payments.
Best For: Income-eligible first-time buyers living or working in Charlotte County who want a big, forgivable boost without increasing their monthly mortgage payment.
Basics: Typically for first-time buyers who have lived or worked in the county for at least 6 months, meet SHIP income and DTI limits, contribute some of their own funds, complete homebuyer education, and occupy the home as their primary residence.

North Central Florida (Ocala, Gainesville)

#46. Marion County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

Help: Provides up to about $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs for income-eligible buyers in Marion County.
Best For: First-time buyers in the Ocala/Marion County area who need modest assistance they can stack with state programs like Florida Assist or Hometown Heroes.
Basics: Funded through Florida’s SHIP program as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage—no monthly payment, typically repaid only if you sell, move, or otherwise violate program terms.

#47. Marion County Homebuyer Purchase Assistance

Help: Zero-interest second mortgage that covers part of your down payment and closing costs when buying in Marion County (outside Ocala city limits).
Best For: First-time buyers under roughly 140% of area median income who can qualify for a first mortgage but are short on cash to close.
Basics: Assistance is a 20–30-year, 0% deferred-payment SHIP second mortgage with no monthly payments; the loan is due if you sell, move out, rent the home, or do a cash-out refinance.

#48. City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Up to $30,000 toward down payment and closing costs on a home inside Gainesville city limits.
Best For: First-time buyers (or displaced homeowners) who meet HUD income limits and need a sizable boost for upfront costs.
Basics: Funds come as a due-on-sale loan that’s forgiven after about 10 years if you live in the home; you must complete the city’s homebuyer education workshop and use an approved lender.

#49. Alachua County SHIP Program

Help: SHIP funds help first-time buyers with part of the down payment and closing costs on a new or existing home in Alachua County, including some newer manufactured homes.
Best For: Low- to moderate-income buyers who want county-level down payment help in addition to any city programs like Gainesville’s DPA.
Basics: Assistance is awarded on a first-qualified, first-served basis as a deferred SHIP second mortgage—typically interest-free, with repayment triggered if you sell, move out, or stop meeting occupancy requirements.

#50. Levy County SHIP Purchase Assistance

Help: 0% interest, deferred-payment loan that can cover down payment and closing costs for income-eligible homebuyers in Levy County.
Best For: Very low- to moderate-income households buying an owner-occupied home in Levy County who need gap funding on top of their main mortgage.
Basics: All SHIP aid here is a deferred second mortgage with no interest or monthly payments, forgiven after an affordability period if you keep the home as your primary residence; mobile and manufactured homes are generally not eligible.

#51. Columbia County SHIP Purchase Assistance (SREC)

Help: SHIP loans through Suwannee River Economic Council help with down payment and closing costs for qualified buyers in Columbia County.
Best For: Low-income buyers in Columbia County who can qualify for a first mortgage but need extra funds at closing.
Basics: Assistance is delivered as a SHIP second mortgage—usually 0% interest with no monthly payments, due if you sell, rent, or move out before the required affordability period ends.

Northeast Florida (Jacksonville, St. Augustine)

#52. City of Jacksonville Down-Payment Assistance Home Ownership Program

Help: Covers up to 75% of your required down payment and closing costs (max $25,000) on a home up to $335,000 in Jacksonville/Duval County.
Best For: First-time buyers in Duval County who qualify for a mortgage but lack enough savings for cash-to-close.
Basics: No home ownership in last 3 years, income ≤120% AMI, 24 months Duval residency, own funds of at least $500, home price less than $335K, homestead as primary residence, repay if you sell within 3 years.

#53. St. Johns County SHIP Down Payment Assistance

Help: Up to $100,000 in 0% interest assistance for down payment, closing costs, principal reduction, and minor repairs via a 15-year deferred second mortgage.
Best For: First-time buyers living or working in St. Johns County who need significant upfront help.
Basics: No home ownership in last 3 years, income under SHIP limits, 640+ credit score, HUD-approved class, minimum $1,000 own funds, home price cap ~ $400K, occupancy required.

#54. Clay County SHIP Purchase Assistance

Help: Up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage with no monthly payment.
Best For: First-time buyers in Clay County using FHA/VA/USDA loans who need extra cash to close.
Basics: 640+ credit score, meet SHIP income limits, purchase price cap ~low $300Ks, complete homebuyer education, homestead the home as your primary residence.

The Panhandle (Pensacola, Tallahassee, Panama City)

#55. City of Pensacola ARPA Down Payment Assistance Program

Help: Up to $30,000 for down payment and closing costs as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments.
Best For: Low- to moderate-income first-time buyers purchasing within Pensacola city limits who need a big boost for cash to close.
Basics: First-time buyer, meet income and purchase price limits, buy inside Pensacola, complete an 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer class, and live in the home as your primary residence.

#56. SHIP First Time Homebuyers Program – Pensacola & Escambia County

Help: Up to $45,000 in combined down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, deferred-payment second mortgage.
Best For: Income-eligible first-time buyers purchasing in the City of Pensacola or Escambia County who want the largest local assistance option.
Basics: No home ownership in the last 3 years, within income and price caps, buy in Pensacola or Escambia County, use an approved lender, complete HUD-approved homebuyer education, and occupy the home.

#57. Escambia County HFA Homeownership Program

Help: Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, non-amortizing 30-year deferred second mortgage paired with a fixed-rate first mortgage.
Best For: First-time buyers in Escambia County who want an affordable 30-year mortgage plus help with cash to close.
Basics: Purchase in a participating county, meet income and purchase price limits, have around a 640+ credit score, complete homebuyer education, work with a participating lender, and live in the home.

#58. Okaloosa County SHIP Purchase Assistance

Help: Zero-interest SHIP loan that can cover a significant share of your down payment and closing costs, with maximum awards set in the county’s plan.
Best For: Income-qualified first-time buyers purchasing in Okaloosa County who are approved for a primary mortgage but short on cash to close.
Basics: Must meet SHIP income and purchase price limits, buy in Okaloosa County, complete required homebuyer education, apply during an open funding window, and occupy the home as your primary residence.

#59. Santa Rosa County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program

Help: Zero-interest, deferred-payment loan for down payment and closing costs, with assistance amounts that can reach roughly $35,000 depending on income and need.
Best For: First-time buyers in Santa Rosa County who plan to stay in the home long term and need substantial upfront help.
Basics: First-time buyer, purchase in Santa Rosa County, within SHIP/HOME income and price limits, complete homebuyer education, use an approved lender, and live in the home long enough for potential forgiveness.

#60. City of Panama City First-Time Homebuyers Program

Help: Up to $50,000 in assistance (typically $45,000 for down payment and up to $5,000 for closing costs) as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage.
Best For: Income-eligible first-time buyers purchasing within Panama City limits who need a large subsidy to make the numbers work.
Basics: No home in the last 3 years, buy inside Panama City, meet SHIP income and purchase price limits, complete homebuyer education, and occupy the home as your primary residence.

#61. Bay County SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program

Help: SHIP-funded, zero-interest deferred loan that helps with down payment, reasonable closing costs, and sometimes minor repairs.
Best For: First-time buyers in Bay County who can afford the monthly mortgage but need help reducing cash needed at closing.
Basics: Apply through Bay County Housing Services, meet SHIP income and purchase price limits, complete a first-time homebuyer class, purchase in Bay County, and occupy the home as your primary residence.

#62. Tallahassee Lenders’ Consortium (TLC) Down Payment Assistance

Help: Down payment and closing cost assistance up to 20% of the home’s purchase price, typically as a deferred, no-interest subordinate loan.
Best For: Low- to moderate-income first-time buyers purchasing within Tallahassee city limits who want strong assistance plus nonprofit counseling.
Basics: No ownership in last 3 years, income at or below program limits, buy in Tallahassee, secure a first mortgage from a qualified lender, complete TLC’s HUD-approved education, and live in the home.

#63. Gadsden County HFA Down Payment Assistance

Help: Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, non-amortizing 30-year deferred second mortgage through the local HFA.
Best For: First-time buyers purchasing in Gadsden County who want a fixed-rate first mortgage plus modest help with cash to close.
Basics: Buy an eligible home in Gadsden County, meet income and purchase price limits, be a first-time buyer (with some exceptions for veterans/target areas), have around a 640+ credit score, complete homebuyer education, and occupy the home.

Treasure Coast (St. Lucie, Martin)

#64. St. Lucie County Attainable Housing Grant Program

Help: Up to $2,500 in grant funds (no repayment) applied toward your down payment and/or closing costs at closing.
Best For: Low-income St. Lucie County buyers with an approved mortgage who just need a small extra push to get to the closing table.
Basics: Must have a signed contract for a primary residence in St. Lucie County, be employed or show verifiable income, meet Florida Bond low-income limits, keep reserves under about 3 months PITI, and apply well before closing; funds go to the closing, not as cash back.

#65. Martin County SHIP & HOME Housing Assistance Programs

Help: 0% interest, deferred loans (often up to about $50,000) for down payment, closing costs, and other purchase-related expenses, using SHIP and HOME consortium funds.
Best For: Very low-, low-, and moderate-income buyers in Martin County who can qualify for a first mortgage but lack enough savings for upfront costs.
Basics: Must meet SHIP/HOME income and price limits, buy an owner-occupied primary residence in Martin County, complete HUD-approved homebuyer education, and keep the home as your primary residence through the affordability period or the loan becomes due.

#66. City of Port St. Lucie Homebuyer Assistance Program

Help: Up to $100,000 in assistance through a Community Land Trust partnership to make homes permanently affordable.
Best For: Buyers who live or work in Port St. Lucie and need a large subsidy to afford rising home prices, especially workforce buyers (teachers, nurses, police, etc.).
Basics: Must live and/or work in Port St. Lucie, meet income limits (typically up to 120% of area median income), and attend a required Community Land Trust orientation.

#67. City of Fort Pierce Home Purchase Assistance Program

Help: Up to $15,000 (varies by funding cycle) as a 0% interest, deferred loan for down payment and closing costs.
Best For: First-time buyers purchasing specifically within Fort Pierce city limits who need a moderate amount of help at closing.
Basics: Must be a first-time homebuyer, contribute at least $500 of your own funds, buy a property within city limits that passes inspection, and use the home as your primary residence.

#68. Indian River County HFA Down Payment Assistance

Help: Up to $10,000 as a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments.
Best For: Buyers in Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere, and the rest of Indian River County who want standard DPA paired with a competitive 30-year fixed first mortgage.
Basics: Minimum 640 credit score, must be a first-time buyer (or purchase in a targeted area), meet income limits, and buy a primary residence within Indian River County.

#69. St. Lucie & Martin County HOME Consortium Purchase Assistance

Help: Need-based “gap” financing to keep your monthly payment affordable, with the amount determined by how much is needed to reach roughly 30% of income for housing.
Best For: Very low- to low-income buyers in Martin County (e.g., Stuart, Hobe Sound) or unincorporated St. Lucie County who need deeper subsidy than SHIP alone can provide.
Basics: Strict income limits (usually 80% AMI or lower), must obtain a fixed-rate mortgage, and purchase a home under lower HOME price caps (often lower for existing homes and slightly higher for new construction).

#70. Indian River Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

Help: Deeply subsidized home price plus a 0% interest mortgage, often worth tens of thousands of dollars in savings compared to market-rate financing.
Best For: Low-income families in Indian River County willing to contribute “sweat equity” to build or rehab their home.
Basics: Must be an Indian River County resident for at least one year, show a clear need for housing, meet income and ability-to-pay guidelines, and complete 300–500 hours of sweat equity volunteering.

See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For