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Florida Down Payment Assistance Made Simple — Start Here

Compare every statewide, county, and lender-based program — all in one place. Find grants, 0% loans, and homebuyer support available near you.

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Check Your Florida Down-Payment Assistance Eligibility
Assistance currently available in most counties. We’ll verify your exact options in minutes. No hard credit pull to check. Equal Housing Lender • NMLS #2536820.
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What Is Florida Down Payment Assistance?

Florida down payment assistance (DPA) programs help first-time and qualified homebuyers cover upfront costs like the down payment and closing costs when purchasing a home.

These programs include state-funded, county, and lender-based options that can provide grants, forgivable loans, or 0% second mortgages to make buying a home more affordable.

Most buyers qualify based on income, credit score, and home price limits, and many programs can be combined for extra savings.

You can also pair Florida DPA programs with an FHA loan to reduce upfront cash and qualify more easily.

Explore Florida’s Official State-Funded Down Payment Assistance Options

Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program

Up to 5% of your loan (max $35,000) in assistance for teachers, first responders, and other essential workers.

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Florida HLP Down Payment Loan

A $12,500 second mortgage at 3% interest, repaid monthly. Offers more upfront help than FL Assist.

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Florida Assist Down Payment Loan

A $10,000 0% loan with no monthly payments — repay only when you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage.

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Florida Plus Conventional Program

Choose 3–5% of your loan amount as repayable assistance. Open to buyers who don’t qualify for Hometown Heroes.

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View a Complete List of Florida Down Payment and Closing Cost Programs

View the full 2025 guide to Florida first-time home buyer programs

Beyond the state-funded options, Florida homebuyers can access more than 50 county, city, and lender-specific programs — each offering unique grants, 0% loans, or closing cost help.

See what’s available where you’re buying and find programs that stack with state assistance for even more savings.

Florida Down Payment Assistance Program Requirements

Qualifying for Florida down payment assistance is easier than many buyers think.

Most programs share a few simple guidelines designed to help responsible homebuyers get started.

If you’re buying your first home — or haven’t owned one in the last three years — you’ll likely qualify for at least one Florida down payment assistance option.

Here’s what most programs look for:

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A credit score around 640 or higher

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Plans to live in the home as your primary residence

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Income and purchase price within your county’s limits

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Completion of a short homebuyer education course

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A small personal contribution toward closing or the down payment

Ready to Find the Right Florida Down Payment Assistance Program?

Skip the guesswork — our experts will match you with every grant, 0% loan, and closing-cost program you qualify for in minutes.

Check Your Florida Assistance Eligibility

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Compare statewide, county, and lender programs side-by-side

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Discover how much down payment help you can actually get

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Fast, free pre-qualification — no credit pull required

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2025 limits, funding, and eligibility all updated

From Our Experts

Explore our most trusted Florida down payment assistance guides — created by our team to help first-time buyers find local programs, check 2025 income limits, and learn about upcoming funding opportunities.

Florida Down Payment Assistance FAQs

Get quick answers to the most common questions about Florida’s statewide and local down payment assistance programs.

What types of assistance are available in Florida?

Florida programs offer forgivable loans, deferred second mortgages, and low-interest repayment options to help cover down payment and closing costs.

What credit score do I need to qualify?

Most programs require a minimum credit score of 640, though some lenders or counties may have additional requirements.

Which loan types can I use with down payment assistance?

Florida assistance programs work with most major loan types, including FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional mortgages.

Are there income or purchase price limits?

Yes. Each program sets income and home price limits based on your county and family size to keep assistance available for moderate-income buyers.

Can I combine multiple programs for more help?

In many cases, yes. Buyers can often pair statewide programs with local or county assistance to maximize total support.

Who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer in Florida?

You’re considered a first-time buyer if you haven’t owned and lived in a primary residence within the past three years, unless you qualify under a special category like veteran status.

Do I have to take a homebuyer education course?

Yes. A short, approved education course is typically required before closing to ensure buyers understand the process and responsibilities of homeownership.

What happens if I sell or refinance the home?

If you sell, refinance, or stop living in the home during the required period, the assistance may need to be repaid, depending on the specific program.

How long does it take to get approved?

Timelines vary, but most buyers can complete the process in a few weeks when working with a participating lender and submitting all required documents promptly.

What kinds of homes are eligible?

Eligible properties include single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and some manufactured homes, as long as the buyer plans to live there as their primary residence.