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Ready to Own Your First Home in Florida? Let's Make It Happen

Everything you need to buy your first home in Florida—programs, loans, and expert tips all in one simple guide.

Check Icon Step-by-step path to your first home
Check Icon Learn how to qualify for assistance
Check Icon Explore Florida’s best first-time buyer programs
Check Icon Updated for 2025 income & credit guidelines
Check First-Time Buyer Eligibility
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Happy couple after buying their new home

What Is a Florida First-Time Homebuyer Loan?

In Florida, a first-time homebuyer isn’t just someone who has never owned a home.

Most programs define it as anyone who hasn’t owned a primary residence in the past three years — meaning thousands of returning buyers still qualify.

Florida first-time homebuyer programs include state, county, and lender-based options that make it easier to purchase your first home. These can provide down payment assistance, closing cost help, tax credits, or special mortgage rates designed for new buyers.

Eligibility typically depends on income, credit score, and purchase price limits — and many of these benefits can be combined to save even more when buying your first home.

View the Complete Florida First-Time Homebuyer Program Guide

Florida offers far more than just one or two state programs. View the full 2025 Florida First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Across the state, there are over 70 local, county, and lender-based options designed to help first-time buyers with down payments, closing costs, and affordable loan terms.

Each program has its own income limits, credit guidelines, and assistance types—from forgivable loans to cash grants—and many can be combined for even greater savings.

Florida First-Time Home Buyer Requirements

Buying your first home in Florida? Here are the key things you’ll need to qualify for most state and local down payment assistance programs.

Most Florida programs, including Florida Hometown Heroes and Florida Housing first-time buyer loans, follow these same rules.

Always check your county’s income and purchase price limits, since they can change each year.

Requirement What You Need to Know
First-Time Buyer Status Usually means you haven’t owned and lived in a home as your primary residence in the past 3 years.
Income Limit Must be below a set county limit (varies by household size and area).
Credit Score Most programs require a minimum 640 FICO.
Down Payment / Loan Type Some loans need as little as 3% down or 0% with assistance (FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional).
Homebuyer Education Must complete an approved homebuyer course before closing.
Primary Residence You must live in the home as your main residence — not rent it out.

Florida First-Time Home Buyer Income Limits

Florida first-time homebuyer income limits depend on the county and program, generally ranging from $95,500–$133,700 in non-target areas and up to $195,450 in high-cost counties like Monroe.

Here are the income limits by program:

Updated November 2025. Sources: Florida Housing Finance Corp (FHFC), HUD, local grant offices. Ask a participating lender for the latest income charts. Limits update annually and vary by household size, program, and location.

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Florida Hometown Heroes: $142,950–$195,450 statewide, varying by county.

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Pinellas County: $95,500 (1–2 people) and $109,825 (3+ people) in non-target areas.

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Sumter County: $80,280 (1 person), $91,800 (2), $103,320 (3).

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Fort Lauderdale: Must be at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).

Best Florida First-Time Homebuyer Grants

Florida offers several grant and assistance programs to help first-time buyers cover their down payment and closing costs, depending on where they plan to purchase. These programs are typically forgivable grants or 0% loans that don’t require repayment if you stay in the home for a set period.

Always check your city, county, or lender’s site for the latest income limits and eligibility updates.

Grant Program Amount / Benefit Where It’s Available
Florida Assist (FL Assist) Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost help (0% deferred loan). Statewide through Florida Housing
Hometown Heroes Program Up to 5% of loan amount (max $35,000) for eligible workers. Statewide
Dare to Own the Dream (Tampa) Up to $50,000 toward down payment and closing costs. City of Tampa
Gainesville DPA Grant Up to $30,000 in assistance for qualified buyers. City of Gainesville
Escambia County HOME Program Up to $10,000–$15,000 in forgivable assistance. Escambia County and surrounding areas

What Is a Florida First-Time Homebuyer Class?

A Florida first-time homebuyer class is a short educational course that teaches new buyers the basics of budgeting, credit, mortgages, and closing on a home.

Most Florida down payment and grant programs—like Hometown Heroes or Florida Assist—require at least one borrower to complete a HUD-approved class before closing.

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The goal is to make sure buyers understand what they’re taking on and how to manage their new home responsibly.

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These classes can be taken online or in person through HUD-approved housing agencies or participating lenders.

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They usually take about six to eight hours, cost around $25 to $100, and result in a certificate you’ll need to show your lender to qualify for assistance.

Florida First-Time Homebuyer FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions people ask when buying their first home in Florida.

What is considered a first-time homebuyer in Florida?

You’re considered a first-time homebuyer if you haven’t owned and lived in a primary residence within the last three years.

What credit score do I need to qualify?

Most Florida programs require a minimum credit score of 640, though some lenders may ask for higher scores depending on the loan type.

What assistance programs are available in Florida?

Florida offers several options, including state programs like Florida Hometown Heroes and Florida Assist, along with local city and county grants.

How long should I plan to stay in the home?

To make the most of assistance benefits and avoid repayment, it’s best to stay at least five years or as long as your program’s forgiveness period requires.

How do I choose the right location?

Consider your commute, school district, and local insurance or property tax costs when comparing neighborhoods.

How much income can I earn and still qualify for assistance?

Most programs set income limits based on county and household size, generally ranging from about $95,000 to $130,000, with higher limits in expensive areas.

How much money do I need for a down payment?

With assistance programs, many first-time buyers can purchase a home with little to no money down, but typically you’ll need around 3% to 3.5% for FHA or conventional loans.

What types of homes can I buy?

Eligible homes usually include single-family houses, townhomes, and condos that meet local and lender property standards.

Are there special property considerations in Florida?

Buyers should pay close attention to flood zones, hurricane insurance requirements, and local building codes before purchasing.

What steps are required before closing?

Most programs require pre-approval from a lender, completion of a homebuyer education class, and verification of income, credit, and property eligibility before closing.

The Bottom Line for Florida First-Time Homebuyers

Buying your first home in Florida is easier when you know where to start.

If you’re ready to see what programs you qualify for and how much assistance you can receive, take the next step today.

Check First-Time Buyer Eligibility

From statewide programs like Florida Hometown Heroes to local city and county grants, there are real opportunities to lower your upfront costs and make homeownership achievable.

Most buyers qualify for at least one form of down payment or closing cost assistance — and often more than one.