City of Orlando Down-Payment Assistance Program | Up to $45,000 in Aid

Dreaming of owning a home in Orlando but struggling with the down payment?

The City of Orlando’s Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $45,000 toward your down payment and closing costs—making homeownership within reach for qualified first-time buyers.

Check Your Florida Down-Payment Assistance Eligibility

This guide covers how much assistance you can get, who qualifies, and how to prepare so you’re ready to apply once the program reopens.

What Is the Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program?

Orlando’s down-payment assistance program is a locally funded initiative that uses State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) resources and other state and federal grants to reduce the up‑front costs of buying a home.

If you’re eligible, the city provides a deferred, forgivable second mortgage that covers part of your down payment and closing costs. Here’s what makes this assistance unique:

Forgivable loan with no monthly payment

The assistance acts as a second mortgage with 0 % interest and no monthly payments.

You won’t have to repay it as long as you live in the home for ten years and don’t sell, rent, or refinance with cash out.

Generous funding based on income

The amount you receive depends on your household income.

Very low-income households can get up to $45,000, low-income households up to $35,000, and moderate-income households up to $20,000.

That money can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs at closing.

Covers more than the down payment

The funds may be used for down payment, closing costs, prepaid items (like insurance escrow), and even to reduce your mortgage principal.

No minimum credit score

Unlike many programs, Orlando’s DPA has no minimum credit score requirement.

You still need to qualify for a first mortgage with a city-registered lender, but the city itself doesn’t impose additional credit-score hurdles.

Requirements for Eligibility

To qualify for the City of Orlando’s Down Payment Assistance Program, applicants must meet a combination of buyer, income, and property requirements.

These ensure funds go to households that need help the most and that buyers are ready for long-term homeownership.

Buyer Requirements

• First-time homebuyer: You must not have owned a home in the past three years.

• Residency: You must have lived in one of the following Central Florida counties for at least 12 consecutive months before applying — Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, Seminole, Volusia, or Brevard.

• Homebuyer education: Completion of an eight-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required before applying.

• Minimum contribution: Applicants must invest some of their own funds — $1,000 for moderate-income buyers or $500 for low and very low-income buyers.

• Mortgage type: You must secure a fixed-rate first mortgage through a lender that is registered with the City of Orlando.

Income Requirements

• Your household income must fall within the program’s limits based on Area Median Income (AMI).

• Assistance amounts depend on income level:

  • Up to $45,000 for very low-income households (≤50% AMI)

  • Up to $35,000 for low-income households (51–80% AMI)

  • Up to $20,000 for moderate-income households (81–140% AMI)

• Income includes all adult household members and is verified through pay stubs, tax returns, and other documentation.

• Updated income limits are published annually by the City of Orlando and Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

Property Requirements

• The home must be within Orlando city limits (a property lookup tool is available on the city’s website).

• Eligible property types include single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums.

• Ineligible: Mobile homes, manufactured housing, and tenant-occupied properties.

• The purchase price cannot exceed 90% of the area’s median purchase price (currently $544,233 for 2025).

• The property must serve as your primary residence for at least 10 years — renting, selling, or refinancing with cash out will trigger repayment.

2025 Income Limits & Purchase Price Cap

Below are the 2025 HOME (Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford MSA) income limits by household size.

Households must fall under these ceilings to qualify for City of Orlando DPA.

(Source: HUD’s 2025 adjusted HOME limits for the region)

How to Apply for Orlando Down-Payment Assistance

Applying for the City of Orlando’s Down Payment Assistance Program is simple, and it all starts with checking if you qualify.

1. Check Your Eligibility Online (Free)

See if you qualify based on your income, household size, and property location. It’s free, fast, and gives you instant feedback on whether you meet the basic requirements.

(Tip: If the city’s tool isn’t available, you can use your household income and the 2025 income limits listed above to estimate eligibility.)

Check Your Florida Down-Payment Assistance Eligibility

2. Complete a HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Course

All applicants must finish an eight-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education workshop.

The course can be taken in person or online, and your certificate is valid for two years.

3. Get Pre-Approved With a City-Registered Lender

You’ll need a fixed-rate first mortgage from a lender registered with the City of Orlando.

If your preferred lender isn’t on the list, they can apply to join the city’s approved network.

4. Find an Eligible Home

Search for a property within Orlando city limits that fits the program’s price cap (currently $544,233) and meets eligibility rules — single-family homes, townhomes, and condos only.

5. Have Your Lender Submit the Application

Once you’re under contract, your lender submits the application on your behalf. The city doesn’t accept direct applications from buyers.

6. Wait for Approval and Close on Your Home

The approval process can take up to 30 days.

If approved, the city issues your down payment assistance check at closing — made payable to both you and the title company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Thinking about using the City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program?

How much down payment assistance can I get in Orlando?

Qualified first-time homebuyers can receive up to $45,000 in assistance toward their down payment and closing costs through the City of Orlando’s Down Payment Assistance Program.

Who qualifies for the Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program?

You must be a first-time homebuyer (no homeownership in the past three years), live in Central Florida for at least 12 months, and meet income limits based on your household size.

What are the 2025 income limits for Orlando down payment assistance?

For 2025, a four-person household can earn up to $147,560 (140% AMI) and still qualify, while smaller households have slightly lower limits.

What is the maximum purchase price allowed in Orlando’s DPA program?

The maximum home purchase price allowed under the program is $544,233, which equals 90% of the area’s median purchase price.

Can I qualify for Orlando down payment assistance with bad credit?

Yes. The program has no minimum credit score requirement, but you must still qualify for a fixed-rate mortgage through a city-registered lender.

What types of homes qualify for the Orlando DPA program?

Eligible homes include single-family houses, townhomes, and condos located within Orlando city limits. Mobile homes and tenant-occupied properties are not eligible.

Do I have to pay back Orlando’s down payment assistance?

No, the loan is forgivable after 10 years as long as you live in the home as your primary residence and don’t sell, rent, or refinance with cash out during that period.

How do I apply for the Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program?

Start by checking your eligibility online for free, complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course, get pre-approved by a city-registered lender, and have your lender submit the application on your behalf.

Is the Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program open right now?

As of 2025, the program is temporarily closed due to funding limits. It typically reopens on a first-come, first-served basis once new SHIP funds are released.

Can I combine Orlando’s down payment assistance with other programs?

In most cases, no — you cannot combine it with another city or county-funded assistance program. However, you may still be eligible for federal loan options like FHA, VA, or USDA loans that can be used alongside the DPA.

The Bottom Line

The City of Orlando’s Down Payment Assistance Program is one of Florida’s most powerful tools for turning renters into homeowners.

With up to $45,000 in forgivable assistance, no interest, and no credit score minimum, it removes the biggest barriers to buying a home — saving thousands at closing and keeping monthly payments affordable.

If you meet the income and residency requirements, this program can be life-changing.

Even though applications are paused for 2025 due to funding, you can prepare now: complete your HUD-approved homebuyer education, get pre-qualified with a city-registered lender, and monitor the city’s housing website for updates.

When the program reopens, being ready on day one gives you the best chance to secure funds — and finally call Orlando home.