Help With Mortgage in Florida: 10 Assistance Programs for Homeowners

Rising housing costs, interest rate hikes, and tighter budgets have left many Florida homeowners asking the same urgent question: “Where can I get help with my mortgage?”

If you’re struggling to make your monthly payment, you’re not alone — and there are both state and federal programs in Florida designed to provide relief.

Get Help With Your Mortgage in Florida

Below, we’ll break down the main options, how to qualify, and where to start.

Who Qualifies for Mortgage Help in Florida?

Not every homeowner or buyer will qualify for assistance, but most programs share similar rules. Understanding these requirements can save time and help you find the right option.

Common eligibility criteria include:

• First-time homebuyer status – Many programs require you to be a first-time buyer, often defined as not owning a home in the past three years.

• Income limits – Most assistance is capped by county-based income thresholds or Area Median Income (AMI), usually between 80%–120% of AMI.

• Minimum credit scores – Programs generally require a 580–640 credit score, depending on the loan type.

• Approved lenders and education – Applicants typically must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course and work with an approved lender or housing counseling agency.

By meeting these basic qualifications, you’ll be positioned to access some of the most impactful mortgage help programs in Florida.

Check Your Florida Down-Payment Assistance Eligibility

1. Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program

The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program gives eligible buyers up to 5% of the loan amount (max $35,000) as a 0% interest second mortgage, forgiven after five years.

Highlights

• Lower interest rates

• Forgiven after 5 years

• For essential workers, active-duty military, and veterans

Requirements

• County-based income limits

• 640+ credit score

• Must work in a Hero job or be military/veteran

2. Florida PLUS TBA Down Payment Assistance

The  Florida PLUS TBA Program lets buyers choose 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount as a second mortgage. Unlike other options, this loan has monthly payments and is not forgivable.

Highlights

• Flexible assistance (3–5%)

• Available to all qualified buyers

• Compatible with Freddie Mac loans

Requirements

• Income caps vary by county

• 640+ credit score

• Must occupy the home as a primary residence

3. Florida Bond Program – FL Assist $10,000 Loan

The FL Assist Program provides $10,000 at 0% interest as a silent second mortgage. No payments are due until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first loan.

Highlights

• No monthly payments

• 0% interest

• Works with FHA, USDA, or VA loans

Requirements

• County-based income limits

• 640+ credit score

• Must be a first-time homebuyer

4. Arrive Home™ Earned Equity Program

The Arrive Home™ Program allows buyers to earn up to 100% of their home’s equity over time without a traditional down payment or upfront mortgage.

Highlights

• Build ownership through monthly contributions

• No standard mortgage required at the start

• Open to citizens, permanent residents, DACA, and ITIN borrowers

Requirements

• Must be a primary residence

• Minimum 580 credit score (alternative credit sometimes accepted)

• Housing payment ≤ 43% of income; total debt ≤ 50%

• Proof of income required for primary occupant

5. United Wholesale Mortgage 0% Down Purchase Program

This program covers 3% of the home’s price (up to $15,000) as a second lien loan, with an extra $2,500 credit for very-low-income buyers.

Highlights

• True 0% down financing

• No interest or monthly payments on the second lien

• Extra $2,500 for borrowers under 50% AMI

Requirements

• Income ≤ 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)

• Must meet Freddie Mac Home Possible® guidelines

• Minimum 620 credit score

• Primary residence only

• Must use an approved mortgage broker

Check Your Florida Down-Payment Assistance Eligibility

6. FHA Simply Solar Loan Program

The FHA Simply Solar Program provides up to $13,000 (3.5% of the purchase price) toward your home purchase, while rolling solar installation into your FHA loan and adding a 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit.

Highlights

• Up to $13,000 for down payment, savings, or debt

• Solar included in the FHA loan—no separate financing

• Cuts energy bills and qualifies for a 30% Federal Tax Credit

Requirements

• Must qualify for an FHA loan (580+ credit score, 3.5% down, <43% DTI)

• Solar installation required within 90 days of closing

• Home must pass solar assessment and be in eligible counties (Panhandle excluded)

• $13,000 assistance is taxable (reported on 1099)

7. Miami-Dade County Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program

Miami-Dade County offers up to $35,000 as an interest-free loan to help first-time buyers with down payment and closing costs. No monthly payments are required, and repayment depends on how long you stay in the home.

Highlights

• Up to $35,000 interest-free with no monthly payments

• Repayment only at sale, refinance, transfer, or death

• Forgiveness schedule: 100% due if sold ≤3 years, 50% if sold in 4–6 years, forgiven after 6 years

Requirements

• Must be a Miami-Dade resident at application and closing

• First-time homebuyer under federal guidelines

• Income within limits (e.g., ≤$136,500 for 4-person household)

• Must contribute at least 1% of the purchase price personally

8. City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program

The City of Orlando provides up to $45,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, depending on income and financial need. The program supports first-time buyers and gives priority to educators, city workers, and displaced residents.

Highlights

• Up to $45,000 in assistance

• Open to very low, low, and moderate-income buyers

• Extra consideration for teachers, city employees, and displaced families

Requirements

• First-time homebuyer (no ownership in past 3 years)

• Must have lived in Central Florida for the past 12 months

• Completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course

• Fixed-rate first mortgage from a City-registered lender

• Minimum buyer contribution: $1,000 ($500 for very low-income households)

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

Tampa’s “Dare to Own the Dream” Program offers up to $50,000 in forgivable assistance for down payment and closing costs. The loan is 0% interest, no payments, and is fully forgiven after 20 years of living in the home.

Highlights

• Up to $50,000 in assistance

• Forgiven after 20 years of owner occupancy

• Works with FHA, VA, and conventional affordable mortgages

Requirements

• Must start through an approved Housing Counseling Agency

• Use a City-approved lender and real estate agent

• Minimum $2,000 contribution ($1,000 must be personal funds)

• 600+ mid-credit score; max 50% back-end DTI

• Home must be primary residence in Tampa, purchase price ≤ $450,000

• Property must pass a home and HQS inspection

10. City of Jacksonville Down-Payment Assistance Home Ownership Program

Jacksonville offers up to $25,000 in assistance (covering 75% of the required down payment or closing costs) to help first-time buyers in Duval County move from renting to owning.

Highlights

• Up to $25,000 for down payment or closing costs

• Works for single-family homes, townhomes, and condos

• Available even if you don’t qualify for HUD federal aid

Requirements

• First-time buyer and Duval County resident for at least 24 months

• Income ≤120% of Area Median Income (based on household size)

• Home must be in Jacksonville/Duval County and ≤$335,000

• Minimum $500 buyer contribution and home inspection required

• Completion of homebuyer education; repayment due if sold within 3 years

Check Your Florida Down-Payment Assistance Eligibility

How to Apply for Mortgage Help in Florida

If you’re ready to apply for mortgage help in Florida, the process is straightforward but requires a few key steps. Following the right order ensures you don’t miss out on valuable assistance.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check program guidelines for income limits, minimum credit scores, and first-time homebuyer rules.

Step 2: Contact a Loan Officer or Housing Office
Your loan officer or county housing authority can point you to the correct state or local programs.

Step 3: Complete Homebuyer Education if Needed
Many programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before funds are released.

Step 4: Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Florida Housing website or your county’s housing assistance portal.

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for mortgage help in Florida and access the financial support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Help With Mortgage in Florida

If you’re searching for help with mortgage Florida, these questions and answers cover the most common concerns from eligibility to application.

1. What is the best program for mortgage help in Florida?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program is the largest statewide option, offering up to $35,000 in assistance.

2. Who qualifies for mortgage help in Florida?

Eligibility depends on income limits, credit score (580–640+), and first-time homebuyer status.

3. Can I get help with mortgage payments if I’m behind in Florida?

Yes, programs like the Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund can cover past-due payments.

4. How do I apply for mortgage help in Florida?

You apply through official state or county housing agencies, often with an approved lender.

5. Is mortgage help in Florida forgivable?

Some programs forgive the loan after a set period (5–20 years), while others require repayment at sale or refinance.

6. What is the Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)?

It’s a relief program created under the American Rescue Plan to cover mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utility costs for struggling homeowners.

7. Can veterans get help with mortgage in Florida?

Yes, veterans and active-duty service members qualify for Hometown Heroes and can also use VA loan benefits.

8. What credit score do I need for mortgage help in Florida?

Most programs require at least a 640 score, though some allow a minimum of 580 with FHA loans.

9. Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to get help in Florida?

Many programs require it, but some county programs and relief funds accept repeat buyers if they meet income limits.

10. Are there local mortgage help programs in Florida?

Yes, major counties and cities like Miami-Dade, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville have their own assistance funds.

11. Can I combine Florida mortgage assistance with federal programs?

Yes, you can layer local or state aid with FHA, VA, USDA, or Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae programs.

12. How much mortgage help can I get in Florida?

Assistance ranges from $10,000 (FL Assist) to $50,000 (Tampa’s Dare to Own the Dream).

13. Does Florida mortgage help cover closing costs?

Yes, most programs allow funds to be used for down payment and closing costs.

14. Can DACA recipients or ITIN borrowers get mortgage help in Florida?

Yes, programs like Arrive Home™ accept DACA and ITIN borrowers.

15. Is mortgage help in Florida taxable?

Some assistance, like the FHA Simply Solar $13,000 incentive, is reported via 1099 and considered taxable.

16. Can I refinance if I get mortgage help in Florida?

Yes, but repayment of the assistance may be required when you refinance.

17. How long do I have to stay in the home to keep Florida mortgage assistance?

Forgiveness terms vary: 5 years (Hometown Heroes), 6 years (Miami-Dade), or up to 20 years (Tampa).

18. Are there mortgage relief options in Florida for seniors?

Yes, programs like HAF and HUD loan modifications apply to senior homeowners.

19. How can I avoid scams when seeking mortgage help in Florida?

Work only with HUD-approved counselors, official county portals, and approved lenders.

20. Where can I find official information about Florida mortgage help?

Visit the Florida Housing Finance Corporation website or your local county housing office.

Check Your Florida Down-Payment Assistance Eligibility

The Bottom Line: Finding Mortgage Help in Florida

If rising housing costs or upfront expenses feel overwhelming, remember that there are many ways to get help with mortgage in Florida.

From statewide programs like Hometown Heroes and FL Assist to local options in Miami-Dade, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, buyers and homeowners have access to real financial support.

The key is to act early: check your eligibility, complete required education, and apply through trusted lenders or official county portals.

Whether you’re trying to buy your first home or struggling to keep up with payments, the right program can lower your costs, protect your home, and put long-term homeownership within reach.

Check Your Florida Down-Payment Assistance Eligibility