Income Limits for Every Down Payment Assistance Program in Florida | 2025
Looking to buy a home in Florida but not sure if you qualify for down payment assistance?
See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
Each state program has specific income limits that determine eligibility, and those limits vary by county and household size.
This guide breaks down the income limits for every major down payment assistance program in Florida, so you can quickly find out where you stand.
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What Are Florida Down Payment Assistance Income Limits?
Florida down payment assistance income limits set the maximum household income you can earn and still qualify for help with your home purchase.
These limits vary by program, county, and household size, and are usually based on a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI)—often 80%, 120%, or even 160%.
Some programs have no income limits at all, while others are very strict.
To qualify, your total household income typically needs to fall below the limit set for your area and family size.
Checking these limits early is key, because going just a few dollars over can make you ineligible.
See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
Why Income Limits Range So Much — And Why You Need to Check Yours
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand that income limits for Florida’s down payment assistance programs aren’t one-size-fits-all.
They vary widely — typically between $53,840 and $178,880 — depending on where you’re buying, how many people are in your household, and which program you’re applying for.
Some programs use 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), while others allow up to 160%.
Household size, loan type, and even targeted vs. non-targeted areas can all change your limit. That’s why the best way to know where you stand is to verify your eligibility online — our tool considers all these factors to give you a clear, accurate answer.
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Florida Down Payment Assistance Income Limits
Comprehensive guide to Florida homebuyer assistance programs income limits
DPA Program | Assistance Amount | Income Limits |
---|---|---|
Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program | Up to $35,000 | $132,900 - $178,950 |
Florida Assist Second Mortgage | Up to $10,000 | $88,600 - $167,020 |
Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP) | Up to $10,000 | $132,900 - $178,950 |
HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS | Up to 5% of Loan Amount | $88,600 - $167,020 |
Florida FHA Loan Program | Up to 5% of Loan Amount | No Income Limits |
Florida VA Home Loan Program | 0 Down-Payment | No Income Limits |
Miami-Dade HFA First-Time Homebuyer Program | Up to $15,000 | $130,525 - $136,200 |
City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program | Up to $45,000 | $22,150 – $194,740 |
City of Tampa "Dare to Own the Dream" Program | Up to $50,000 | $45,165 – $126,420 |
City of Jacksonville Down-Payment Assistance Home Ownership Program | Up to $25,000 | $74,400 – $140,280 |
Broward County Homebuyer Purchase Assistance (HPA) Program | Up to $80,000 | $64,550 – $212,813 |
Fort Lauderdale Purchase Assistance Program | Up to $75,000 | $40,350 – $91,320 |
Orange County FL Down Payment Assistance Program | Up to $70,000 | $33,800 – $152,880 |
Hallandale Beach First-Time Homebuyer Grant | Up to $100,000 | $57,625 - $161,350 |
Arrive Home™ Earned Equity Program | 0 Down-Payment | No Income Limits |
$25,000 Down Payment Toward Equity Act | Up to $25,000 | Not Released |
Florida USDA Rural Home Loan | 0 Down-Payment | $110,650 - $164,750 |
HomeReady Loan Program | Low 3% Down-Payment | $52,150 – $86,800 |
Home Possible Loan Program | Low 3% Down-Payment | $39,900 – $73,000 |
National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) | Up to 5% of Loan Amount | $62,560 – $156,960 |
$15,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit | Up to 15% Tax Credit | $103,240 – $154,290 |
Elevate DPA Grant Program | Up to 3.5% of Loan Amount | $107,680 – $178,880 |
Rocket Mortgage ONE+ Program | Up to 2% of Loan Amount | $86,144 – $143,104 |
United Wholesale Mortgage 1% | Up to 2% of Loan Amount | $53,840 – $89,440 |
FHA Simply Solar Loan Program | Up to $13,000 | No Income Limits |
Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND) Program | 50% Off Home Price | No Income Limits |
Note: Income limits and assistance amounts may vary based on household size, location, and program availability. Contact program administrators for current requirements and application procedures.
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Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs With No Income Limits
Some Florida programs let you bypass income restrictions entirely, making them a great fit for higher-income households or buyers who don’t qualify for traditional assistance due to earnings.
Here are the main programs with no income limits:
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VA Home Loan – Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses; offers 0% down with no income cap.
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FHA Simply Solar Loan – A solar-focused FHA program that allows borrowers to get up to $13,000 in cash they can use for anything they want when you combine home and solar financing.
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Arrive Home™ Earned Equity Program – A no-down-payment option that builds equity over time without factoring income into eligibility.
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Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND) – Offers 50% off HUD-owned homes to teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs; no income limits, but strict job and location requirements apply.
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Florida Down Payment Assistance Income Limits – FAQ
Here are the most common questions Florida homebuyers ask about income limits for down payment assistance programs.
What are Florida down payment assistance income limits?
They set the maximum household income you can have to qualify for a Florida-based assistance program, based on your location and family size.
How is household income calculated for Florida down payment assistance?
Most Florida programs count the combined gross income of all adults living in the home, not just the borrower.
Do all Florida down payment assistance programs have income limits?
No, a few Florida programs—such as VA loans and the GNND program—have no income caps at all.
Why do income limits vary by Florida county?
Because income limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI), which changes from one Florida county to another.
Can I qualify for Florida assistance if I'm self-employed or have fluctuating income?
Yes, but you'll need to provide Florida-accepted documentation like tax returns and profit/loss statements to prove income stability.
Do Florida programs use gross or net income?
Most Florida down payment assistance programs use gross income, which is your income before taxes and deductions.
What if my income is slightly over the Florida income limit?
You may be disqualified, but some Florida programs consider only borrower income, which may help you qualify.
Do I have to count my spouse’s income on Florida assistance applications if they’re not on the loan?
It depends on the program—some Florida assistance options use total household income even if your spouse isn’t listed on the loan.
How often do Florida income limits for assistance programs change?
Florida programs typically update income limits once per year, based on new HUD or state housing data.
How can I check if I meet Florida down payment assistance income limits?
Use a Florida-specific eligibility checker that factors in your county, household size, and the latest income thresholds.
See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify ForWith over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.

About Author - Phil Ganz
Phil Ganz has over 20+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over a billion dollars of funded loans, Phil helps homebuyers configure the perfect mortgage plan. Whether it's your first home, a complex multiple-property purchase, or anything in between, Phil has the experience to help you achieve your goals.