By Phil Ganz
Edited by Ryan Skerritt
If you’re buying a home in Florida but don’t qualify for the Hometown Heroes program, you still have options.
Several other down payment assistance programs can help cover your upfront costs and make homeownership more affordable.
See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
In this guide, we’ll break down the best alternatives so you can find the right fit for your budget and eligibility.
If you’re a first-time buyer in Florida, you may qualify for dozens of other programs beyond the ones listed here.
Our complete Florida First-Time Home Buyer Grants & Programs Guide covers 68 different options including statewide, county, and city-specific assistance, so you can compare them all in one place.
1. Florida Assist Second Mortgage
The Florida Assist Second Mortgage offers up to $10,000 in down payment help as a 0% interest, deferred-payment second mortgage.
There are no monthly payments, and the balance is only due when you sell, refinance, or pay off your home.
It must be paired with an approved Florida Housing first mortgage and used for a primary residence. Buyers must meet the program’s standard eligibility and income limits.
This option is ideal for those who want assistance without increasing their monthly housing costs.
Check Your Florida Home Purchase Eligibility
2. Florida Standard TBA Loan Program
The Florida Standard TBA Loan Program helps first-time homebuyers access affordable FHA or VA mortgages with up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
Borrowers can choose between a 0% interest deferred loan with no monthly payments or a low-interest second mortgage with a 15-year repayment term.
The program offers competitive fixed rates, reduced mortgage insurance for qualifying low-income buyers, and exemptions for veterans or those purchasing in targeted areas.
Eligible homes include single-family houses, townhomes, and condos, and buyers must meet income, loan, and residency requirements.
See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
3. Florida PLUS TBA Loan Program
The Florida PLUS TBA Loan Program offers a forgivable second mortgage worth 3%, 4%, or 5% of your total loan amount to help with down payment and closing costs.
This assistance is interest-free, requires no monthly payments, and is fully forgiven after five years if you meet the residency and program requirements.
It’s available only with Freddie Mac’s HFA Advantage loans, which also provide reduced mortgage insurance for eligible low-income buyers.
The program is designed for first-time homebuyers, veterans, or those purchasing in targeted areas, with income and purchase price limits based on location.
Check Your Florida Home Purchase Eligibility
4. Florida Bond Loan Program
The Florida Bond Loan Program provides $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible homebuyers.
Funds can be taken as a 0% interest deferred loan with no monthly payments or a 3% low-interest second mortgage.
It works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans, offering flexibility for different borrower needs.
Veterans and buyers in targeted areas may qualify even without being first-time homebuyers. Applicants must meet income and purchase price limits and use the home as their primary residence.
See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
5. Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP)
The Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP) provides $10,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs.
Buyers can choose between a 0% deferred loan or a 3% fixed-rate second mortgage, making it flexible for different budgets.
It works with FHA and VA loans, and low-income borrowers can benefit from reduced mortgage insurance.
Veterans and buyers in targeted areas may qualify even if they’re not first-time homebuyers. Applicants must meet income and loan limits for their county and purchase a primary residence.
Check Your Florida Home Purchase Eligibility
6. Miami-Dade County Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program
The Miami-Dade County Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $35,000 as a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan with no monthly payments.
Repayment is only required if you sell, refinance, transfer the title, or pass away, with partial forgiveness after three years and full forgiveness after six years.
The program is designed for first-time homebuyers in Miami-Dade County who meet income limits and contribute at least 1% of the purchase price from their own funds.
Eligible applicants must also be county residents at both application and closing. This assistance can significantly reduce upfront costs and make homeownership more attainable.
See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
7. City of Fort Lauderdale Purchase Assistance Program
The City of Fort Lauderdale Purchase Assistance Program provides up to $75,000 in down payment, closing cost, and principal reduction support.
This aid comes as a 15-year deferred-payment loan with no interest or monthly payments as long as program requirements are met.
It’s available to first-time homebuyers purchasing eligible single-family homes, townhomes, condos, or villas within city limits.
Applicants must meet HUD income limits and maintain the home as their primary residence. The loan becomes due if the property is sold, the title is transferred, or it’s no longer occupied within 15 years.
Check Your Florida Home Purchase Eligibility
8. City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program
The City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $45,000 in funding to help first-time homebuyers cover down payment and closing costs.
Assistance amounts vary based on household income, with priority given to educators, city employees, and displaced residents.
Applicants must have lived in the Central Florida region for at least 12 months, complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course, and secure a fixed-rate mortgage from a City-registered lender.
A minimum personal contribution of $1,000 is required, or $500 for low- and very low-income buyers.
See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
9. City of Tampa “Dare to Own the Dream” Program
The City of Tampa “Dare to Own the Dream” Program provides up to $50,000 in forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible homebuyers.
This 0% interest aid requires no monthly payments and is fully forgiven after 20 years of continuous owner occupancy.
It supports FHA, VA, and conventional affordable mortgage options, with applicants required to work through approved housing counselors, lenders, and real estate agents.
Buyers must contribute at least $2,000 toward the purchase, have a minimum mid-credit score of 600, and keep their debt-to-income ratio at or below 50%.
The property must be within Tampa city limits, meet inspection standards, and have a purchase price of $450,000 or less.
Check Your Florida Home Purchase Eligibility
10. City of Jacksonville Down-Payment Assistance Home Ownership Program
The City of Jacksonville Down-Payment Assistance Home Ownership Program offers up to $25,000 to cover a portion of the required down payment or closing costs, equal to 75% of the needed amount.
This assistance is available for new or existing single-family homes, townhomes, and condos in Jacksonville or Duval County.
It’s aimed at first-time buyers earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income, even if they don’t qualify for federal housing aid.
Applicants must have lived in Duval County for at least two years, contribute a minimum of $500 toward the purchase, and complete a homebuyer education course.
Repayment applies if the home is sold within three years.
See Which Florida Down-Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
Bottom Line
Not qualifying for Florida’s Hometown Heroes program doesn’t mean you have to give up on affordable homeownership.
From statewide options like Florida Assist and the PLUS TBA Program to generous city and county initiatives in Miami-Dade, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville, there are multiple ways to reduce your upfront costs.
Many of these programs offer zero-interest loans, forgivable assistance, and flexible repayment terms, making them accessible to a wide range of income levels and loan types.
The key is to match your income, location, and loan preferences to the right program so you can maximize benefits and keep your monthly payments manageable.
With the right assistance, buying a home in Florida can be more affordable than you think.\
With 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.
About Editor - Ryan Skerritt
Ryan Skerritt has over 10+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over two hundred and fifty million of funded loan volume, Ryan has the skill set to help any homebuyer configure the perfect mortgage plan.
