The Florida Assist (FL Assist) Second Mortgage Program is one of Florida's most widely used down payment assistance options for first-time and income-qualified homebuyers.
Before assuming FL Assist is your best option, use the Florida down payment assistance calculator to compare it against Hometown Heroes, local SHIP programs, county assistance, and city programs that may also apply where you are buying.
Administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), FL Assist provides up to $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage — with no monthly payments required and can be paired with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgages for primary residences.
For buyers who qualify but are short on upfront cash, FL Assist can be the difference between renting and owning.
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What Is the Florida Assist (FL Assist) Program?
FL Assist is a deferred second mortgage that helps eligible Florida homebuyers cover upfront purchase costs without increasing monthly payments.
The Florida Assist Program provides a second mortgage loan of up to $10,000 that can be used toward a homebuyer's down payment and/or closing costs.
Unlike traditional loans, FL Assist:
- Charges no interest
- Requires no monthly payments
- Is repaid only when a triggering event occurs
The loan remains in place as long as the borrower continues to occupy the home as their primary residence and does not refinance or sell.
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Key Benefits of the FL Assist Program
FL Assist reduces cash-to-close without adding payment stress, making homeownership more accessible for Florida buyers.
- Up to $10,000 toward upfront costs
- No interest and no payment accrual
- Deferred repayment structure
- Compatible with multiple loan types
- Helps preserve savings for emergencies or moving expenses
FL Assist is especially useful for buyers who qualify for a mortgage payment but lack sufficient liquid funds at closing.
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FL Assist Eligibility Requirements (2026)
Eligibility is based on buyer status, income, property use, and pairing with an approved Florida Housing first mortgage.
To qualify for FL Assist, borrowers must meet Florida Housing's baseline requirements, including:
- Buyer Status: First-time homebuyer, or eligible veteran, or purchasing in a targeted area
- Primary Residence: Home must be owner-occupied (no rentals or second homes)
- Income & Purchase Price Limits: Must fall within county-specific limits set by Florida Housing
- Approved Lender: Must use a Florida Housing-approved participating lender
- Homebuyer Education: Required for most borrowers prior to closing
Eligibility details can vary by lender and first-mortgage product. Always confirm layering rules before contract.
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FL Assist Repayment Terms & Forgiveness
FL Assist is not forgivable — repayment is deferred but mandatory when a triggering event occurs. Repayment is triggered if:
- The home is sold or transferred
- The first mortgage is refinanced or paid off
- The borrower moves out
- The second mortgage reaches maturity
At that point, the full principal balance is due.
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How to Apply for the Florida Assist Program
FL Assist is applied for during the mortgage process through an approved Florida Housing lender. Step-by-step process:
- Confirm income and location eligibility
- Get pre-approved with a participating lender
- Complete homebuyer education (if required)
- Apply for FL Assist alongside your first mortgage
- Receive funds at closing
Because approval timelines vary, starting early is strongly recommended.
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FL Assist vs Florida Hometown Heroes
If you are employed full-time in Florida, you may also qualify for the Florida Hometown Heroes Program, which can offer up to $35,000 in assistance with different eligibility rules and funding cycles.
FL Assist is often better for:
- Buyers not in Hometown Heroes occupations
- Those needing a simple, predictable DPA option
- Pairing with standard Florida Housing loans
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Florida Assist (FL Assist) loan forgivable?
No. Florida Assist is a deferred second mortgage, not a forgivable loan. The full balance must be repaid if the home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or no longer used as a primary residence.
Do I have to make monthly payments on FL Assist?
No. FL Assist carries 0% interest and requires no monthly payments while you live in the home as your primary residence.
How much down payment assistance does Florida Assist provide?
Florida Assist provides up to $10,000 that can be used toward down payment or closing costs.
Who qualifies for Florida Assist in 2026?
Eligible borrowers must be first-time homebuyers, qualified veterans, or purchasing in a targeted area. They must also meet county income and purchase price limits, use the home as a primary residence, and work with a Florida Housing-approved lender.
Can Florida Assist be combined with other programs?
Yes. Florida Assist can often be layered with Florida Housing first mortgage programs and, in some cases, other assistance options, subject to lender and agency stacking rules.
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Bottom Line: Is Florida Assist Right for You?
The Florida Assist Second Mortgage Program is one of the most straightforward and reliable down payment assistance options in Florida.
If you qualify, it allows you to:
- Buy sooner
- Reduce cash-to-close
- Avoid higher monthly payments
- Preserve savings
For buyers planning to stay in their home for several years, FL Assist can be a powerful affordability tool — especially when paired with the right first mortgage. To explore all available options, see our complete guide to Florida grants and programs for first-time homebuyers.
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