11 Florida Mortgage & Assistance Programs for Self-Employed & 1099 Buyers (2026)

Buying a home in Florida as a self-employed or 1099 worker doesn’t require perfect tax returns—or a traditional W-2 job.

In 2026, Florida offers bank-statement loans, 1099-only mortgages, rent-to-own paths, earned-equity programs, and down payment assistance designed specifically for entrepreneurs, freelancers, gig workers, and small-business owners.

This guide breaks down 11 of the best Florida mortgage and assistance programs for self-employed buyers—explaining who qualifies, how each program works, and when it makes sense to use each option.

Bank Statement Mortgage

Type: Non-QM Mortgage

Best for: Self-employed buyers with strong deposits but low taxable income

How it works: Lenders analyze 12–24 months of personal or business bank statements instead of tax returns. Monthly deposits are averaged, and 50%–100% may be counted as qualifying income.

Typical requirements (2026): 620–680+ credit score, 10–20% down payment, 1–2 years self-employment, Cash reserves required

Why it ranks high: Ideal for buyers with heavy write-offs.

1099-Only Mortgage

Type: Non-QM Mortgage

Best for: Contractors, freelancers, gig workers

How it works: Uses 1–2 years of 1099 income only—no tax returns or W-2s required. Some lenders allow 90%–100% of gross income.

Requirements: 620+ credit, 10–20% down, 12–24 months of 1099s

Florida Hometown Heroes

Type: Down payment + reduced-rate first mortgage

Best for: Full-time self-employed Floridians

Benefits (2026): Up to 5% of loan amount (max $35,000), 0% deferred second mortgage and Discounted FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional rate

Key requirements: 640+ credit, Full-time work (35+ hours/week), Income & purchase-price limits, Homebuyer education

FHA Earned Equity Program

Type: Government-backed earned-equity path

Best for: Buyers who can afford payments but can’t qualify yet

How it works: A nonprofit or tribal entity purchases the home using an FHA loan. The buyer occupies the home under a long-term lease or ownership agreement and builds equity while preparing to refinance or assume the loan later.

Why this matters: This is one of the few legal, transparent mortgage alternatives backed by FHA standards.

Dream America (Rent-to-Own)

Type: Lease-purchase

Best for: Buyers close to mortgage readiness

Key requirements: 12-month lease, 500+ credit, $8,000+ savings

Divvy Homes (Rent-to-Own)

Type: Rent-to-own

Best for: Variable income or low savings

How it works: 1–2% upfront, Portion of rent builds purchase credit, Available in major Florida metros

TRIO Lease-to-Own (FHA Assumable)

Type: Structured lease-to-own

Best for: Moderate-income self-employed buyers

How it works: FHA loan assumed later, 580+ credit, Stable income required

One-Year Self-Employment Mortgage

Type: Freddie Mac or Non-QM

Best for: Recently self-employed professionals

Key requirements: One year self-employment, Prior W-2 experience in same field, Strong reserves required

Freddie Mac Home Possible

Type: 3%-down conventional loan

Best for: Lower-income self-employed buyers

How it works: 660+ credit, Income limits apply and Allows gifts, grants, co-borrowers

Asset Depletion Mortgage

Type: Portfolio / Non-QM

Best for: High-net-worth buyers

How it works: Assets replace income, $500k+ liquid assets, Large down payment

Co-Borrower Strategy (FHA or Conventional)

Type: FHA or conventional

Best for: Buyers with family support

How it works: Co-borrower income boosts qualification, Available nationwide

Frequently Asked Questions: Self-Employed & 1099 Mortgages in Florida

Quick answers to common questions about mortgage options, income documentation, down payments, and assistance programs for self-employed and 1099 buyers in Florida.

Can self-employed or 1099 buyers qualify for a mortgage in Florida?

Yes. Self-employed and 1099 buyers can qualify for mortgages in Florida using traditional loans or alternative programs such as bank statement loans, DSCR loans, and certain down payment assistance options, depending on credit and income.

What income documentation do lenders require for self-employed borrowers?

Lenders typically review two years of personal and business tax returns, profit and loss statements, and bank statements. Some alternative loan programs allow borrowers to qualify using bank deposits instead of tax returns.

Are there mortgage assistance programs available for 1099 buyers in Florida?

Yes. Some Florida mortgage assistance programs allow self-employed and 1099 buyers to qualify if they meet credit, income, and occupancy requirements. Eligibility varies by program and lender.

Do self-employed buyers need higher credit scores?

Not always. While higher credit scores can help secure better rates, many Florida mortgage programs accept self-employed borrowers with moderate credit scores when income and assets are strong.

Can self-employed buyers use FHA or VA loans in Florida?

Yes. FHA and VA loans are available to self-employed buyers in Florida as long as income can be documented according to program guidelines. VA loans may offer additional benefits for eligible veterans.

What down payment is required for self-employed mortgage programs?

Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans may require as little as 3–5%, while alternative self-employed programs often require 10–20% or more.

Are bank statement loans available in Florida?

Yes. Bank statement loans are widely available in Florida and allow self-employed and 1099 buyers to qualify using 12–24 months of bank deposits instead of tax returns.

Can self-employed buyers qualify using business income only?

In many cases, yes. Lenders may use business income to qualify if it is stable, documented, and meets program guidelines. Some programs allow combined personal and business income.

Are interest rates higher for self-employed borrowers?

Interest rates may be slightly higher for alternative documentation loans, but borrowers with strong credit, assets, and income consistency can still access competitive rates.

What is the best first step for self-employed buyers in Florida?

The best first step is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved with a lender experienced in self-employed and 1099 income, so you understand your options before shopping for a home.

Bottom Line

Self-employed and 1099 buyers do not need perfect tax returns to buy a home in Florida in 2026.

With the right program—bank statements, 1099 income, earned equity, or assistance—you can qualify based on real cash flow, not IRS math.