By Phil Ganz
Edited by Ryan Skerritt
The Orange County Down Payment Assistance Program helps eligible Florida homebuyers with up to $70,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
Assistance is typically structured as a deferred or forgivable loan and paired with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional financing for primary residences in Orange County.
This program helps cover down payment and closing costs, reducing the biggest barrier to homeownership for low- to moderate-income buyers.
How the Orange County DPA Program Works (Step-by-Step)
A step-by-step breakdown of how applicants move from education and lender approval to securing a home and receiving down payment assistance.
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Complete Homebuyer Education: Attend an approved homebuyer education course from a county-approved provider.
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Get Mortgage Pre-Approval: Secure a first mortgage from an approved lender (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional, depending on eligibility).
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Find an Eligible Home: The home must be located in Orange County, meet the maximum purchase price limit ($345,000) and be an eligible property type.
- Apply Through Orange County: Submit your application through the Orange County Housing & Community Development Division.
Key Benefits of the Orange County DPA Program
Highlights the key advantages of the program, including the amount of assistance available, forgivable loan structure, and reduced out-of-pocket costs at closing.
- Up to $70,000 in assistance for very-low-income households
- Funds can be used for down payment and closing costs
- 0% interest, deferred second mortgage
- Forgiven over 10 years (10% per year)
- Makes buying possible with minimal cash out of pocket
Loan is repaid only if you sell the home, refinance, stop using it as your primary residence or fail to meet program terms.
Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for the Orange County Down Payment Assistance Program, borrowers must meet all of the following:
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First-time homebuyer (no ownership in the last 3 years)
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A credit score of 620 or higher is required
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Buyer contribution required: $500 (Very Low & Low Income) and $1,000 (Moderate Income)
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Primary residence only (no rentals or second homes)
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Eligible properties include single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and modular homes. Mobile homes are not eligible.
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Applicants must have lived in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, Brevard, Seminole, or Volusia County for at least the past 12 months before applying.
- Both the borrower and co-borrower must also have legal permanent residency in the U.S.
2026 Income Limits & Assistance Amounts (Orange County)
Income limits are based on household size and Area Median Income (AMI):
| Household Size | Very Low Income (≤50% AMI) Up to $70,000 DPA | Low Income (≤80% AMI) Up to $40,000 DPA | Moderate Income (≤120% AMI) Up to $10,000 DPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,800 | $54,050 | $81,120 |
| 2 | $38,600 | $61,800 | $92,640 |
| 3 | $43,450 | $69,500 | $104,280 |
| 4 | $48,250 | $77,200 | $115,800 |
| 5 | $52,150 | $83,400 | $125,160 |
| 6 | $56,000 | $89,550 | $134,400 |
| 7 | $59,850 | $95,750 | $143,640 |
| 8 | $63,700 | $101,950 | $152,880 |
All adult household income is counted—even if the person is not on the loan.
FAQs: Orange County FL Down Payment Assistance Program (2026)
Quick answers to the most common questions about eligibility, repayment terms, and how Orange County’s down payment assistance works for Florida homebuyers.
How much down payment assistance does Orange County offer?
Eligible Orange County homebuyers may receive up to $70,000 toward down payment and closing costs, subject to income limits and funding availability.
Is Orange County down payment assistance a grant or a loan?
Assistance is typically structured as a deferred or forgivable second mortgage with no monthly payment while program terms are met.
What loan types can be used with Orange County down payment assistance?
The program is commonly paired with FHA, VA, USDA, and select conventional mortgage loans.
Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
Most Orange County programs require first-time buyer status, generally defined as no homeownership in the past three years, though some exceptions may apply.
When do I have to repay the assistance?
Repayment is usually triggered if the home is sold, refinanced, or no longer used as a primary residence before the forgiveness period ends.
Bottom Line: Is Orange County DPA Worth It?
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Orange County, this program can be a game-changer in 2026.
With up to $70,000 in forgivable assistance, many buyers can purchase a home with little to no money out of pocket, even in today’s competitive Florida market.
The key is qualifying early, choosing the right lender, and understanding the income and purchase price limits before you shop.
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.
