Orange County Down Payment Assistance Program: Up to $70,000 for Florida Homebuyers

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.

Check Your Orange County Eligibility

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.

• Complete Homebuyer Education: Attend an approved homebuyer education course from a county-approved provider.
• Get Mortgage Pre-Approval: Secure a first mortgage from an approved lender (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional, depending on eligibility).
• 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.

Check Your Orange County Eligibility

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.

Check Your Orange County Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements (2026)

To qualify for the Orange County Down Payment Assistance Program, borrowers must meet all of the following:

• First-Time Homebuyer — No homeownership in the last 3 years.
• Credit Score — A credit score of 620 or higher is required.
• Buyer Contribution — $500 (Very Low & Low Income) and $1,000 (Moderate Income).
• Primary Residence Only — No rentals or second homes.
• Eligible Properties — Single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and modular homes. Mobile homes are not eligible.
• Residency Requirement — Applicants must have lived in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, Brevard, Seminole, or Volusia County for at least the past 12 months before applying.
• Legal Status — Both the borrower and co-borrower must have legal permanent residency in the U.S.

Check Your Orange County Eligibility

2026 Income Limits & Assistance Amounts (Orange County)

Income limits are based on household size and Area Median Income (AMI). For statewide context, see Florida Housing income and purchase price limits.

All adult household income is counted — even if the person is not on the loan.

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. Compare with the Broward County first-time homebuyer program, or explore our complete guide to Florida grants and programs and the DPA overview page for all available options.

Check Your Orange County Eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions