Florida Down Payment Assistance

Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) Programs

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation is the state's primary agency for affordable housing programs. They offer several down payment assistance options that work in conjunction with their first mortgage loan programs:

Florida Assist (FL Assist)

Provides up to $10,000 as a deferred second mortgage with 0% interest. No monthly payments are required — the loan is repaid only when you sell the home, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. This program is available with both FHA and conventional first mortgage options through Florida Housing.

Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP)

Offers up to $10,000 as a second mortgage at 3% interest with a 15-year repayment term. Monthly payments are approximately $69 per $10,000 borrowed. This program can be paired with Florida Housing first mortgage products.

General Eligibility for FHFC Programs

• Must be a first-time home buyer (no ownership in past 3 years) or purchasing in a targeted area
• Income limits apply (vary by county and household size)
• Purchase price limits apply (vary by county)
• Minimum credit score of 640 for most programs
• Must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course
• Property must be your primary residence

Hometown Heroes Housing Program

Launched in 2022, the Hometown Heroes program is one of Florida's most generous down payment assistance options. It provides up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (capped at $35,000) as a forgivable second mortgage at 0% interest. The loan is forgiven after the borrower maintains the home as their primary residence for a specified period.

Who qualifies as a "Hometown Hero"? The program is available to a wide range of community workers employed full-time by a Florida-based employer, including:

The program has income limits (currently up to $150,000 household income) and purchase price limits that vary by county. It can be combined with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage products. Funding is allocated annually and can run out — early application is recommended.

County-Specific Programs in Central Florida

In addition to statewide programs, several Central Florida counties offer their own down payment assistance:

Seminole County

Seminole County's SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to income-eligible buyers purchasing within the county. Assistance amounts and terms vary based on available funding. The program typically requires buyers to complete homebuyer education and contribute a minimum amount from their own funds. Contact the Seminole County Community Services department for current availability and income limits.

Orange County

Orange County offers down payment assistance through its Housing and Community Development division. Programs include assistance for first-time buyers and may provide up to $40,000–$50,000 in some cases, structured as deferred or forgivable loans. Income limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI) and household size. The county also participates in the SHIP program with additional local funding sources.

Volusia County

Volusia County's SHIP program assists income-eligible buyers with down payment and closing costs for homes purchased within the county. Assistance is typically provided as a deferred loan that is forgiven over time if the buyer maintains the property as their primary residence. The county periodically opens application windows when funding is available.

How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance

The application process varies by program, but here are the general steps:

1. 1Get pre-approved with a participating lender. Not all lenders offer every assistance program. Work with a loan officer who is approved to originate loans with the specific program you are interested in. Our team at We Are Beyond A Bank is approved for Florida Housing and Hometown Heroes programs.
2. 2Complete homebuyer education. Most programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. These are available online and in-person, typically taking 4–8 hours.
3. 3Verify income eligibility. Provide documentation of household income including pay stubs, tax returns, and any other income sources. Limits are based on total household income, not just the borrower's.
4. 4Find an eligible property. The home must meet program requirements for purchase price, condition, and location. Your loan officer and real estate agent can help ensure the property qualifies.
5. 5Reserve funds and close. Once you have a contract, your lender reserves the assistance funds and coordinates the closing. The assistance is applied at closing to cover your down payment and/or closing costs.

Programs have limited funding and can close without notice when funds are exhausted. If you think you may qualify, starting the process early gives you the best chance of securing assistance. Read our first-time buyer guide for the full home buying process.