What down payment assistance is available for Florida buyers?

Down payment and closing-cost help is one of the most underused tools for Florida buyers — especially first-timers. Here are the main programs as of 2026.

Florida Housing Homebuyer Loan Program

The state’s housing finance agency (Florida Housing) offers 30-year, low-interest first mortgages paired with down payment and closing-cost assistance. The assistance typically comes as a second loan that’s deferred or forgivable depending on the program you choose.

• Usually requires being a first-time buyer (generally, not having owned a home in the past three years) — though some programs waive this in targeted areas or for veterans.
• Income and purchase-price limits apply, and they vary by county.
• You’ll need to use an approved lender and complete a homebuyer education course.

Florida Hometown Heroes Program

The Hometown Heroes program is for eligible frontline community workers — including military and veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, educators, healthcare workers, and many others.

• Provides down payment and closing-cost assistance up to 5% of the first mortgage amount, capped at $35,000 (minimum $10,000).
• The assistance is a 0%-interest, deferred second mortgage repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home.
• Funding is limited and first-come, first-served. In recent years the annual allocation has been exhausted within months of opening — so if you may qualify, get pre-approved and apply early in the program year.

Local (county & city) programs

Many Florida counties and cities run their own assistance programs on top of the state ones — for example, Palm Beach County has offered up to $50,000 for qualified buyers. Check your specific county housing department; these often have the most generous benefits but the tightest income limits and smallest budgets.

How to actually use these

1. Get pre-approved with a lender that participates in Florida Housing programs.
2. Confirm the income and price limits for your county.
3. Complete the required homebuyer education course.
4. Apply early in the year for anything first-come, first-served.

Have more questions? Browse our full FAQ library or get your free Florida Home Buying Guide.