April 24, 2026· 6 min read· By Ryan Solberg
Every Down-Payment Assistance Program a Florida Buyer Should Know About
Teachers, nurses, first-responders, military, and most Florida buyers under 150% AMI qualify for down-payment help — often up to $35,000 forgivable. Here's every program and how to apply.
The most common thing I hear from first-time buyers in Central Florida is some version of: "we just need another year to save the down payment." About half the time, that's not true — they qualify for help today and don't know it.
This is the no-fluff list. Every program, who it's for, how much it actually pays, and the link to apply.
Quick Take: Most Florida buyers earning under $120k don't know they qualify for down-payment help. Stacking one state program with a county SHIP grant can eliminate the down payment on a $400k home entirely — today, not next year.
The State Programs (Florida Housing Finance Corporation)
Every program below is run by Florida Housing. All of them require you to use one of their approved participating lenders — the loan officer handles the application on your behalf. You don't apply directly.
Full program list + participating lenders: FloridaHousing.org — Homebuyer Programs.
1. Hometown Heroes Housing Program
The flagship program. Up to $35,000 in down-payment and closing-cost assistance as a 0% second mortgage that only repays when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first.
Who qualifies (2026):
- First-time buyer (haven't owned a primary residence in the last 3 years)
- Full-time employee of a Florida-based employer
- Income under 150% of Area Median Income (roughly $135,150 for a household in Orange County as of 2026 — verify current AMI)
- Buying a primary residence in Florida
It was originally marketed to law enforcement, teachers, nurses, and first responders — but today almost every full-time Florida employee qualifies. Don't rule yourself out.
Details: Hometown Heroes Program Page.
2. Florida Assist Second Mortgage (FL Assist)
Up to $10,000 as a 0%, deferred second mortgage — due when you sell, refinance, or move out. Often stackable with Hometown Heroes.
3. Florida HFA Preferred Conventional / HFA Advantage
Below-market 30-year fixed rates paired with 3–5% of purchase price as a forgivable grant. Best if you're not Hometown Heroes-eligible but still under income limits.
4. Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program
Specifically for active-duty, veterans, and surviving spouses. Below-market rates plus down-payment assistance on VA, FHA, USDA, and conventional loans.
County-Level Programs (SHIP)
Every Florida county runs a SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) program funded by doc-stamp revenue. SHIP is separate from state programs — meaning you can stack a SHIP grant on top of Hometown Heroes.
Each county sets its own income limits, grant amounts, and application windows (they typically open once or twice a year and close when funds run out — apply early).
Orange County
Grants up to $30,000 for down payment and closing costs, targeted at buyers under 120% AMI. Orange County Housing — Down Payment Assistance
Seminole County
Up to $50,000 deferred second mortgage for very-low to moderate-income buyers. Seminole County SHIP Program
Lake County
Up to $25,000 in down-payment and closing-cost help. Lake County Housing Services
Osceola County
Up to $25,000; waitlist system. Osceola County Human Services
Brevard County
Up to $40,000 for first-time buyers under 120% AMI. Brevard County Housing & Human Services
Volusia County
Up to $50,000 deferred second mortgage. Volusia County Community Services
Federal Programs Worth Knowing
FHA Loan (3.5% down)
Not technically assistance, but the most accessible low-down-payment mortgage. Minimum 580 credit score for 3.5% down; 500 for 10% down. Details: HUD.gov — FHA Loans.
VA Loan (0% down, no PMI)
For veterans, active duty, and eligible surviving spouses. No down payment, no mortgage insurance — by far the best loan in America if you qualify. Check eligibility: VA.gov — Home Loans.
USDA Loan (0% down, rural areas)
Surprisingly available in parts of Lake, Osceola, and Brevard counties. Check property eligibility by address — you might be shocked what qualifies. Property lookup: USDA Property Eligibility Map.
Free HUD-Approved Counseling (Required for Some Programs)
Most Florida assistance programs require an 8-hour homebuyer education course from a HUD-approved counselor. It's free, it's online, and it qualifies you for the money. Do it before you start touring.
Find a free course: HUD Housing Counseling Agency Search.
The Stacking Strategy
Here's where it gets powerful. A typical Orange County teacher buying their first home in 2026 can realistically combine:
- Hometown Heroes: $35,000 (deferred second)
- Orange County SHIP: $20,000 (deferred second)
- Seller concessions (up to 6% on FHA): up to $24,000 on a $400k home
That's $79,000 in stacked assistance on a $400,000 home. With an FHA 3.5% down payment of $14,000 covered by the programs, you could walk into a home for under $2,000 out of pocket.
This isn't a loophole — it's exactly how the programs are designed. The catch is it requires a loan officer who actually knows how to stack them, and an agent who knows which sellers will accept concessions in the current market.
Ready to find out what you qualify for?
I work with three participating lenders who process these programs weekly — not once a quarter. I'll connect you with the right one for your situation, walk you through the income limits, and help you plan the 60-day path from "we're saving" to "we closed."
Start a conversation with Ryan → or call 321.373.3536.
No pressure, no lender kickback, no commitment. Just the fastest path to finding out what's actually available to you.
The next step
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