How much down payment assistance is available in Florida in 2026?
Depending on the program, Florida buyers can receive between $10,000 and $35,000 in down payment assistance. FL Assist provides up to $10,000 as a deferred 0% second mortgage. Hometown Heroes offers up to $35,000 (5% of the purchase price, capped at $35K) for frontline workers. Orange County SHIP provides up to $35,000 in forgivable assistance for lower-income buyers. Some programs can be stacked, potentially bringing total assistance above $20,000.
Do I have to pay back down payment assistance in Florida?
It depends on the program. FL Assist is a deferred second mortgage — no monthly payments, but the full balance is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage. The FL HLP carries a small monthly payment (~$69/month). The HFA Preferred Grant is forgiven after three to five years in the home — you owe nothing after that period. Orange County SHIP is forgivable after 10–15 years. Hometown Heroes is a deferred loan due at sale or refi.
What credit score do I need for Florida down payment assistance?
Most FL Housing programs (FL Assist, FL HLP, HFA Preferred, Hometown Heroes) require a minimum credit score of 640. Some lenders may require 660 or higher. County SHIP programs (Orange, Osceola) vary — some accept scores as low as 620. The higher your credit score, the more loan options open up, including conventional loans with better rates.
Can I combine multiple Florida down payment assistance programs?
Yes. FL Assist and FL HLP can be stacked together for up to $20,000 total. Either of those can also be paired with the HFA Preferred Grant, which adds 3–4% of the loan amount on top. You cannot stack Hometown Heroes with other FL Housing second mortgages, but it can pair with certain first mortgage products. County SHIP programs (Orange, Osceola) are generally standalone. A participating FL Housing lender will confirm what stacking is available for your specific situation.
What income limits apply for Florida first-time buyer programs?
Income limits vary by program and county. FL Assist, FL HLP, and HFA Preferred are generally capped at around 80%–140% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which works out to roughly $86,000–$113,000 for a household of 2–4 in Orange County (2026 figures). Hometown Heroes has a higher income limit of $128,000, regardless of county or household size. SHIP programs are generally capped at 80% AMI, which is stricter — around $63,000–$79,000 for a household of 2–4 in Orange County. All income earners in the household are counted.
What is the first-time homebuyer definition in Florida?
Florida defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence in the past three years. If you owned a home more than three years ago, sold it, and have been renting since, you likely qualify as a first-time buyer again for FL Housing programs. Divorced individuals who previously owned a jointly-held home may also qualify — check with your lender. The Hometown Heroes program has the same three-year rule.
What is the Hometown Heroes program?
Hometown Heroes is Florida's flagship down payment assistance program for frontline workers. It provides up to $35,000 (5% of the first mortgage amount, capped at $35K) as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage. It's available to Florida educators (pre-K through 12th grade, and higher education), first responders (firefighters, law enforcement, EMTs, paramedics), healthcare workers (nurses, physicians, CNAs, social workers), and active duty military. The income limit is $128,000. The loan is due when you sell, refinance, or the home is no longer your primary residence.
Is there down payment assistance specifically for Orlando / Orange County buyers?
Yes. Orange County offers a SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) program that provides up to $35,000 in forgivable assistance for income-qualified buyers. The assistance is forgiven over a 10–15 year period as long as the home remains your primary residence. Income limits are set at 80% of the Orange County AMI. The program is funded through the State of Florida and administered locally by Orange County Housing and Community Development.
What is the purchase price limit for FL Housing programs?
FL Housing sets county-specific purchase price limits that change annually. For 2026, limits in Orange County are approximately $450,000–$500,000 for existing homes and slightly higher for new construction. Osceola and Seminole Counties have similar limits. Brevard and Polk County limits are generally lower (~$350,000–$400,000). Luxury homes and high-end condos typically fall outside the program limits. Your participating lender will confirm the current ceiling for your county.
Do I need a homebuyer education course for Florida assistance programs?
Yes — a HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required for virtually all FL Housing programs, including FL Assist, FL HLP, HFA Preferred, and Hometown Heroes. The course typically runs 6–8 hours and can be completed online at no cost. Approved providers include eHome America and Framework. You must complete the course and have your certificate before the lender can submit your file to FL Housing for assistance.
Can I use down payment assistance with an FHA loan?
Yes — most FL Housing programs are specifically designed to layer on top of FHA loans. Your FHA first mortgage comes from a participating lender, and the FL Assist, FL HLP, or HFA Preferred second mortgage is applied on top to cover the down payment and closing costs. Some programs also work with conventional (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac), VA, and USDA loans. Hometown Heroes works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages.
What is the Florida Housing Finance Corporation?
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FL Housing) is the state agency that administers Florida's affordable housing programs, including first-time homebuyer assistance, down payment grants, and below-market interest rate mortgages. They do not lend directly to buyers. Instead, they work through a network of participating lenders across Florida. To access FL Assist, FL HLP, HFA Preferred, or Hometown Heroes, you must use a lender on FL Housing's approved list.
How long does it take to get down payment assistance in Florida?
The process runs alongside your normal mortgage timeline — 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing is standard. The key steps that can slow things down: finding a participating lender (not all lenders offer these programs), completing the required homebuyer education course, and waiting for FL Housing to issue commitment letters. Starting the education course early and using an experienced participating lender are the two biggest time-savers.
Can I use Florida down payment assistance on new construction?
Yes, most FL Housing programs allow new construction purchases. However, the home must be your primary residence, must be in Florida, and the purchase price must be under the county limit. For new construction, the builder's timeline and closing date must align with the assistance program's commitment window — some programs expire after 90 days. Work with a participating lender experienced in new construction to coordinate the timing.
What happens if I sell my home before the forgiveness period ends?
For deferred programs (FL Assist, Hometown Heroes), the full balance is due at closing when you sell — there is no forgiveness component, just a deferred due date. For forgivable programs (HFA Preferred Grant, Orange County SHIP), selling before the forgiveness period ends triggers a pro-rated repayment. If the SHIP program forgives over 10 years and you sell in year 5, you repay roughly half the original assistance amount. The exact recapture terms are in your loan documents.