Down Payment Assistance in Florida

What is down payment assistance in Florida?

Florida’s beachfront and city home prices can grab headlines, but from small inland towns to growing suburbs, plenty of buyers are finding that the right assistance programs make homeownership more within reach than the price tags suggest.

Homebuyers may be able to use down payment assistance (DPA) programs to help them purchase a property. Down payment assistance is made up of national, state, local, and employer-sponsored programs designed to support homebuyers who can afford a monthly mortgage payment but need help coming up with the upfront cash needed for a down payment and closing costs.

Offered by government agencies, nonprofits, and some private organizations, DPA provides financial support to help homebuyers cover the down payment, closing costs, or both. It helps to bridge the gap between what buyers have saved and the funding they need to buy.

It may also provide homebuyers with a financial cushion, so they don’t have to drain all of their savings to afford homeownership.

From the Panhandle’s white-sand beaches to the tropical shores of the Keys, Florida homebuyers can tap into statewide, local, and community-based programs that help cover the upfront costs of purchasing a home.

Assistance typically comes in one of three forms: a grant (money you don’t repay), a forgivable loan (which is gradually forgiven the longer you stay in the home), or a low-interest loan. The right option depends on the program and your individual situation.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer in Florida or returning to homeownership after years away, there may be money available to help make up the difference between how much you’ve saved and the amount you need to close on a home.  

How does down payment assistance work?

Every down payment assistance program has its own rules, but most follow a similar path from homebuyers researching their options to funding.

Research. The DPA landscape is larger than most people realize. In fact, there were more than 2,700 DPA programs as of July 2026, according to Down Payment Resource, a company that connects homebuyers to the programs. Assistance may be available at the state, county, city, or employer level, and different programs have different eligibility requirements. If one program doesn’t fit your situation, keep looking. There may be others that will.

Determine your eligibility. Common requirements include income limits, minimum credit scores, and property location restrictions. Understanding your financial profile, where you want to buy, and how long you plan to live in the home will help you identify which programs are worth pursuing.

Apply. Once you find a down payment program that fits your criteria and eligibility, you’ll submit an application and supporting documents. Expect to provide proof of income, personal identification, credit information, and details about the property you intend to purchase.

Get approved and receive funding. If your application is approved and your information verified, you’ll receive the assistance at closing. It’s typically applied directly toward your down payment, closing costs, or both, depending on the program’s terms.

It is important to note that most DPA programs have their own conditions, which may include having to repay the loan in part or full if you move early, sell, or refinance the home. Make sure to always review and understand the terms and conditions of any loan you use.

Additionally, some programs may run out of funding. That’s why it’s important to check availability and stay on top of deadlines.

Who qualifies for down payment assistance?

Many people don’t realize they may be able to qualify for down payment assistance. DPA isn’t just a tool for first-time and first-generation homebuyers or those with lower incomes.

The assistance is available for a wide variety of people in a range of financial situations. Nearly two-thirds, 62%, of current DPA programs serve homebuyers earning more than $100,000 a year and 11% have no income limits, according to Down Payment Resource.

Additionally, more than a third, 38%, of DPA programs don’t have a first-time homebuyer requirement.

There are DPA programs for: First-generation homebuyers, Native American homebuyers, veterans, educators, law enforcement, first responders, municipal employees, those who earn less than a certain threshold, and more. Some programs also exist for buyers who purchase properties in certain communities.

Some organizations also offer homeownership assistance programs for their employees, so make sure you check with your employer as well.

Types of down payment assistance

The majority of DPA programs fall into two categories: Second mortgages and grants.

Second mortgages are by far the most common form of down payment assistance, making up 56% of all programs, according to Down Payment Resource. This is a separate loan running alongside your primary mortgage, with its own monthly payment.

Second mortgages are often set up to be a deferred or forgivable loan to reduce the upfront cost. If you have a deferred loan, it means that it doesn’t have to be repaid until you sell, refinance, or move out. A forgivable loan is gradually forgiven if you live in the home for a set amount of time.

Grants make up 9% of DPA programs and are the most straightforward form of assistance. They’re a gift, with no repayment required under any circumstances. As always, read the terms carefully to make sure you understand any conditions attached.

Finding down payment assistance

Down Payment Resource offers an interactive search feature that allows you to search available DPA programs by location as well as by things like your occupation, military status, or disability status.

New American Funding (NAF) also offers a down payment assistance program called Pathway to Homeownership. Specifically available to first-time homebuyers, eligible borrowers may receive up to $6,000* in financial assistance. This money can be used to help with your down payment, closing costs, or other costs. It can also be combined with other DPA programs.

National down payment assistance programs

While there is not national database of nation-wide DPA programs available, there are several main ones that are notable. They include:

The Chenoa Fund

The Chenoa Fund is administered by CBC Mortgage Agency (a federally chartered tribal housing finance authority). It is one of the most accessible national DPA programs available because it drops two of the most common barriers to qualification. It has no income limits and no first-time homebuyer requirement.

The program covers the required 3.5% down payment on Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. The aid is structured either as a forgivable second mortgage or a repayable second mortgage, depending on the option selected.

Borrowers need a minimum 600 credit score to qualify. The program is available in all states except New York.

Since it works through a network of participating lenders nationwide, buyers can access it through their mortgage lender rather than applying directly.

The National Homebuyers Fund

The National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) is a nonprofit organization that provides down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount. It’s administered as a grant, meaning no repayment is required.

It has no first-time homebuyer requirement, making it available to repeat buyers who may not qualify for programs with that restriction. It works with FHA, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Conventional loans.

The credit score and debt-to-income requirements are flexible.

The NHF is available in most states and is accessed through a network of participating lenders rather than through a direct application to the fund itself.

Many of the national DPA programs are offered by various lenders and private non-profit organizations like the Homeownership Council of America.

Down payment assistance programs in Florida

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) is the state’s housing finance agency and the central source for statewide DPA programs. FHFC doesn’t lend directly to buyers. Homebuyers apply through an FHFC-approved participating lender, which will combine the assistance with the mortgage.

FHFC Down Payment Assistance Programs

The FHFC offers several assistance programs to eligible homebuyers for down payment and closing costs assistance. DPA is not available as a stand-alone option. It must be combined with a Florida Housing first mortgage loan.

Florida Housing mortgage products have the following requirements:

• Minimum credit score of 640
• Must work with an approved, participating lender
• Competition of homebuyer education course
• Purchase price must be below the limits for the county in which you purchase
• Must meet household income limits for the county in which you purchase
• Must be a first-time homebuyer

The Florida Assist (FL Assist): This program offers up to $10,000 on FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans. The funds are provided as a 0% interest, non-amortizing, deferred second mortgage. The DPA funds are not forgivable, with repayment deferred. Repayment is also required when the property is sold, transferred, refinanced, the first mortgage is satisfied, or the borrower no longer uses the property as a primary residence.

The Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP) Second Mortgage: This program offers up to $12,500. The funds are provided as a fully amortizing second mortgage with 3% interest and a 30-year term. This DPA does require a monthly payment. The unpaid principal balance is deferred, except when a 3%, 4% and 5% HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS Second Mortgage property is sold, transferred, refinanced, the first mortgage is satisfied, or the borrower no longer uses the property as a primary residence.

3%, 4% and 5% HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS Second Mortgage: This program offers 3%, 4%, or 5% of the total loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage. The second mortgage is forgiven at 20% over its five-year term, when used with specific Florida Housing mortgage products.

Beyond FHFC’s statewide programs, several Florida cities and counties have established their own DPA programs. Many of these can be stacked with FHFC assistance. That means some eligible buyers may be able to combine multiple programs and significantly increase their total help.

This can help them to cover their down payment, closing costs, or simply have a little left over as a financial cushion.

Miami-Dade County down payment assistance program

Miami-Dade County anchors South Florida, known for its vibrant Latin American culture, oceanfront skyline, and a food and nightlife scene that never seems to slow down. From the Art Deco charm of South Beach to family-friendly suburbs further inland, the county offers buyers a wide range of options, all within reach of year-round sunshine and international connections through Miami’s global airport. (Counties like this are typically part of a larger metropolitan area — in this case, Greater Miami.)

Miami-Dade down payment assistance program includes:

Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program: This down payment assistance program provides up to $35,000. The assistance is provided as 30-year term loan with no interest, with the unpaid principal balance due at maturity. There are no monthly payments required. Unpaid principal balance is due if the property is sold, transferred, refinanced, or death during the term of the down payment loan.

Program requirements include:

• Must be a first-time homebuyer
• Must complete homebuyer education course
• Borrower must have 1% of purchase price from their own funds as down payment
• Can only be used in combination with a fixed-rate mortgage
• Must be a Miami-Dade County resident at the time of application and loan closing
• Must meet household income limits

Orange County down payment assistance program

Orange County anchors Central Florida, home to Orlando and the world-famous theme parks that draw millions of visitors each year. Beyond the tourist corridor, the county offers buyers a mix of urban neighborhoods, and family-friendly suburbs. (Counties like this are typically part of a larger metropolitan area — in this case, Greater Orlando.)

Orange County down payment assistance program includes:

Down Payment Assistance Program: The program offers up to $70,000 in assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers looking to purchase a new or existing home in Orange County.  

Program requirements include:

• Very-low-income buyers can receive up to $70,000; low-income buyers can receive up to $40,000; moderate-income buyers can receive up to $10,000
• Completion of a homebuyer education course
• Must secure a first mortgage

Palm Beach County down payment assistance programs

Palm Beach County runs along Florida’s southeastern coast, known for the glamor of its namesake island town alongside a much wider mix of affordable suburbs and beach communities. West Palm Beach anchors a growing downtown, while family-friendly towns further inland give buyers more range, all within reach of South Florida's job market and year-round sunshine. (Counties like this are typically part of a larger metropolitan area — in this case, South Florida.)

Homebuyer Match Pilot Program: The program provides up to $50,000 as a dollar-for-dollar match to a homebuyer’s cash contribution. Eligible buyers can use the funds for down payment assistance, points buy-down, minor repairs, and closing costs. 

Program requirements include:

• Approved homebuyers must contribute a minimum of $10,000 to purchase the property
• Purchase price cannot exceed $70,000
• Must meet household income eligibility requirements

Funds are available on a rolling basis, through a random lottery selection process.

These are some of the main down payment assistance programs available across Florida. However, there may be more programs available to you based on your location in the state or your occupation.

For instance, some towns or cities may offer down payment assistance specifically for first responders or teachers. Make sure to do your own research to see if there is a program that may be right for you. And be aware that certain programs may only be available until all of the funding is used.

How to apply for Florida down payment assistance

The application process for different DPA programs may change. However, some general application steps include:

1. Check your eligibility. Review income limits, credit requirements, and first-time buyer status at floridahousing.org. For local programs, contact the relevant city or county housing office.  
2. Find a participating lender. FHFC programs are only available through approved lenders in their network.  
3. Get pre-qualified. Your lender reviews your income, credit, and debts to determine which programs you may qualify for to receive funding.
4. Complete homebuyer education. Enroll in an approved homebuyer education course and keep your completion certificate for closing.
5. Find your home. Work with a licensed agent to locate a qualifying Florida property. Your lender will confirm if it meets program requirements.
6. Close on your home. Your lender packages your first mortgage and DPA together. Assistance funds are applied at settlement.

Florida down payment assistance FAQs

^{Program details reflect August 2026 information. Down payment assistance programs are subject to change and depend on current funding availability. Always confirm income limits, eligibility requirements, and program details with your lender or the applicable program administrator before applying.}

^{*Credit up to $6,000 maximum. Due to maximum seller concession rules applicable to purchase loan transactions, this credit could be less than $6,000 in some cases where other concessions have been made to the consumer.}