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Down Payment Assistance · Florida

Down Payment Assistance in Florida (2026)

The real programs that can cover your down payment in Florida — and the honest truths about them, from a mortgage insider since 2007 who sells nothing.

Florida Housing runs the statewide programs, and the Hometown Heroes program in particular has opened the door for a huge range of frontline workers. As always, the popular ones are funding-limited, so timing matters.

The main down payment assistance programs in Florida

These are the flagship programs — but funding, income limits, and rates change constantly, so always confirm current details at the official source below before you count on one.

Florida Assist (FL Assist)

A deferred second mortgage for down payment and closing costs — no monthly payment; repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first.

Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP)

A second mortgage with a small monthly payment that helps cover down payment and closing costs.

Salute Our Soldiers

Assistance geared toward active-duty military and veterans across Florida.

Hometown Heroes Housing Program

Down payment and closing-cost help for a wide list of essential and frontline workers. Very popular — funding gets used quickly.

Before you take any of them — read this first Every DPA program has strings: some are true grants, some are silent seconds that can trap your rate, and many aren't actually free — you pay through a higher interest rate. Read the honest DPA guide so you know exactly what you're signing.

Who qualifies in Florida

Most Florida programs share the same gates: income limits (which vary by county and household size), a first-time buyer rule (usually not having owned a home in the last three years — often waived for veterans and in targeted areas), a homebuyer education course, a minimum credit score, and a tighter debt-to-income limit than a standard loan. Because that DTI cap is stricter, qualifying often comes down to restructuring a monthly payment or two — run your numbers here to see what you'd need.

Find & apply in Florida

Florida Housing Finance Corporation
The official statewide source for FL Assist, FL HLP, Salute Our Soldiers, and Hometown Heroes.
Open →
DownPaymentResource
The national database — search 2,000+ programs by your exact city and county.
Open →

See how assistance changes what you need

A covered down payment means a lower income to qualify. Run your Florida price and loan type — free, no pitch.

Open the Income Calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Is there down payment assistance in Florida?
Yes. Florida has statewide programs through its Housing Finance Agency, plus city and county programs. Start with the official sources above and DownPaymentResource, which tracks programs by your exact location.
Is Florida down payment assistance free?
Sometimes. True grants can be free or forgivable, but many marketed products are funded through a higher interest rate. Always ask whether it's a true grant or you're paying for it in your rate.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Usually you must not have owned a home in the last three years, but that's often waived for veterans and in designated target areas. Check the specific program's rules.

Educational content only — not financial, mortgage, or legal advice, and not a loan offer or solicitation. Timothy George has been in the mortgage business since 2007; he is not a currently-licensed loan originator and does not originate loans. Florida program terms, funding, income limits, and rates change constantly — confirm every detail with the program administrator, the Florida Housing Finance Agency, and a currently-licensed professional before you act. Linked third-party sites are for convenience and are not endorsements.