How do I qualify for down payment assistance in Florida?
Florida down payment assistance, including the Hometown Heroes program, generally requires you to be a first-time buyer (no ownership in three years), meet income limits for your county, and complete a homebuyer education course.
Assistance often comes as a 0%-interest deferred second mortgage covering down payment and closing costs. We confirm your county income limit and pair the assistance with an FHA or conventional first mortgage.
Florida's main assistance programs
Florida runs down payment assistance through the state housing agency, Florida Housing. The best-known program is Florida Hometown Heroes, which helps eligible workers with up to 5% toward the down payment. Local county and city programs add more options on top.
Most programs pair with an FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage. You take one main loan for the house and a second, smaller loan or grant for the down payment help.
The common eligibility rules
You usually need to be at or under an income limit for your county, complete a short homebuyer class, and use the home as your primary residence. Many programs also want a minimum credit score around 640.
The rules shift by program and county, so it pays to have a broker sort it for you. Reach out and we will match you to the assistance you qualify for and start the paperwork.
Verify the details for your own situation against these government and agency sources: Florida Housing homebuyer programs and CFPB Owning a Home guide.