A Florida buyer can stack up to $35,000 in down payment and closing-cost help from state programs alone, and more once county funds join in. Here is every program available across all 67 counties, who qualifies, and how to combine them.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator · Program details from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation · Last updated: August 2026
Florida down payment assistance closes the gap between what you have saved and what you need to buy. Most of the help comes from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the state agency that runs programs in every county, and counties then layer their own money on top where they have it. Because most state assistance takes the form of a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payment, nothing lands on your budget until you sell, refinance, or pay the home off.
Florida statewide assistance programs (2026)
| Program | Assistance | Structure | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hometown Heroes | Up to 5% of the loan, max $35,000 (min $10,000) | 0% interest, deferred second mortgage | Full-time workers in 50+ eligible occupations |
| Florida Assist (FL Assist) | Up to $10,000 | 0% interest, deferred second mortgage | Buyers using an FHA, VA or USDA Florida Housing first mortgage |
| HFA Preferred / Advantage | 3% to 5% of the purchase price | Forgivable or deferred second, with reduced PMI | Buyers who want a conventional loan with lower mortgage insurance |
| Mortgage Credit Certificate | Up to $2,000/year federal tax credit | Annual income-tax credit, not a loan | First-time buyers who want ongoing tax savings |
Hometown Heroes, the largest program
The Florida Hometown Heroes program provides up to 5% of the first mortgage amount, capping at $35,000 with a $10,000 minimum, as a 0% interest second mortgage. You repay it only when you sell or refinance the home. To qualify in 2026 you must work full-time, meaning 35 hours a week or more, in one of 50+ eligible occupations. Teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, military and childcare workers all appear on that list.
In addition, your household income must sit at or below 150% of your county’s area median income, which works out to roughly $143,000 to $195,000 depending on county and household size. A 640 minimum credit score applies. Most buyers must also be first-time buyers, though active-duty and veteran service members skip that rule entirely.
County and city programs
Many Florida counties run their own assistance on top of the statewide programs, using state SHIP money. However, amounts and rules vary sharply by county, and each county allocates a finite pot per cycle. Therefore check your county’s page for current details:
Broward · Collier · Duval (Jacksonville) · Hillsborough (Tampa) · Lee (Fort Myers) · Manatee (Bradenton) · Miami-Dade · Orange (Orlando) · Palm Beach · Pinellas (St. Petersburg) · Polk (Lakeland) · Sarasota · Seminole
The spread between counties is wide, so it is worth checking your own rather than assuming. Seminole reaches $145,000 while several counties cap nearer $15,000, and eligibility rules differ as much as the amounts do. Buying outside Florida, or relocating here from another state? See down payment assistance by state for how other Housing Finance Authorities structure theirs.
How to qualify and apply
- First-time buyer status: most programs mean you have not owned a home in the past 3 years, though veterans and buyers in designated areas often qualify for an exemption.
- Homebuyer education: nearly every assistance program expects a HUD-approved course before closing.
- Income and price limits: each county sets its own, so your loan officer confirms the current caps for you.
- A participating lender: Florida Housing only funds assistance through an approved lender, alongside an eligible FHA, VA, USDA or conventional first mortgage.
Can you combine programs?
Often, yes. A common Florida stack pairs a first mortgage with Hometown Heroes or FL Assist for the down payment, then adds a Mortgage Credit Certificate for ongoing tax savings, and a county SHIP grant on top where one exists. Since the right combination depends on your occupation, income, county and loan type, start by checking the 2026 Florida loan limits for how much you can borrow, then request a quick eligibility check. You can also read the program terms directly at Florida Housing.
Sources: Florida Housing Finance Corporation, covering Hometown Heroes, Florida Assist, HFA Preferred and MCC program terms for 2026. The state allocates this funding annually and it can run out mid-year, so confirm current availability with a participating lender.