A Florida buyer can stack up to $35,000 in down payment and closing-cost help from state programs alone — and more when county funds are added. 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 sourced from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation · Last updated: June 2026
Down payment assistance (DPA) closes the gap between what you have saved and what you need to buy. In Florida, most help comes from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation — the state agency whose programs are available in every county — layered with county and city funds where they exist. Most state assistance comes as a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payment; you only repay it when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home.
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 2nd mortgage | Full-time workers in 50+ eligible occupations |
| Florida Assist (FL Assist) | Up to $10,000 | 0% interest, deferred 2nd mortgage | Buyers using an FHA/VA/USDA Florida Housing first mortgage |
| HFA Preferred / Advantage | 3%–5% of the purchase price | Forgivable or deferred 2nd, 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 (capped at $35,000, minimum $10,000) for down payment and closing costs, as a 0% interest second mortgage you repay only when the home is sold or refinanced. To qualify in 2026 you must work full-time (35+ hours/week) in one of 50+ eligible occupations — teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, military, childcare workers and more — and have a household income at or below 150% of your county’s area median income (roughly $143,000 to $195,000 depending on county and household size). A 640 minimum credit score applies, and most buyers must be first-time buyers, though active-duty and veteran service members are exempt from that rule.
County and city programs
Many Florida counties run their own assistance using state SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) funds, on top of the statewide programs. Amounts and rules vary by county and funds are limited each cycle. See your county’s page for current details:
Duval · Hillsborough · Seminole · Sarasota · Collier · Manatee — and more across the state.
How to qualify and apply
- First-time buyer status — most programs define this as not having owned a home in the past 3 years (veterans and buyers in designated areas are often exempt).
- Homebuyer education — a HUD-approved course is required for nearly all assistance programs.
- Income and price limits — set by county; your loan officer confirms your county’s current caps.
- A participating lender — state assistance must be originated through a Florida Housing-approved lender alongside an eligible first mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional).
Can you combine programs?
Often, yes. A common Florida stack is a first mortgage + Hometown Heroes (or FL Assist) for the down payment + a Mortgage Credit Certificate for ongoing tax savings, and a county SHIP grant on top where available. The right combination depends on your occupation, income, county, and loan type — see the 2026 Florida loan limits for how much you can borrow, then request a quick eligibility check.
Sources: Florida Housing Finance Corporation (floridahousing.org) — Hometown Heroes, Florida Assist, HFA Preferred, and MCC program terms, 2026. Program funding is allocated annually and can run out mid-year; confirm current availability with a participating lender.