Palm Beach County runs several programs worth up to $100,000 each for first-time buyers, plus the statewide Florida programs.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator · Sourced from Palm Beach County and Florida Housing · Last updated: June 2026
Palm Beach is a higher-cost county (loan limits above the Florida floor) with unusually deep local assistance, which you can layer with the statewide programs.
Palm Beach County local assistance
| Program | Maximum assistance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SHIP Purchase Assistance | Up to $100,000 | Up to 140% AMI; 30-year 0% deferred second mortgage |
| HOME Investment Partnerships | Up to $100,000 | Federally funded purchase assistance |
| Homebuyer Match Pilot (new 2026) | Up to $50,000 | First-come pilot; limited initial funding |
| City of West Palm Beach | Up to $100,000 | Within West Palm Beach city limits |
Each is a deferred 0% second mortgage with no monthly payment. Funds are limited and awarded by cycle.
Statewide programs you can also use in Palm Beach County
- Hometown Heroes: up to $35,000 for full-time workers in 50+ eligible occupations
- Florida Assist: up to $10,000, 0% deferred second mortgage
- HFA Preferred: conventional loan with reduced mortgage insurance plus assistance
- Mortgage Credit Certificate: up to $2,000/year federal tax credit
See the full breakdown on our Florida down payment assistance guide and the 2026 Palm Beach County loan limits.
How to get started
Start with a HUD-approved homebuyer education course and get pre-qualified with a participating lender. Request a free eligibility check and we’ll map the Palm Beach County and statewide programs you qualify for.
Sources: Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach, and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 2026. Local funding is limited and allocated each cycle; verify current terms with the administering office.