Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs by County (2026 Guide)

Saving for a down payment is still one of the biggest barriers to homeownership in Florida. With competitive housing markets in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, and South Florida, many buyers assume they need 20% down — but that’s simply not true.

In 2026, there are multiple Florida down payment assistance programs, including statewide options and county-level programs that help eligible buyers cover upfront costs.

If you're buying in Florida, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Down Payment Assistance in Florida?

Down payment assistance (DPA) programs are designed to help qualified homebuyers cover down payment costs, closing costs, and/or prepaid expenses (insurance, taxes, etc.)

Depending on the program, assistance ranges from $5,000 to $25,000+. Most Florida DPA programs come in one of three forms:

✔ Grants: Funds that don't require repayment.

✔ Forgivable Loans: Second mortgages that are forgiven after a set period (often 5–10 years) if you remain in the home.

✔ Deferred Second Mortgages: No monthly payments, but repayment is required when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home.

Each program has specific eligibility requirements including income limits, purchase price caps, and credit guidelines.

Statewide Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs

Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing)

Florida Housing offers several statewide programs available in most counties.

FL Assist

1. Up to $10,000 as a deferred second mortgage
2. No monthly payments
3. Repayable upon sale or refinance

Hometown Heroes Program

1. Designed for frontline and community workforce professionals
2. Increased income limits
3. Down payment and closing cost assistance
4. Competitive fixed-rate options

These programs are available statewide but are subject to funding availability and eligibility.

County-Level Down Payment Assistance Programs in Florida

In addition to statewide programs, many Florida counties have local assistance programs that benefit qualified buyers.

Orange County Down Payment Assistance (Orlando Area)

Orange County Down Payment Assistance Programs offers income-based assistance for first-time homebuyers purchasing within county limits. Program options and eligibility criteria can include:

1. Deferred second mortgages
2. Forgivable loans
3. Income-based eligibility
4. Required homebuyer education

Osceola County Down Payment Assistance

Osceola County's SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) Program offers down payment assistance to income-qualified buyers who complete an approved homebuyer education course and may include:

1. Down payment and closing cost assistance
2. Deferred repayment structures
3. Forgiveness after a required occupancy period

Hillsborough County Down Payment Assistance (Tampa Area)

Hillsborough County's Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program offers assistance for qualified buyers within Hillsborough County limits (outside City of Tampa):

1. Assistance for first-time homebuyers
2. Deferred or forgivable second mortgages
3. Income qualification requirements

Within the city of Tampa, the Dare to Own the Dream Program offers assistance separate from the country program. Assistance amounts vary and you must purchase within city limits.

Who Qualifies for Florida Down Payment Assistance?

Guidelines vary by program and county, but can require some of the following stipulations:

✔ First-time homebuyer status (sometimes defined as not owning in the past 3 years)

✔ Income limits based on household size

✔ Minimum credit score requirements

✔ Completion of an approved homebuyer education course

✔ Purchasing within the specific county

✔ A minimum borrower contribution

Important: Funding Is Limited

Typically, Florida down payment assistance programs operate on limited funding cycles. Funds move fast and guidelines can change year-to-year, so working with a loan originator who's up-to-date on requirements is fundamental.

Can You Combine State and County Assistance?

Sometimes, yes. Depending on the program regulations, you may be able to combine:

1. Florida Housing programs
2. County-level assistance
3. Special workforce programs

How to Find Out What You Qualify For

Down payment assistance isn't automatically awarded, and not every buyer will qualify. Your best next step is to:

1. Get pre-approved
2. Review your income and credit profile
3. Identify your target county
4. Evaluate both state and local assistance options

At The Mortgage Firm, we help buyers take advantage of Florida down payment assistance programs and determine which options align with their financial goals.