Down Payment Assistance Programs in Florida (2026 Guide)

# Down Payment Assistance Programs in Florida (2026 Guide) Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles for first-time home buyers. Fortunately, Florida offers 3 assistance programs that can help you achieve homeownership sooner than you thought possible. ## Florida Housing Agency All state DPA programs are administered by Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing). **Contact Information:** - Website: [https://www.floridahousing.org](https://www.floridahousing.org) - Phone: 850-488-4197 ## Available Programs Florida offers 3 major down payment assistance programs: ### Florida Assist | Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Maximum Assistance | Up to $10,000 | | Program Type | Second Mortgage | | Description | 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. Repaid when home is sold or refinanced. | ### Hardest-Hit Fund DPA (HHF-DPA) | Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Maximum Assistance | Up to $15,000 | | Program Type | Forgivable Loan | | Description | Forgivable over 5 years. For eligible first-time buyers. | ### Hometown Heroes | Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Maximum Assistance | Up to 5% of first mortgage | | Program Type | Forgivable Loan | | Description | For community workers including teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and military. | ## How to Apply ### Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Most programs require: - First-time homebuyer status (no home ownership in past 3 years) - Income at or below program limits - Minimum credit score (usually 620-640) - Home price within program limits ### Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education All Florida Housing programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. This prepares you for the responsibilities of homeownership. ### Step 3: Work with an Approved Lender Florida Housing maintains a list of approved lenders trained in their programs. These lenders can help you combine DPA with your mortgage. ### Step 4: Find Your Home Once pre-approved, work with a real estate agent to find a home within program price limits. ## Combining with Your Mortgage Down payment assistance can be layered with various loan types: | Loan Type | Min Down | With Florida Housing DPA | |-----------|----------|--------------------------| | FHA | 3.5% | DPA covers most or all | | Conventional | 3-5% | DPA covers most or all | | VA | 0% | DPA for closing costs | | USDA | 0% | DPA for closing costs | ## Real Cost Savings With Florida's median home price of $400,000: | Scenario | Down Payment Needed | With Max DPA | |----------|--------------------|--------------| | FHA (3.5%) | $14,000 | Potentially $0 | | Conventional (5%) | $20,000 | Significantly reduced | | Conventional (20%) | $80,000 | Reduced by DPA amount | ## Conclusion Don't let down payment concerns keep you from homeownership. Florida's DPA programs have helped thousands of first-time buyers achieve their dream. Contact Florida Housing today to learn which programs you qualify for. Use our [Florida Mortgage Calculator](/mortgage-calculator/florida) to see how DPA affects your monthly payment. --- *Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Program details subject to change. Contact Florida Housing for current requirements.*