Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Florida buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Last reviewed July 2026·3 programs·6 federal programs
Administered by Florida Housing Finance Corporation
5% of loan amount ($10,000 min - $35,000 max)
Down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. Repaid in full when you sell, transfer, refinance, pay off the first mortgage, or move out - not forgiven. New funding round ($50M) opens July 13, 2026, first-come first-served.
Income limit
Income up to 150% AMI - varies by county
Special requirements: Must work full-time ON-SITE for an eligible Florida employer in a qualifying frontline occupation (healthcare, K-12 schools, first responders, law enforcement, courts/childcare, military/veterans). Remote workers excluded; hybrid requires 3+ days on-site.
Administered by Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Military rate mortgage + DPA up to 5% of loan
Below-market first mortgage for military members, pairable with DPA: FL Assist ($10,000, 0% deferred repayable) or SOS PLUS (3-5% of loan as a 5-year second forgiven 20% per year; forgiven at sale for active duty on PCS orders).
Income limit
Income limits vary by county
First-time buyer requiredNo
EligibilityVeterans only
Special requirements: Must be active duty or honorably discharged veteran (or surviving spouse). Veterans are exempt from the first-time buyer requirement.
Low down payment mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance. Allows income from non-borrower household members. A $2,500 credit for very-low-income borrowers (50% AMI or less) is available through early 2027 when at least one borrower is a first-time buyer.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
Most Florida programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.
What credit score do I need?
Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most Florida programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.
How do I actually apply?
Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.
Can I combine multiple programs?
Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.
Do these programs cost anything?
The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.
