Updated July 2026 · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555

Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs Guide

Florida has one of the strongest state-level DPA ecosystems in the US — FHFC flagship programs plus city and county DPA in major metros. Here's the practical Florida DPA program map.

By Mike Certo, NMLS #260555 — Updated July 2026

Key takeaways

Florida Hometown Heroes offers up to $35,000 in down-payment and closing-cost assistance as a 0%-interest, deferred second mortgage (repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home).
Florida Assist offers up to $10,000 with no monthly payment; HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS pair a conventional first mortgage with a 3%, 4%, or 5% second forgiven 20% per year over five years; FL HLP offers up to $12,500 as an amortizing second with a small monthly payment (about $53/month).
For the 2026–27 funding cycle (reopened July 13, 2026 with $50 million, first-come, first-served), Hometown Heroes is limited to eligible frontline occupations — health care workers, K-12 school staff, first responders, law enforcement, court and child-care workers, and military members and Veterans — with household income at or below 150% of the county area median income (AMI).
Only one down-payment-assistance program is used per transaction; we pick the single best fit for your scenario.

FHFC program family

Florida Hometown Heroes

0% deferred-payment second mortgage up to 5% of first mortgage (capped). For eligible front-line workers including health care workers, K-12 school staff, first responders, law enforcement, court and child-care workers, and military members and Veterans (2026–27 cycle). Income limits by county; purchase-price limits per FHFC chart. Payment deferred until sale or refinance.

FHFC HFA Preferred

Conventional first mortgage with a PLUS second mortgage of 3%, 4%, or 5% of the first mortgage amount — forgiven 20% per year over five years, no monthly payments. Income limits apply.

FHFC HFA Advantage

Conventional first mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance. Income-eligible. Pairs with FHFC DPA second.

Florida Assist (FA)

Up to $10,000 in 0% deferred-payment second mortgage. Pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage. Payment deferred until sale or refinance.

FL HLP (Florida Homeownership Loan Program)

Up to $12,500 toward down payment and closing costs as an amortizing second mortgage with a small monthly payment (about $53/month). Remaining balance is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home.

Major Florida county DPA programs

Miami-Dade County Surtax — documentary stamp surtax-funded DPA for income-eligible buyers
Broward County HOME / SHIP DPA
Hillsborough County DPA
Pinellas County DPA
Orange County DPA (Orlando area)
Palm Beach County DPA
Duval County DPA (Jacksonville area)

Major Florida city DPA programs

City of Tampa — first-time buyer DPA programs
City of St. Petersburg — DPA programs
City of Jacksonville — DPA programs
City of Tallahassee — DPA programs
City of Miami — DPA programs

Eligibility variables

Each Florida DPA program has its own rules:

Income limit: Typically tied to county area median income (AMI)
Purchase-price limit: County-specific
Credit score: Typically 640+; some national programs accept 600+
Occupancy: Primary residence only
First-time buyer: Required for many programs; HUD 3-year definition applies
Homebuyer education: Required for most programs
Profession: Hometown Heroes requires eligible profession

One assistance program per transaction

Florida DPA programs do not combine with each other. You select ONE DPA program per home purchase.

Next step

20-minute call. Bring city/county, household income, FICO ballpark, target purchase price, profession. We map your top 2-3 program fits.

Get a Florida DPA program match

Send a short note. We'll identify which Florida DPA program fits your scenario.

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FAQ

Is Florida Hometown Heroes still available in 2026?

Yes — Florida Housing reopened Hometown Heroes on July 13, 2026 with $50 million in funding. Funds are reserved first-come, first-served through participating lenders, and Florida Housing expects this round to last roughly 7–8 months. Earlier rounds sold out ahead of schedule, so if you're eligible, start your file early.

Can I combine Hometown Heroes with a county DPA program?

No. You select one DPA program per transaction. Most Florida DPA programs don't combine with each other.

What's the credit floor for Florida DPA?

Most FHFC and county programs require 640+. Some national programs (Chenoa Fund) accept 600+.

Does Hometown Heroes require profession AND income eligibility?

Yes — both. You need to work in an eligible profession AND meet income limits for your county.

Are there Florida DPA programs without income limits?

National programs like Chenoa Fund, Arrive Home, and Essex/NHF typically don't have income limits — useful for higher-income Florida buyers who exceed FHFC caps.