Updated · 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.
FHFC program family
Florida Hometown Heroes
0% deferred-payment second mortgage up to 5% of first mortgage (capped). For eligible front-line workers including teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement, firefighters, military, and dozens more occupations. Income limits by county; purchase-price limits per FHFC chart. Payment deferred until sale or refinance.
FHFC HFA Preferred
Conventional first mortgage with up to 4-5% deferred-payment second mortgage. 30-year, 0% interest. Income limits apply. Pairs with HFA Preferred conventional first.
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.
3% HLP (HFA Preferred 3% PLUS Conventional)
3% DPA grant for income-eligible buyers. Grant — no repayment required. Pairs with HFA Preferred conventional first.
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.
Related
FAQ
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.