Florida has more down payment help available than almost any other state — and most buyers only ever hear about one or two programs. Some of these cover thousands in closing costs. Others are forgivable after a few years. A few let you buy with nothing down at all.
This guide covers 9 Florida-specific programs and 5 national programs that work especially well for Florida buyers. For a deeper dive into how these programs work in practice, see the full breakdown in our DPA blog post.
Florida-Specific Homebuyer Assistance Programs
1. Florida Hometown Heroes Program
The Hometown Heroes Program helps essential community workers become homeowners by offering up to $35,000 (or 5% of the loan amount) in down payment and closing cost assistance. It's structured as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage — you don't make payments on it until you sell, refinance, or pay off the home. Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans, and also provides reduced first mortgage rates.
Program details at FloridaHousing.org2. Florida Assist (FL Assist)
Florida Assist provides up to $10,000 for down payments and closing costs as a 0% interest, non-amortizing, deferred second mortgage. No monthly payments — repayment is deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the primary mortgage. Flexible enough to combine with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.
Program details at FloridaHousing.org3. SHIP First-Time Homebuyers Program
The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program provides up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through zero-interest, deferred loans that are forgiven after 10–15 years of homeownership. Each Florida county runs its own version, so exact amounts and eligibility vary by location.
Program details at FloridaHousing.org4. Miami-Dade Advocacy Trust Grant
This Miami-Dade grant is unique because it doesn't require buyers to be first-time homeowners. Up to $28,500 in forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance, forgiven after 20 years of primary residency. Applicants must contribute 1%–3% of the purchase price from their own funds.
Details at MiamiDade.gov5. Hallandale Beach First-Time Homebuyer Grant
Up to $50,000 in forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance, forgiven over 10 years. Buyers must have income at or below 120% of Broward County's median income and purchase within Hallandale Beach's CRA district.
Details at COHB.orgNot sure which program fits your situation?
Jordan can run through your file and identify every program you qualify for — in one call.
See If I Qualify6. Panama City Homebuyer Grant
Up to $50,000 in forgivable assistance for homes priced under $300,000. Buyers must complete a homebuyer education course and contribute at least $500 of their own funds toward the purchase.
Details at PCGov.org7. Dare to Own the Dream (Tampa)
Up to $40,000 in deferred down payment assistance for Tampa residents, forgiven after 10 years of continuous homeownership. Targets buyers earning below the area's median income. The home must pass a city inspection, and buyers must complete a homebuyer education course.
Details at Tampa.gov8. East Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance
Up to $50,000 in forgivable assistance for buyers within the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Area. Requires a personal contribution of $1,000, completion of a homebuyer education course, and use of an approved lender.
Details at Tampa.gov9. St. Petersburg Purchase Assistance Program
One of the highest-value programs in the state. Up to $75,000 in forgivable financial aid for first-time homebuyers in St. Petersburg, covering down payments and closing costs. Highly competitive due to limited annual funding. Buyers must complete a homebuyer education course and meet income and property requirements.
Details at StPete.orgNational Programs That Work Well for Florida Buyers
These five programs aren't Florida-exclusive, but they're widely used by Florida buyers and can be combined with some of the state programs above. If you're not a teacher, veteran, or working in a covered profession, these are often the first place to look.
10. FHA Loan Program
FHA loans let buyers purchase with as little as 3.5% down and a 580 credit score. Competitive rates and flexible debt-to-income ratios make these a strong fit for first-time buyers who don't have a large down payment saved. See our FHA loans page for Florida-specific limits and details.
11. VA Loan Program
VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. Lower rates, no prepayment penalties. If you've served, this is almost always the best loan available to you.
12. USDA Rural Development Loan
USDA loans offer zero down payment, lower mortgage insurance than FHA, and below-market interest rates. More Florida properties qualify than most buyers expect — suburban areas around Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville often fall within eligible zones.
13. HomeReady® by Fannie Mae
HomeReady allows 3% down and doesn't require lifetime mortgage insurance — once you hit 20% equity, it drops off. Accepts non-traditional income sources like rental income and family contributions.
14. Home Possible® by Freddie Mac
Home Possible mirrors HomeReady in many ways — 3% down, lower mortgage insurance than FHA, and flexible income guidelines. A useful option for buyers with parents or co-borrowers who won't live in the home.
