First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Florida

Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) Programs:

Florida offers statewide programs through FHFC, including low-rate mortgages and down payment/closing cost assistance, plus local SHIP funds in every county. No statewide sales price limits for most programs; income limits vary by county/household (often 80–150% AMI). Mandatory homebuyer education required. Verify current rates, limits, and availability at floridahousing.org or contact an FHFC-approved lender. Funding for key programs like Hometown Heroes remains active in 2026.

Hometown Heroes Housing Program:

Eligibility: Essential workers (teachers, healthcare professionals, first responders, military/veterans, law enforcement, etc.) employed full-time by a Florida-based employer; first-time buyers (waived for veterans).
Offerings: Competitive market 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional) with reduced fees/no points + up to 5% of first mortgage amount (max $35,000, min $10,000) for down payment/closing costs as 0% deferred second mortgage (repay on sale/refinance/payoff).
Requirements:

• Income ≤150% AMI (varies by county; e.g., ~$185,850 in Miami-Dade, $195,450 in Monroe/Keys—check latest limits PDF).
• Credit score typically 620+ (varies by loan type).
• Debt-to-income ratio ≤45–50% (loan-dependent).
• Homebuyer education required.

Florida Assist Down Payment Assistance:

Benefits: Up to $10,000 as deferred second mortgage (0% interest; no monthly payments; repay on sale/refinance/payoff) for down payment/closing costs.
Eligibility: First-time buyers using FHFC first mortgage; meet income limits.

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program:

Description: Funds allocated to all 67 counties and many cities for down payment/closing cost assistance (often deferred/forgivable loans; amounts vary, e.g., up to $15,000–$30,000 in some areas).
Eligibility: Low-to-moderate income (very low/low/moderate); local housing plans required; often pairs with state mortgages.

Local Programs (Examples):

County/city SHIP and other programs offer additional assistance—often forgivable/deferred with education requirements. Funding limited; verify local housing authorities or FHFC partners for 2026 status.

Miami-Dade County

Surtax / Down Payment Assistance: Up to $30,000 (or more in some programs) as deferred/forgivable for first-time buyers; income-based (≤80–120% AMI); requires counseling—check miamidade.gov/housing.

Orange County (Orlando Area)

Orange County Down Payment Assistance: Income-based grants/loans ($5,000–$15,000) for first-time buyers in county limits; education required—see orangecountyfl.net.

Hillsborough County (Tampa Area)

Hillsborough Homebuyer Assistance / Dare to Own the Dream (Tampa City): Deferred/forgivable assistance ($7,500–$25,000) for qualified buyers; income limits apply.

Duval County (Jacksonville)

Headstart to HOME Ownership (H2H) / SHIP: Up to $25,000 for down payment/closing in city limits; income-based; counseling required—check jaxhousing.org.

Additional Information:

• USDA Loans: 0% down in eligible rural Florida areas; income limits apply.
• VA Loans: 0% down for eligible veterans/active-duty military.
• FHA Loans: 3.5% minimum down (580+ credit; 10% if below 580).

Florida programs focus on essential workers and local flexibility—always confirm with an FHFC-approved lender or floridahousing.org. Seeking Agents® connects you with Florida agents who know these programs and compete to offer reduced commissions or added services—free for buyers/sellers!