Florida Down Payment
Assistance Guide
Your complete resource for every down payment assistance program available in Florida — statewide programs, county-level grants, and local initiatives — all in one place.
How to use this page: Start with the statewide Florida eHousing program below — available to qualifying buyers in all 67 counties. Browse your county in the regional directory to see local DPA resources. County-specific pages are being added regularly.
Browse DPA Programs by Region
Select your county to explore local down payment assistance programs, income limits, and eligibility requirements.
Available Assistance Programs
Browse programs by category. More county and municipal programs will be added as this resource grows.
Florida eHousing / Florida Bond Programs
Statewide Down Payment Assistance & Bond Program — Available across all 67 Florida counties, subject to eligibility, funding, and lender participation.
Program Overview
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) administers statewide homeownership programs through its eHousing platform, which connects borrowers with participating lenders offering Florida Bond-backed first mortgage loans combined with down payment and closing cost assistance.
These programs are designed to make homeownership accessible for first-time buyers (and in some cases repeat buyers in targeted areas) by providing below-market interest rates and forgivable or deferred assistance. Funding is subject to availability and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis through the lender pipeline.
Eligible borrowers must work with a Florida Housing-approved lender who is registered in the eHousing system. Not all lenders participate, and overlays may vary by lender even within the same program.
Who May Qualify
- First-time homebuyers (have not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years)
- Repeat buyers purchasing in a federally designated Targeted Area may also be eligible
- Must meet household income limits based on county and household size
- Must purchase a home within Florida's purchase price limits for the county
- Must occupy the home as their primary residence
- Must have a minimum qualifying credit score (typically 640+ depending on program and lender)
- Must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before closing
- Must work with a participating Florida Housing-approved lender
Eligible Loan Types
Florida Bond programs are available with the following first mortgage types:
Each loan type has its own eligibility requirements. VA and USDA loans may have different income and property restrictions. Conventional HFA Preferred™ loans have reduced mortgage insurance costs for qualifying borrowers.
Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance
Up to $10,000 in down payment assistance as a 0% non-amortizing deferred second mortgage. Repayment is due upon sale, refinance, or transfer of the property.
Up to $10,000 with a 3% interest rate, amortized over 15 years. Monthly payment of approximately $69/month. Remaining balance due at sale, refinance, or transfer.
Grant equal to 3%, 4%, or 5% of the first mortgage loan amount. Forgiven after 5 years if the borrower remains in the home and does not refinance. Amount varies by loan type and lender.
* Assistance amounts, terms, and availability are subject to change. Verify current options with your lender before application.
Income Limits
Income limits are set by Florida Housing and vary by county and household size. Limits are updated periodically and may change without notice. The table below shows representative ranges — always verify current limits with your lender or Florida Housing directly.
| County / Area | 1-2 Person HH | 3+ Person HH |
|---|---|---|
| Orange, Osceola, Seminole | $93,600 | $109,200 |
| Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas | $89,400 | $104,300 |
| Broward, Miami-Dade | $101,000 | $117,833 |
| Palm Beach | $105,600 | $123,200 |
| Duval (Jacksonville) | $90,240 | $105,280 |
| Most Rural / Smaller Counties | $75,000–$85,000 | $87,000–$99,000 |
⚠️ These figures are approximate and for illustration only. Verify current limits at floridahousing.org or with a participating lender.
Purchase Price Limits
The home you purchase must fall within Florida Housing's purchase price limits for the county. Higher limits may apply in Targeted Areas. Representative limits below:
| County / Area | Standard Limit | Targeted Area |
|---|---|---|
| Orange, Osceola, Seminole | $408,000 | $498,000 |
| Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas | $408,000 | $498,000 |
| Broward, Miami-Dade | $408,000 | $498,000 |
| Palm Beach | $408,000 | $498,000 |
| Duval (Jacksonville) | $408,000 | $498,000 |
| Most Smaller Counties | $349,000 | $427,000 |
⚠️ Verify current purchase price limits with your lender or at floridahousing.org.
Required Homebuyer Education
All borrowers using a Florida Housing program must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course prior to closing. Both online and in-person formats are accepted.
- Frameworks Homeownership (online) — frameworkhomeownership.org
- eHome America (online) — Available through HUD-approved agencies
- Local HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (in-person)
- Certificate must be provided to lender before loan closing
Important Restrictions
- Property must be the borrower's principal residence — no investment properties or vacation homes
- Manufactured homes may be eligible on FHA and VA loans only, subject to lender guidelines
- All borrowers on the loan must meet income and credit eligibility requirements
- Co-signers are generally not permitted on Florida Bond first mortgages
- Funding is subject to availability — programs can be temporarily suspended when funds are depleted
- Lender overlays may impose stricter requirements than the base program guidelines
- Prior homeownership in the last 3 years disqualifies borrowers except in Targeted Areas
Official Program Resources
All program information on this page — including income limits, purchase price limits, assistance amounts, interest rates, and eligibility requirements — is provided for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current program terms. Florida Housing programs are subject to funding availability, regulatory changes, and lender overlays. Always verify current program guidelines with a Florida Housing-approved lender before applying or entering into any purchase contract. This page does not constitute a loan commitment or guarantee of program availability.
Ready to See If You Qualify?
Alberto Cruz is a Florida Housing-approved lender. Get a free eligibility review — no credit pull required for the initial consultation.
Don't Know Where to Start?
Finding the right DPA program depends on your income, location, credit, and loan type. Alberto Cruz reviews your full picture and identifies every program you may qualify for — at no cost and no obligation.