Updated 1/15/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

• A grant
• A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

• Repayable
• Deferred
• Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

Florida

Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC)

• Assistance: Up to $10,000 DPA
• Structure: 0% deferred second mortgage
• Who qualifies: First-time buyers, 640+ credit, county income limits
• Repayment: Due on sale, refinance, or payoff
• Website: https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page

Florida Hometown Heroes

• Assistance: Up to 5% of loan amount, max $35,000
• Structure: 0% deferred second mortgage
• Who qualifies: Any full-time Florida worker (expanded beyond frontline workers), first-time buyer
• Income limit: Up to 150% AMI
• Repayment: Due on sale, refinance, or loss of occupancy
• Website: https://www.floridahousing.org/hometown-heroes-program

Orange County

• Assistance: $70k (very low income), $40k (low), $10k (moderate)
• Structure: Deferred loan, forgiven after 10 years
• Requirements: First-time buyer, income limits, education course
• Website: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/NeighborsHousing/HomebuyerDownPaymentAssistance.aspx

Pasco County

• Assistance: Up to $65k (very low), $50k (low), $35k (moderate)
• Structure: 0% deferred second mortgage
• Forgiveness: 30 years (very low/low income)
• Website: https://www.pascocountyfl.gov/services/community_development/programs/down_payment_assistance_program_(dpa).php

Osceola County

• Assistance: Up to $100,000 (based on income)
• Structure: Deferred second mortgage
• Requirements: County residency, first-time buyer, education
• Website: https://www.osceola.org/Services/Housing-Programs/SHIP/Purchase-AssistanceDown-Payment-Assistance

Broward County

• Assistance: $40k standard, up to $80k in select cities
• Structure: 0% deferred loan
• Forgiveness: After 15 years
• Website: https://www.broward.org/Housing/pages/homebuyer.aspx

Miami-Dade County

• Assistance: Up to $35,000
• Structure: 0% deferred loan, equity sharing in early years
• Repayment: Due on sale, refinance, or loss of occupancy
• Website: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/housing/downpayment-assistance.page

Hillsborough County

• Assistance: Up to $25,000
• Structure: 0% deferred second mortgage
• Repayment: Due on sale or refinance (not forgivable)
• Website: https://hcfl.gov/residents/human-services/affordable-housing-assistance/down-payment-assistance

Palm Beach County

• Program is closed as of 1/15/26
• Assistance: Up to $100,000
• Structure: 0% deferred second mortgage
• Forgiveness: After 30 years
• Website: https://discover.pbcgov.org/HED/Pages/SHIP---Purchase-Assistance-Program.aspx

City of Tampa

Dare to Own the Dream

• Assistance: Up to $50,000
• Structure: 0% deferred loan
• Forgiveness: After 20 years
• Status: Temporarily paused as of early 2026
• Website: https://www.tampa.gov/housing-and-community-development/programs/mortgage-assistance

City of Orlando

Down Payment Assistance Program

• Not taking applications as of 1/15/2026
• Assistance: Up to $45,000
• Structure: 0% deferred loan
• Forgiveness: After 10 years
• Website: https://www.orlando.gov/Building-Development/Housing-and-Development-Grants-Incentives-and-Assistance/Housing-Assistance-Programs/Request-Down-Payment-Assistance/About-the-Down-Payment-Assistance-Program

City of St. Petersburg

• Assistance: Up to $60,000
• Structure: 0% deferred loan
• Forgiveness: 100% after 10 years (≤80% AMI), 50% for higher incomes
• Website: https://www.stpete.org/residents/grants___loans/purchase_assistance_program.php

City of Jacksonville

• Not taking applications as of 1/15/26
• Assistance: Up to $25,000
• Structure: Deferred loan (not a grant)
• Repayment: Typically repaid over time after deferral
• Website: https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/neighborhoods/housing-and-community-development/housing-services

Updated 1/15/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.