Florida Down Payment Assistance 2026: FL Assist, Hometown Heroes and Loan Type Rules

New to all of this? Start with first time homebuyer benefits, and use the assistance calculator to see whether a program actually saves you money.

Comparing loans too? See first time buyer loans compared.

Why assistance still matters with VA

A VA loan can cover the full price of the home, but you still have closing costs and prepaids. Sellers can cover a lot, but not every seller will. Florida's assistance programs can fill the gap.

A veteran advantage

Most Florida Housing programs are for first time buyers, but veterans are generally exempt from the first time buyer requirement. Income and purchase price limits still apply by county.

The fine print

VA doesn't allow you to take cash out at closing beyond things like your earnest money refund, so assistance can only cover actual costs. Assistance programs often come with their own first mortgage rate, which may be higher than other VA options. Compare total cost with and without assistance, because a seller credit or a lender credit can sometimes do the same job for less. And remember the assistance is usually a lien repaid when you sell or refinance, which can affect a future IRRRL or cash out.

Don't forget the bigger savings

For many veterans, the funding fee exemption and Florida's veteran property tax exemptions save far more than any assistance program. See funding fee and Florida tax benefits.

Covering closing costs on a zero down loan

Brianna, an Air Force veteran, bought her second home in Orlando with VA. She wasn't a first time buyer, but as a veteran she was still eligible for Florida Housing assistance.

Hometown Heroes covered most of her closing costs and prepaids. The seller covered the rest, and her out of pocket was the inspection and appraisal.

How Florida's assistance works

Most of Florida's statewide help comes through Florida Housing Finance Corporation, working with approved lenders. The assistance is usually a second mortgage that covers some or all of your down payment and closing costs. You typically make no monthly payment on it, but in most programs you repay it when you sell, refinance, or stop living in the home.

The main statewide programs

FL Assist. Up to $10,000 at 0% interest with no monthly payment. It's deferred, not forgiven: you repay it when you sell, refinance or move out.** Hometown Heroes.** Florida's largest program, with assistance of 5% of the first mortgage amount, from a minimum of $10,000 up to $35,000, at 0% interest with no monthly payment. It works with FHA, VA, USDA and conventional first mortgages. It's funded each year by the Legislature, so funding opens and closes. The 2025 cycle was fully committed in about six months, and the program reopened July 13, 2026 with $50 million. Eligibility is limited to first time buyers in specific occupations: healthcare workers, school staff, first responders, public safety and court employees, childcare workers, military service members, and veterans working full time for a Florida employer. Only one borrower needs to qualify. Hometown Heroes and FL Assist both require a 640 minimum credit score.** FL HLP.** $12,500 at 3% interest, repaid monthly over 30 years. That's a real payment, about $53 a month, that counts in your debt ratio.** Forgivable options.** HFA Preferred PLUS and HFA Advantage PLUS provide 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan amount, forgiven 20% a year over five years, when paired with Florida Housing's conventional first mortgages. These don't pair with FHA, but they're worth comparing.

Program amounts and funding as reported in mid 2026. Funding changes often, so confirm current availability before you count on it.

Who qualifies

Most programs are for first time buyers, which usually means you haven't owned a home in the past three years. There are income limits and purchase price limits set by county, and income limits often count everyone in your household. You'll also typically complete a homebuyer education course.

Florida Housing programs generally require a 640 minimum credit score, an approved homebuyer education course, and a participating lender. The assistance is tied to Florida Housing's first mortgage, so you compare it as a package, not as free cash on top of any loan. For first time buyer status, Florida Housing generally looks at whether you've owned a principal residence in the past three years.

The fine print most people miss

It's usually a loan. No monthly payment can make it feel like a grant, but the balance comes out of your proceeds when you sell or refinance.** It can affect refinancing.** If you want to refinance later to drop FHA mortgage insurance, the second mortgage has to be paid off or allowed to stay in place by the new lender. Plan for it.** You can generally use Florida Housing assistance only once.** Using one program can make you ineligible for others on a future purchase.** The rate may be higher.** Assistance programs often come with a specific first mortgage rate. Compare the total cost with and without assistance. Sometimes a seller credit or a small gift does the same job for less.

Local programs

The City of Orlando's down payment assistance program isn't accepting new applications right now and points buyers to Orange County's program, which remains available subject to funding. Other counties run their own SHIP funded programs. Always confirm a local program is open before planning around it.

Orange County, Osceola County and several cities run their own assistance programs, some of which can be combined with state programs. Availability changes throughout the year, so ask early.

Hometown Heroes plus FHA

Carla, a medical assistant, bought her first home in Kissimmee with an FHA loan. Hometown Heroes covered her down payment and part of her closing costs, and the seller covered the rest.

She brought very little to closing. She also understood from day one that the assistance would be repaid when she sells or refinances, so it was built into her long term plan.