What down payment assistance programs are available in Florida?

Florida offers the HFA Preferred Grant (3-5% of loan, forgiven after 5 years), FL Assist ($10,000 deferred, no payments until you sell), FL HLP Second Mortgage ($10,000 with monthly payments), and the Hometown Heroes program (up to $35,000 for frontline workers). County programs in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach can also provide significant additional assistance.

How much down payment assistance can I get in Florida?

Statewide programs provide 3-5% of the loan amount or $10,000 through FL Assist. The Hometown Heroes program provides up to 5% of the loan up to $35,000. Miami-Dade offers up to $28,500 and Broward County programs can go even higher for low-income buyers.

What credit score do I need for Florida Housing down payment assistance?

Florida Housing programs require a minimum 640 credit score. Some programs accept 620 with compensating factors. Travis Goltz can help buyers identify steps to improve eligibility before applying.

Florida Down Payment Assistance & Grants 2026

Name: Travis Goltz - Granite Bank Mortgage
Address: Champlin, MN, 55316, US
Telephone: (763) 360-4507
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Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs — 2026

Florida Housing operates one of the most established statewide homebuyer programs in the South. Here are the primary programs available to Florida homebuyers in 2026.

Florida HFA Preferred Grant

3%, 4%, or 5% of Loan

Florida Housing's most-used program. A second mortgage equal to 3%, 4%, or 5% of your loan amount with 0% interest and no monthly payments. Forgiven 20% per year over 5 years — if you stay 5 years, you owe nothing. Must be paired with a Florida Housing first mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional). Available statewide through approved lenders.

Key Requirements640+ credit score · Income limits by county · First-time buyer required · Must pair with Florida Housing first mortgage · Homebuyer education course

Frontline Workers

Florida Hometown Heroes Program

Up to $35,000

Designed for first-time homebuyers employed in the community as teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, childcare workers, and other frontline occupations. Provides up to 5% of the loan amount (max $35,000) for down payment and closing costs. Income must not exceed 150% of area median income — higher than most state programs.

Key Requirements640+ credit score · Income up to 150% AMI (varies by county) · First-time buyer required (veterans exempt) · Eligible occupation required · Must use Florida Housing-approved lender

Deferred Loan Option

FL Assist Second Mortgage

$10,000 — No Monthly Payments

A $10,000 deferred second mortgage with 0% interest and no monthly payments. Repaid only when the home is sold, refinanced, or the owner ceases to occupy it. Pairs with Florida Housing FHA, VA, USDA, or Freddie Mac first mortgages. A good option if you want the maximum assistance amount without increasing your monthly payment.

Key Requirements640+ credit score · Income limits by county · First-time buyer required · Must pair with Florida Housing first mortgage · Homebuyer education course

Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach

County-Specific Programs

Up to $80,000

Florida county programs can dramatically increase total assistance. Miami-Dade offers up to $28,500 (forgiven after 20 years). Broward County offers up to $80,000 for low-income buyers. Palm Beach County provides up to $10,000. These can often be stacked with Florida Housing state programs for maximum benefit.

Key RequirementsMust purchase within county limits · Income limits apply (often 80% AMI) · First-time buyer required · Homebuyer education required · Availability varies by funding cycle

Zero Down

USDA & VA Zero Down

0% Down Payment

USDA Rural Development covers eligible properties in rural Florida — many areas outside Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville qualify. VA loans offer zero down for eligible veterans statewide. Both can be paired with Florida Housing assistance for additional help with closing costs.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · USDA: eligible rural area · VA: military service eligibility · Income limits apply · Primary residence only

Conventional

HFA Advantage Conventional

As Low As 3% Down

Florida Housing's conventional loan option through Freddie Mac HFA Advantage. Can be paired with the HFA grant or FL Assist for down payment assistance. Reduced mortgage insurance compared to standard conventional loans. Travis is a Fannie Mae approved seller with access to competitive conventional products statewide.

Key Requirements640+ credit score · Income limits by county · First-time buyer not always required · Must use Florida Housing-approved lender · Primary residence only

Not sure which programs apply to you? That's exactly what a free 15-minute call is for.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Do You Qualify?

Most buyers are surprised to find they meet the requirements. Here's what lenders look at.

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Credit Score

Most MHFA programs require a 620 minimum. If your score needs work, there are still paths forward.

620+ for most programs

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Household Income

Income limits vary by program, household size, and county. Moderate and above-average incomes often still qualify.

Varies by program

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First-Time Buyer Status

Defined as not having owned a home in the past 3 years. Programs like Step Up don't require this.

Required for some only

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Own Contribution

Some programs require as little as $1,000 from your own savings. Gift funds are often allowed.

As low as $1,000

The only way to know for certain is to review your specific situation.

Find Out What I Qualify For

See What Florida Programs You Qualify For

There are multiple assistance programs available in Florida and the right combination depends on your income, credit, and situation. Fill out the form and Travis will review your options personally.

                    Typical assistance in Florida: 3-5% of loan amount statewide — up to $35,000 for Hometown Heroes
                    Florida Housing HFA grants are forgiven 20% per year over 5 years. Stacking with county programs can significantly increase total assistance.
                

Free, no obligation — no commitment required to find out what's available
Programs can stack — MHFA assistance + conventional loan can cover your entire down payment
Direct access to Travis — not a call center, a real mortgage professional reviews your file
Fannie Mae approved lender — direct access to conventional products that pair with state assistance

"I'm a nurse and Travis told me about the Hometown Heroes program. I had no idea it existed. It covered almost everything I needed at closing."

— Danielle M., First-Time Homeowner in Orlando, FL

Check Your Florida Options

Free · No obligation · Takes 2 minutes

Travis Goltz — Florida Mortgage Lender, Branch Manager Granite Bank

Why Work With Travis for Florida Down Payment Assistance?

Not every lender is approved to offer Florida Housing programs. Knowing how to pair the right HFA first mortgage with the right DPA option — and whether county programs can be stacked on top — is the difference between a smooth closing and leaving assistance on the table.

Travis works with Florida buyers statewide — from Miami and Orlando to Tampa, Jacksonville, and the Gulf Coast.

Fannie Mae Approved Seller: Direct access to conventional products that pair with MHFA assistance.
120-Year Bank Backing: The stability and flexibility of Granite Bank behind every loan.
Direct Access: You get Travis's number. Not a 1-800 call center.
No Surprises: Transparent on costs, timeline, and program requirements from day one.
Licensed in All 50 States: Serving Florida statewide — Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and beyond.

Check My Eligibility Call (763) 360-4507

Travis Goltz · NMLS #351337 · Branch Manager, Granite Bank NMLS #405434 · Member FDIC · Equal Housing Lender

Common Questions About Florida Down Payment Assistance

Do I have to be a first-time buyer for Florida Housing assistance? +

Most Florida Housing programs require first-time buyer status (defined as not owning a primary residence in the past 3 years). Veterans are exempt from this requirement for many programs. The Hometown Heroes program also requires first-time buyer status, though veterans are exempt. Some conventional HFA products have more flexibility.

What is the Hometown Heroes program and who qualifies? +

The Hometown Heroes program provides up to $35,000 for first-time homebuyers employed in frontline community occupations: teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, childcare workers, and others. Income must not exceed 150% of the county area median income — a higher limit than most state programs. Travis can confirm eligibility for your specific occupation and county.

Can I stack county programs with Florida Housing state programs? +

In many cases yes. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County programs can often be layered with Florida Housing state assistance. Broward County buyers with incomes at or below 80% AMI have received up to $80,000 in combined assistance. Travis will identify what combinations are available in your specific county.

What credit score do I need for Florida Housing programs? +

Florida Housing programs require a minimum 640 credit score. Some programs may accept 620 with compensating factors. This is slightly higher than some other states. If your score needs work, Travis can identify steps to improve eligibility before applying.

Does the HFA grant have to be repaid in Florida? +

The HFA Preferred Grant is forgiven 20% per year over 5 years — if you stay in the home for 5 years you owe nothing. The FL Assist is a deferred loan repaid only when you sell or refinance. The FL HLP carries monthly payments. Travis will walk you through the repayment terms of any program before you commit.

How long does the Florida down payment assistance process take? +

From application to closing typically takes 30–45 days. County programs like Miami-Dade may add a few days for additional documentation. Some Florida county programs have limited funding cycles — starting the process early protects your access to the best programs.

Florida Down PaymentAssistance & Grants