Affordable first mortgage loans and down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers through Florida Housing-approved lenders. Must meet income, credit, and purchase price limits. Homebuyer education required.
Verify Your Florida Homeownership Loan Program Eligibility
Florida Housing programs are designed to make homeownership more affordable and accessible for first-time buyers across the state.
Competitive 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage loans.
Up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
Multiple second mortgage options to fit different financial needs.
Forgivable assistance available for eligible buyers.
Special support for frontline workers through the Hometown Heroes program.
Access to a network of approved, knowledgeable lenders.
No standalone second mortgage—added security with bundled assistance.
With Florida Housing, you get more than a loan—you get a clear, supported path to owning your first home.
Florida Housing offers second mortgage loans to help eligible homebuyers with down payment and closing costs.
To take advantage of Florida Housing’s first mortgage and down payment assistance programs, homebuyers must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Must be a first-time homebuyer (not owned and occupied a home in the past 3 years).
Minimum credit score of 640.
Must use a Florida Housing-approved participating lender.
Homebuyer education course required.
Income and purchase price limits apply and vary by county.
All assistance programs must be used with a Florida Housing first mortgage.
Property must be your primary residence.
Meeting these requirements is the first step toward unlocking affordable homeownership in Florida.
Check your eligibility online today by clicking this link.
Work with a Participating Lender - Choose an approved lender to guide you through the application and loan process.
Receive Down Payment Assistance - Get up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance when you close on your new home.
All first mortgage loans offered through these programs are 30-year, fixed-rate loans originated by approved participating lenders. These loans are fully amortizing with consistent monthly principal and interest payments for the life of the loan.
Interest rates are determined at the time of loan reservation and are subject to market conditions and program availability.
Down payment and closing cost assistance is provided in the form of a second mortgage loan, which may be deferred, amortizing, or forgivable, depending on the specific program selected.
Assistance amounts may vary by program and are subject to repayment terms, including but not limited to, acceleration upon sale, transfer of ownership, refinance of the first mortgage, or cessation of primary residency.
All loan terms are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable program guidelines.
Get quick answers to the most common questions about qualifying for and using Florida Housing loan and down payment assistance programs.
Yes, if you haven’t owned and occupied your primary residence in the past three years.
You must have a minimum credit score of 640 to be eligible for most programs.
Generally no, unless you're buying in a targeted area or using a special program like Hometown Heroes.
Eligible buyers may receive up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
You can purchase a single-family home, townhouse, approved condo, 2–4 unit home (if you live in one), or certain mobile/modular homes.
Some programs offer forgivable loans over five years, while others are deferred or require repayment under certain conditions.
Yes, non-forgivable assistance becomes due if you sell, refinance, or move out of the home.
No, you must work with a participating lender approved by Florida Housing.
You should budget for inspections, insurance, and any closing costs not covered by your assistance package.
With decades of experience guiding first-time buyers through the homeownership journey, we’ve earned the trust of thousands across Florida.
Helped tens of thousands of Floridians achieve homeownership.
Specialized knowledge in Florida’s down payment assistance programs.
Strong relationships with a network of approved, reliable lenders.
Step-by-step support from start to finish.
Over $1 billion in affordable home loans connected to Florida buyers like you.
