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Florida Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Programs

April 10, 2023

Located in the southeasternmost part of the United States, Florida is the 27th state in the Union. Nicknamed The Sunshine State, Florida is warm year-round and has the longest coastline in the U.S. with 825 miles of beach access. Moreover, it is considered the boating and fishing capital of the world and known for its many theme parks. The state’s capital is Tallahassee and its largest city is Jacksonville. With a population of just over 21 million people, Florida boasts a homeownership rate of 67.3% (2022-U.S. Census Bureau).

DPA programs across the country continue to make homeownership possible for many. Below is a list of programs available in the state of Florida. Also, combining programs may be possible, so be sure to inquire.

In this article

Florida Housing Finance Corporation

City of Gainesville Housing & Community Development

City of Orlando Building & Development

City of Largo Housing Assistance

Alachua County Housing Program

Brevard County Housing & Human Services

City of Cocoa Housing & Neighborhood Services

City of Melbourne Community Development

City of Palm Bay Housing Programs

Broward County Housing Finance Division

City of Coral Springs Housing Assistance

Town of Davie Community Services Division

City of Tallahassee Neighborhood Services

Miami-Dade County Office of Public Housing & Community Development

Okaloosa County Housing Programs

Nassau County Office of Management & Budget Department

City of North Miami Housing & Social Services

City of Miami Gardens Community Services

City of Miami Housing Assistance & Recovery

City of Daytona Beach Community Development

City of Deltona Beach Housing & Community Development

Volusia County Community Assistance Division

City of Hialeah Grants/Human Services Department

Housing Finance Authority of Miami-Dade County

Leon County Office of Human Services and Community Partnership

Martin County Housing Assistance

Marion County Community Services Department

City of Deerfield Beach Community Services

City of Hollywood Community Development

City of Lauderhill Grant Programs

City of Miramar Economic Development & Housing

City of North Lauderdale Grant Programs

City of Pompano Beach OHUI Programs

City of Tamarac Housing Administration

Charlotte County Housing Division

Osceola County Housing & Community Services

Lake County Housing & Community Services

Lee County Human & Veteran Services

Manatee County Community and Veterans Services Department

Sumter County Housing Division

City of Fort Pierce Grants Administration

St. Lucie County Community Services

Seminole County Community Development

City of Delray Beach Neighborhood & Community Services

Sarasota County Office of Housing and Community Development

City of Clearwater Development Services

City of Boca Raton Development Services

Pinellas County Housing Finance Authority

Pasco County Community Development Services

City of Ocala Community Development Services

Palm Beach County Department of Housing & Economic Development

Palm Beach County Housing Finance Authority

Orange County Neighbors & Housing Department

Orange County Housing Finance Authority (OCHFA)

Escambia County Housing Finance Authority (ECHFA)

Escambia County Neighborhood & Human Services

City of Pensacola Housing Department

Collier County Housing Division

Flagler County Housing Services

Suwannee River Economic Council

Glades County SHIP Program

Gulf County SHIP Program

Hamilton County SHIP Program

Hendry County Social Services

Hardee County Office of Community Development

Highlands County Housing Division

Jackson County Housing Grants Office

City of Tampa Housing and Community Development

Hernando County Housing Authority

Hillsborough County Housing Finance Authority

Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) Atlanta

USDA Rural Development

Habitat for Humanity

Florida Housing Finance Corporation

The Florida Assist (FL Assist)

“Offers up to $10,000 on FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Loans. 0%, non-amortizing, deferred second mortgage. The FL Assist is not forgivable. Repayment is deferred, except in the event of the sale, transfer, satisfaction of the first mortgage, refinancing of the property or until such a time the mortgagor ceases to occupy the property at which time, the Florida Assist will become due and payable, in full.”

The Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP) Second Mortgage

A 15-year fully amortized second mortgage for $10,000 at 3%. “The FL HLP Second Mortgage carries a monthly payment. The remaining unpaid principal balance (UPB) is deferred, except in the event of the sale, transfer of deed, satisfaction of the first mortgage, refinancing of the property or until such a time the mortgagor(s) ceases to occupy the property as his/her primary residence at which time, the FL HLP Second Mortgage will become due and payable, in full.”

3%, 4% and 5% HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS Second Mortgage

“Borrowers utilizing these down payment and closing cost programs receive 3%, 4% or 5% of the total loan amount in a forgivable second mortgage. This second mortgage is forgiven at 20% a year over its 5-year term when used with Florida Housing’s conventional HFA Preferred for TBA or HFA Advantage for TBA first mortgage products. The “PLUS” Second Mortgage is available only with these conventional first mortgage products.”

Hometown Heroes Program

“The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program makes homeownership affordable for eligible frontline community workers such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, healthcare professionals, childcare employees, and active military or veterans. The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program also offers a lower first mortgage rate and additional special benefits to those who have served and continue to serve their country.”

Homeownership Pool (HOP) Program

“Florida Housing Finance Corporation, in response to the recognized need to enhance the ability and process of Developers to match qualified homebuyers with purchase assistance, has created the HOMEOWNERSHIP POOL (“HOP”) PROGRAM. The “HOP” Program is designed to be a noncompetitive and on-going program, where Developers, by way of an online system have the ability to reserve funds for eligible homebuyers to provide purchase assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.”

State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP)

“Florida Housing administers the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (SHIP) which provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing. The program was designed to serve very low, low and moderate income families. Depending on your income, you could be eligible for home repair or replacement, down payment assistance, rental housing assistance and other affordable housing assistance.”

City of Gainesville Housing & Community Development

Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA)

“The Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) provides funding to eligible homebuyers to buy a home within the City limits of Gainesville. The funding is used to pay a part of the down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home. Up to $15,000 in help may be provided.”

City of Orlando Building & Development

Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program

“The City of Orlando’s Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program provides assistance to qualified first-time homebuyers for the down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home. The home must be located within city limits. The amount of eligible assistance is based on gross household income and need.”

City of Largo Housing Assistance

Down Payment Assistance Program

“The City’s downpayment program seeks to help households reach the dream of homeownership. The program can help with a 0% interest rate, 20 year deferred payment mortgage loan.”

Depending on income, households can receive up to $55,700 toward down payment/closing costs.

Alachua County Housing Program

Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

“The Down Payment Assistance (DPA) provides funding to assist eligible first time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs, as well as home repairs necessary to meet minimum housing code.”

Brevard County Housing & Human Services

Purchase Assistance Program

“Brevard County Purchase Assistance Program is designed to assist very low, low & median income families achieve affordable home ownership.”

City of Cocoa Housing & Neighborhood Services

Purchase Assistance Program

“Eligible very-low and low-income homebuyers can apply for down payment, closing cost, and repair assistance for new or existing homes located in the City of Cocoa. Assistance is provided on a first come, first ready basis.

Maximum assistance per unit is $37,400 for very-low-income and $32,400 for low-income households in the form of a 10-year, 10 percent forgivable deferred-payment loan.”

City of Melbourne Community Development

Purchase Assistance Program

“The City’s Purchase Assistance Program is funded by the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. Assistance is used for down payment, closing costs, and, when necessary, repairs to bring the home into compliance with City Code and the Florida Building Code. This assistance is made in the form of a deferred payment loan. “

City of Palm Bay Housing Programs

Purchase Assistance Program

“This Strategy awards loans to assist home-buyers with the purchase of the home by providing down payment and /or closing cost assistance to ensure affordable first mortgage loan payments.”

Broward County Housing Finance Division

Home Buyer Purchase Assistance

“The Housing Finance Division offers Home Buyer Purchase Assistance to qualified home buyers. Assistance is in the form of a deferred payment second mortgage at 0% interest, 15-year term. Funds are available on a first-come, first qualified, first served basis.”

Mortgage Credit Certificate Program

“The Mortgage Credit Certificate program entitles qualified applicants to a federal income tax credit in an amount of up to $2,000 annually. This enables qualified buyers, who would owe federal income taxes, to benefit from a dollar-for-dollar reduction of their tax bills. Additionally the homeowner will continue to receive the tax credit each year they continue to live in the home financed under the program.”

City of Coral Springs Housing Assistance

Purchase Assistance Program

“The Purchase Assistance Program (First-time Home Buyers Program) provides eligible first-time home buyers with down payment and closing cost assistance towards a residential property in the City of Coral Springs. Assistance is provided in the form of a deferred second mortgage at 0% interest, with 15-year term for up to $50,000.00.”

Town of Davie Community Services Division

First Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program

“A maximum deferred payment loan of up to $90,000 is applied towards the closing costs, first mortgage reduction, and/or down payment assistance for the purchase of eligible owner-occupied housing. The second mortgage shall be deferred for a period of ten (10) years at zero (0%) percent interest. “

City of Tallahassee Neighborhood Services

Inclusionary Housing

“The City requires all new residential developments with 50 or more housing units to sell at least 10% of their units at an affordable price for low- to moderate-income residents. Homeowners can earn equity on the property while the homes remain affordable for a minimum number of years before they can be sold at market rate. Prospective buyers may qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance.”

New Home Infill Program

“The New Home Infill Program, developed at the direction of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board, is designed to help alleviate the shortage in availability of housing and provide a pathway to home ownership for low to moderate-income residents of Tallahassee. With support from the Greater Frenchtown/Southside (GFS) Citizens Advisory Committee, the City and CRA Board designated six vacant parcels in the GFS District where homes will be built as part of the program.”

Down Payment Assistance

“The City offers up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to help low-income residents to purchase an affordable home and to start a path towards building equity and wealth.”

Community Land Trust (CLT)

“CLTs keep homes affordable by leasing the land and selling only the house for low- to moderate-income people. Under this model homeowners can earn a portion of the equity on their home and eventually go on to buy a market rate home, while the CLT is able to keep the home affordable for the next owner.”

Miami-Dade County Office of Public Housing & Community Development

Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program

“Qualifying homebuyers can receive an interest-free loan of up to $35,000 dollars to cover the down payment for their first home.. Individuals earning less than $95,620; couples making less than $109,200; three person households earning less than $122,920; and households of four making less than $136,500 may be eligible for homebuyer down payment assistance. The maximum award is $35,000.”

Infill Housing Homebuyer Program

“The Infill Housing Program’s main goal is to increase the availability of affordable homes for very-low, low- and moderate-income families. Every dwelling unit developed through the Infill Housing Program must be sold to a qualified household to be used as their primary residence.”

Okaloosa County Housing Programs

Purchase Assistance Program

“Purchase Assistance is designed to assist low income families with down payment and closing cost assistance for the purchase of a home for first time home buyers.”

Nassau County Office of Management & Budget Department

Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance

“Down payment and closing cost assistance is available to those meeting eligibility requirements. The assistance is in the form of a deferred loan secured by a second mortgage that is forgivable at the end of 10 years. Should the property be sold, title transferred, or the house is no longer the eligible applicant’s primary residence within the deferred loan period, the loan amount is due and payable in full.”

City of North Miami Housing & Social Services

First Time Homebuyer Program

“The City of North Miami offers assistance on a first-come, first-processed basis (while funding is available) to first time homebuyers purchasing a single family home, town house or condominium in the City of North Miami. Funding is provided by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME Program (up to $40,000) and by the State of Florida through the SHIP Program (up to $25,000) which can be used to “fill the gap” or subsidize the difference between the price of the house to be purchased and the amount of the private sector mortgage that the buyer can afford along with their available funds for down payment.”

City of Miami Gardens Community Services

Purchase Assistance Program

“The City of Miami Gardens through the State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) has a Purchase Assistance Program to include assistance with down payment and closing costs. These are typically available for persons who meet particular income requirements. Eligible applicants can receive up to $20,000.00 in assistance. Assistance will be provided on a first-qualified, first-ready, first-served basis, funds are limited. “

City of Miami Housing Assistance & Recovery

First-Time Homebuyer Program

“The City’s First Time Homebuyer program provides zero percent (0%) deferred loans to first-time homebuyers purchasing a property in the City of Miami if they qualify based on their income category.”

City of Daytona Beach Community Development

City Assistance

“Assistance is based on need, household income, family size and availability of funding and services.” Households may be eligible for up to $50,000 in assistance depending on their income.”

City of Deltona Beach Housing & Community Development

SHIP Down Payment Assistance

“The City of Deltona’s Purchase Assistance, with Rehabilitation if applicable, is to assist eligible homebuyers with a need based deferred payment loan to be applied as gap-financing towards the down payment, interest rate buy-down, and/or principal reduction and rehabilitation, if applicable, for the purchase of eligible housing.”

Volusia County Community Assistance Division

Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA)

“Community Assistance Homebuyer Assistance program (HBA) is designed to assist first-time homebuyers purchase a home by providing purchase assistance and closing costs. Assistance is provided in the form of a zero percent interest loan (deferred payment) for a term not to exceed 15 years.”

Neighborhood Stabilization Program Home Purchase Program

“Provides a deferred payment loan to approved households for down payment, gap financing and closing cost toward the purchase of a county-owned Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) home. Assistance is provided in the form of a zero percent interest loan (deferred payment) for a term not to exceed 15 years.”

City of Hialeah Grants/Human Services Department

Purchase Assistance with Rehabilitation

“Down payment, closing cost and rehabilitation assistance for the purchase of new or existing housing and the rehabilitation of those properties for first-time homebuyers. A first-time homebuyer is defined as a purchaser that has not owned a home in the last three (3) years.”

Housing Finance Authority of Miami-Dade County

HFA Mortgage Program

“The Housing Finance Authority’s mortgage is perfect for first-time homebuyers in Miami-Dade County. First-time homebuyer is defined as a person who has not owned a home in the last 3 years. Our 30-year mortgage has a fixed, low-interest rate. Once approved for an HFA Mortgage, buyers qualify for down payment assistance up to $15,000 in the form of a deferred 0% second mortgage.”

Leon County Office of Human Services and Community Partnership

Down Payment Assistance

“The Tallahassee Lenders’ Consortium (TLC) provides down payment assistance from Leon County to first-time homebuyers. The funds pay for some of the required down payment and closing costs, up to $7,500 (120% AMI or below) and up to $10,000 (80% AMI or below), for homes purchased in the Leon County outside of the Tallahassee city limits.”

Martin County Housing Assistance

SHIP Program

“SHIP funds can be used to offset the costs of down payment, closing, and other acquisition fees for very low, low and moderate income households. Up to $30,000 can be offered to moderate income households and up to $50,000 for very low and low income households in a form of a 0% interest deferred payment loan secured by a fifteen (15) year note.”

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

“Martin County has available funding for down payment assistance. This funding is intended to make purchasing a home more affordable by providing down payment and/or closing cost assistance.

Martin County provides up to a 20-year amortized mortgage with 0% interest. The county presently provides up to $50,000 in assistance.”

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Marion County Community Services Department

Homebuyer Purchase Assistance

“For eligible participants, the program provides assistance with down payment & closing costs in the form of a zero-interest, deferred payment loan.”

City of Deerfield Beach Community Services

Purchase Assistance Program

“The Purchase Assistance Program provides income-eligible first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance to purchase a residential property in the City of Deerfield Beach. Assistance is in the form of a 0% interest deferred second loan that reverts to a grant if all program conditions are met. The maximum amount of assistance per applicant is $50,000.”

City of Hollywood Community Development

Home Buyer Purchase Assistance

“The purchase assistance program is a deferred second mortgage that assists with down payment and closing costs for existing and new home purchases.”

City of Lauderhill Grant Programs

Purchase Assistance Program

“Eligible borrowers will receive a deferred forgivable loan with a maximum amount of $5,000, only if needed. These funds can be applied toward the payment of usual and customary closing costs and/or matching up to 50% of the required down payment (this may vary depending on the type of mortgage you select).”

City of Miramar Economic Development & Housing

First-time Homebuyer Program

“This program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to very-low and low income first-time homebuyers. Assistance is in the form of a 15-year, 0% interest deferred second loan that reverts to a grant if all program conditions are met. “

City of North Lauderdale Grant Programs

Purchase Assistance Program

“Income eligible applicants will be awarded a maximum of $40,000 each in grant funds for lender required closing costs and/or down payment assistance. This assistance will help you purchase an eligible property (i.e., single family residence, townhome, condominium) focusing on vacant, abandoned, and/or foreclosed properties located anywhere within the City of North Lauderdale.”

City of Pompano Beach OHUI Programs

First Time Homebuyer Program

“The First Time Home Buyer program provides funding to eligible first time home buyers to purchase a home. Funding will be used to pay all or a portion of the costs and/or down payment required for the purchase.”

City of Tamarac Housing Administration

First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program

“The purpose of the Purchase Assistance Program is to assist with the purchase of a home in the City of Tamarac to be used as your primary residence. Funds may be used to assist with down payment and/or closing costs.”

Charlotte County Housing Division

Individual Housing Assistance

“The Housing Division administers the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program and other housing funding. Types of assistance include: purchase assistance; home repair; and rent/mortgage assistance to low-income households.”

Osceola County Housing & Community Services

Purchase Assistance/Down Payment Assistance

“The Purchase Assistance Program provides first-time homebuyers that are at or below 120% of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) with an interest-free deferred forgivable loan that may be applied towards down payment, closing costs, and principal reduction for eligible housing. Eligible housing may include new or existing homes. This is a firsttime homebuyer strategy, consistent with federal and State housing programs definitions of “first time.”

Lake County Housing & Community Services

SHIP Home Ownership Assistance

“The program is funded through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), and the funds can be used for down payments, closing costs for new homes, or for existing homes that will be repaired within 12 months of transfer of title.”

Lee County Human & Veteran Services

Home Purchase Assistance – Existing or New Construction Home (CDBG Program)

“If you are purchasing an existing or new single-family home (or condominium/townhouse) in Unincorporated Lee County, you may qualify for assistance. The maximum purchase price is $380,000 and the amount of assistance includes up to 50% of the lender-required minimum down payment. Additional mortgage subsidy may be given to ensure the housing payment is affordable to the low-income purchaser. The second mortgage will be for a term of 5 years and will reduce at a rate of 20% per year.”

Home Purchase Assistance – Existing Home (HOME Program)

“If you are purchasing an existing single-family home (or condominium/townhouse) anywhere in Lee County you may qualify for assistance. The maximum purchase price is $245,000, and the maximum amount of assistance will be 10% of the purchase price (not to exceed $24,500). The second mortgage will be for a term of 10 years and will reduce at a rate of 10% per year.”

Home Purchase Assistance – New Construction Home (SHIP Program)

“If you are purchasing a newly constructed single-family home in Unincorporated Lee County, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers Beach, or Sanibel you may qualify for assistance. The maximum purchase price is $349,526, and the amount of assistance typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 depending on your household income and funding availability. The second mortgage will be non-reducing for a term of 15 years.”

Home Purchase Assistance – Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP Program)

“Lee County buys foreclosed homes in target areas at below appraised value, then rehabilitates properties into desirable homes. Lee County then sells the home to qualified homebuyers, providing a soft second mortgage and reasonable closing cost assistance to help subsidize buyer costs.”

Manatee County Community and Veterans Services Department

Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Down Payment Assistance Program

“Many Home Buyers can afford a monthly mortgage payment but may not be able to pay all or a portion of the down payment and/or closing costs needed to purchase a home. Eligible Very- Low and Low Income applicants can receive assistance through the CDBG program to pay these costs. Funding Assistance is offered as a 0% interest deferred loan for a 30-year term with forgiveness at the end of term.”

State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Down Payment Assistance Program

“Many Home Buyers can afford a monthly mortgage payment but may not be able to pay all or a portion of the down payment and/or closing costs needed to purchase a home. Eligible Very-Low, Low and Moderate Income applicants can receive assistance through the SHIP program to pay these costs. Funding assistance is offered as a 0% interest-deferred loan for a 30-year term with forgiveness at the end of term. Payment in full is required should the homeowner sell, rent, lease or otherwise vacate the residence before end of term. “

Sumter County Housing Division

Down Payment Assistance

“SHIP funds will be awarded for down payment and closing costs to assist eligible first time homebuyers with the purchase of a newly constructed or existing site built home. Funds may be used to pay acquisition costs including all or part of the down payment, first mortgage buy down, surveys, appraisals, inspections on existing homes, and other customary closing costs include the guarantee fee of USDA Rural Development or PMI. The maximum assistance is $20,000.”

City of Fort Pierce Grants Administration

Home Purchase Assistance Program

“Need assistance to purchase a home? The City of Fort Pierce’s Home Purchase Assistance Program helps qualified home buyers for down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home. The home must be located within the city limits of Fort Pierce.”

St. Lucie County Community Services

Home Purchase Assistance Program

“Assistance for the down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home is available for qualified applicants. Assistance is provided in the form of a zero percent interest, deferred payment loan.”

Seminole County Community Development

Purchase Assistance Program

“The Purchase Assistance Program provides down payment assistance to income-eligible first-time homebuyers of up to $55,000 depending on income level and needs to help cover the costs to purchase a newly-constructed or existing home in Seminole County.”

City of Delray Beach Neighborhood & Community Services

First-Time Homeownership Program

“The strategy provides assistance to those who are seeking to purchase in the City boundaries. The private lender will provide as much of a mortgage loan as the applicant can afford and the City will subsidize the remainder of the purchase price with available grant funds.”

Sarasota County Office of Housing and Community Development

Neighborhood Stabilization Program 1 (County)
Homeownership Program

“Sarasota County is partnering with Non-Profit Developers to identify and repair abandoned and foreclosed properties in Sarasota County. The homes that are purchased through the NSP1 Program, when repaired, will be sold to homebuyers whose incomes are at or below 100% of the median income adjusted to household size. The program also provides financial assistance to help the homebuyer purchase the home through an enhanced down payment assistance.”

Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (City) Homeownership Program

“The City of Sarasota and Sarasota County, through the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) have been awarded $23,000,000 in NSP 2 funds. The funds will be used to acquire and rehabilitate 100 abandoned or foreclosed homes, demolish 10 blighted structures to remove their negative effect and create 85 housing units on demolished or vacant land.”

Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (City and County) Homeownership Program

“The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded Sarasota County $3,949,541 and the City of Sarasota $1,038,811 in Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (NSP3) funds to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed homes. The key goal of the NSP3 program is to stabilize neighborhoods while also providing affordable housing.”

City of Clearwater Development Services

Down Payment Assistance Program

“Loan funds are available to help homebuyers cover part of their down payment and closing costs when purchasing a home. The maximum loan amount is $45,000. The maximum sales price is $349,525.80 for both newly constructed and existing homes.”

New Housing Construction Program

“Loan funds are available to help homebuyers cover part of their down payment and closing costs when purchasing a home. The maximum loan amount is $45,000. The maximum sales price is $244,000 for an existing home and $263,000 for a newly constructed home.”

City of Boca Raton Development Services

SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

“The purpose of the Program is to assist eligible first-time home buyers with a 0% interest, deferred payment loan to be applied toward down payment and closing costs for the purchase of eligible owner-occupied housing, and rehabilitation costs for minor improvements to the property after closing.”

Pinellas County Housing Finance Authority

First-Time Homebuyer Program

“The Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County First-Time Homebuyer Program could be your key to achieving the American dream. If you have never owned a home, have not owned a home in the past three years or are a veteran, you may qualify for this program.”

Home Key Plus 2nd Mortgage Down Payment Assistance

“This down payment and closing cost assistance program is a deferred, non-amortizing. 0% interest, second mortgage that is repayable when borrowers sell or refinance the property, satisfy the first mortgage, rent or no longer occupy the property as a primary residence.

Pinellas County assistance is $12,000.
Pasco County and Polk County assistance is $8,000.”

Pasco County Community Development Services

Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA)

“Community Development provides assistance to income-eligible buyers toward the purchase of a home in Pasco County if you have not owned a home in the last 3 years.”

City of Ocala Community Development Services

Purchase Assistance Program

“The City of Ocala Purchase Assistance Program provides citizens with low to moderate income help with down payment and closing costs on their first home.”

Palm Beach County Department of Housing & Economic Development

Mortgage and Housing Investments

“Looking for purchase assistance to buy your first home?”

Workforce Housing

“The purpose of the program is to provide the workforce within Palm Beach County with the opportunity to purchase homes at below market prices. Down payment and closing cost assistance is available to those who qualify.”

Palm Beach County Housing Finance Authority

Own a Home Opportunity Program

“The “Own a Home Opportunity Program” offers a soft second mortgage loan of up to $10,000 at 0% interest due upon sale, refinancing, or in 30 years.”

Own a Home Opportunity Grant Program

” The “Own a Home Opportunity Grant Program” offers a non-repayable assistance grant and does not have a first-time buyer requirement.”

Orange County Neighbors & Housing Department

Down Payment Assistance(DPA) Program

“The Down Payment Assistance Program provides assistance to qualified first time homebuyers for down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home. The amount of assistance provided will be determined based on household income and size. The amount of assistance available is $45,000 for eligible very low-income buyers, $35,000 for low-income buyers, or $20,000 for eligible moderate-income buyers.”

Orange County Housing Finance Authority (OCHFA)

Central Florida Homebuyers Dream Program

“Offering affordable mortgage products and up to $10,000 down payment/closing cost assistance. Qualifying consumers must be a first-time homebuyer, which is defined as a person(s) who has not had an ownership interest in a primary residence (whether individually or jointly) during the previous three years; and plan to occupy the home as their primary residence.”

Central Florida Housing Opportunities Program

“Offering affordable mortgage products and up to $7,500 down payment/closing cost assistance. You do not have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for this Program.”

Escambia County Housing Finance Authority (ECHFA)

Counties served: Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hernando, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Marion, Martin, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, St. Lucie, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton, Targeted Areas

Single Family (Governmental) Program Option

“30-year Fixed Rate Mortgage Loan with an ECHFA DPA Program option for Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance. Don’t wait. An affordable interest rate means lower monthly mortgage payments. Keep your money for that all important emergency fund.”

Freddie Mac HFA Advantage (Conventional) Program Option

“30-year Fixed Rate Mortgage Loan with an ECHFA DPA Program option for Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance. The Freddie Mac HFA Advantage (Conventional Option) Program significantly lowers the cost of Mortgage Insurance over the term of the loan.”

Classic DPA Program

“30-Year Deferred Non-Interest Bearing Second Mortgage Loan up to $10,000.Unlike most Second Mortgages, there are NO monthly payments on our down payment and closing cost assistance loans. “

Forgivable DPA Program

“10-Year Forgivable Second Mortgage Loan (DPA Loan). Depending on your needs, the DPA Loan offered is in the amount of 3%, 4%, or 5% of the first mortgage loan. “

Escambia County Neighborhood & Human Services

SHIP First-Time Homebuyer Program

“This program provides first-time homebuyers loans of up to $7,500 for income eligible borrowers for down payment and closing cost assistance. Assistance is provided in the form of a five-year forgivable loan, provided that the buyer does not sell, rent, or transfer within that time frame and retains the property as principal residence. Maximum sales price is $189,000.”

HOME Infill Housing Program

“Escambia County will be issuing a Request for Proposals to eligible not for profit Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) to construct four new homes on County owned parcels. These homes will be available to buyers at or below 80% area median income. Loans of up to $40,000 will be available for buyers for closing costs and principal mortgage reduction.”

City of Pensacola Housing Department

SHIP First Time Homebuyers Program

“The program is designed to assist low and moderate income families in obtaining affordable housing. SHIP funds of up to $25,000 based on income are available for down payment and closing cost assistance. The monies are offered in the form of a zero-interest deferred payment loan. “

HOME Homebuyer Program

“This program is designed to assist low income families obtain affordable housing. HOME funds will provide down payment and closing cost assistance up to $12,500 which is offered in the form of a zero-interest deferred payment loan. “

Pensacola Homebuyer Incentive Program

“The City of Pensacola is offering up to $30,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to low income homebuyers. Funding will be provided as a zero-interest deferred payment loan. “

Collier County Housing Division

SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

“The Collier County Community and Human Services (CHS) is offering Purchase Assistance under the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) which provides down payment and closing costs assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers interested in purchasing a home within unincorporated Collier County, the City of Naples, the City of Marco Island or Everglades City with a maximum purchase price not to exceed $458,634.60. “

Flagler County Housing Services

SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

“Helps new home buyers to come up with the closing costs and down payment required to secure a home loan with a lender of their choice through a 15 year loan paid back by maintaining and living in the home.”

Suwannee River Economic Council

SHIP Program

“Emergency repairs, rehabilitation, down payment and closing costs assistance for Homeownership.”

Counties served: Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Union County

Glades County SHIP Program

SHIP Program

“The Glades County SHIP Program is designed to provide affordable housing assistance to qualified homebuyers, as well as provide rehabilitation to substandard single-family owner occupied units of very low, low or moderate income.

Income verified and certified applicants may be eligible for down payment/closing cost assistance or home rehabilitation.”

Gulf County SHIP Program

SHIP Program

“This program provides funding for purchase assistance or rehabilitation to existing homes.”

Hamilton County SHIP Program

Purchase Assistance (with and without Rehabilitation)

“SHIP funds will be made available to support down payment and closing costs for the purchase of an existing or new construction affordable housing unit on a one-time basis to income eligible home buyers (very low, low, and moderate).”

Hendry County Social Services

SHIP Program

“The Hendry County S.H.I.P Program is designed to provide affordable housing assistance to qualified homebuyers, as well as provide rehabilitation to substandard single-family owner occupied units of very low, low or moderate income. Income verified and certified applicants may be eligible for down payment/closing cost assistance or home rehabilitation.”

Hardee County Office of Community Development

First Time Home Buyer Program

“Purchase assistance, to aid with closing cost and down payment, is provided to First Time Home Buyers whose household income is in the low to moderate income range.”

Highlands County Housing Division

SHIP Program

“The Housing Division administers funds received from Florida Finance Corporation for the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program. There are three (3) forms of assistance available: Down payment assistance for first time home buyers; Home repair assistance for existing homeowners; and Foreclosure prevention for existing homeowners.”

Jackson County Housing Grants Office

Purchase Assistance Program

“The Purchase Assistance Program is designed to assist first-time home buyers with the purchase of an existing single-family home or condominium within Jackson County. Funding, which is provided as a second or subordinate mortgage loan, may be used for: Down payment, Closing costs, Principal buy-down, Repairs needed for affordable home ownership.”

City of Tampa Housing and Community Development

“Dare to Own the Dream” (DARE) Homeownership Program

“The City of Tampa offers down payment assistance loans to income-eligible home buyers of property within the City limits of Tampa. The loan is in the second position behind primary financing from a mortgage lender and is typically known as a “silent second” because of the 0% rate and $0 monthly payment. The Deferred Payment Loan (DPL) can remain “silent” as long as the property continues to be the owner’s primary residence and owner-occupied. The program provides up to $40,000.00 to assist income-eligible first-time homebuyers to achieve the dream of homeownership.”

Mortgage Assistance Program

“he City of Tampa offers down payment assistance loans to income eligible home buyers of property within the City limits of Tampa. The program provides up to $14,999 to assist income eligible first time homebuyers to achieve the dream of homeownership.”

East Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance Program

“The East Tampa CRA offers down payment assistance forgivable loans to eligible homebuyers who would like to purchase a home within the East Tampa CRA footprint/boundary. The program provides up to $50,000 to assist income eligible first-time homebuyers to achieve the dream of homeownership.”

Hernando County Housing Authority

SHIP Program

“The SHIP Program is a loan that provides down payment assistance for families/individuals that meet the eligibility guidelines.”

Housing Enhancement Loan Program (HELP)

“HELP is designed to provide zero % interest loans of up to $90,000.00 to assist homeowners with the cost of repairs including correcting housing and building code violations, providing cost effective energy conserving features, making the dwelling accessible to handicapped and elderly occupants as necessary, correction of health and/or safety violations that may be present.”

Hillsborough County Housing Finance Authority

Home Sweet Home Hillsborough Program

“30 Year Deferred, 0.00% second mortgage, up to $5,000 for properties located in the City of Tampa and up to $25,000 for properties located in unincorporated Hillsborough County (Effective April 3, 2023). Must be used for down payment and closing cost. The second mortgage is never forgiven and must be repaid when the first mortgage is refinanced, sale, short-sale, foreclosure or if the borrower ceases to live in the property.”

HFA of Hillsborough County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program

“The MCC Program tax credit is up to $2,000 EVERY YEAR FOR THE LIFE OF THE LOAN as long as the property remains the borrower’s principal residence.”

Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority

Single Family Program – Home Sweet Home

“The Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority’s Single-Family Loan Program offers a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for first-time homebuyers. The Home Sweet Home Program is a continuously funding program and never “runs out” of money.”

Mortgage Credit Certificate (“MCC”) Program

“The MCC allows a borrower to take 50% of their annual mortgage interest as a tax credit (maximum $2,000) while continuing to use the balance of the interest as a deduction. The MCC program tax credit is up to $2,000 every year for the life of the loan as long as the property remains the borrower’s principal residence.”

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) Atlanta

States/Territories: Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia

Community Partners Products

“Provides up to $15,000 in down-payment and closing-cost funding to current or retired law enforcement officers, educators, health care workers, firefighters, and other first responders; veterans or active-duty members of the U.S. military or their surviving spouse; and COVID-related essential workers that are first-time homebuyers or non-first-time homebuyers.”

First-time Homebuyer Product (FHP)

“The First-time Homebuyer Product (FHP) provides up to $12,500 in funds for the down payments and closing costs of first-time homebuyers.”

USDA Rural Development

Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans

“Also known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, this program assists low- and very-low-income applicants obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an applicant’s repayment ability. Payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment for a short time.”

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat Home

“We believe that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. To carry out our vision, we partner with individuals and families from application through construction to when the keys are handed over.”

Our next blog post in this series will explore Georgia’s down payment assistance programs.

Helpful Links:

O verview of Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Programs

DPA Programs by State/Territory

Down Payment Assistance Programs

Your dream of owning a home shouldn’t be put on hold due to a lack of a down payment. Down payment assistance (DPA) programs are available in most states and U.S. territories. Taking advantage of these programs can help make purchasing a home possible. Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring DPA programs in each state as part of a new blog series. Our goal is to make you aware of the programs that make homeownership possible. To kick off our blog series, we’ll provide a quick overview of DPA programs in this article.

March 27, 2023

Buydown Your Interest Rate

The term “buydown” refers to a mortgage financing technique that allows the buyer to obtain a lower interest rate. Buydowns are either permanent or temporary in nature.

February 21, 2023

Get Paid to Move/Live in Different City

Shaking things up in 2023? Looking for a change of scenery? Ever wonder what it would be like to work/live in a different city? There are 12 states with cities that offer great incentives for you to move/live there.

February 1, 2023