Down payment assistance in Florida — grants, forgivable loans, and stacked programs.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation plus local county SHIP programs — we layer every option to minimize your cash to close.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation programs
Florida Housing is the state's HFA. These programs layer on FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages statewide. Programs, income limits, and purchase price limits change — verify current programs at floridahousing.org before quoting.
Florida Assist (Second Mortgage)
Up to $10,000 in down payment assistance as a 0%, deferred second mortgage. No monthly payment — repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Available with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages.
Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP)
$10,000 in assistance at 3% simple interest, 15-year term (~$69/month). Repaid monthly alongside your first mortgage.
HFA Preferred Grants
Forgivable 3% or 4% grants based on the loan amount. No repayment if you keep the loan for the required period. Income and purchase price limits apply.
Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program
Florida Housing's VA-compatible program for active-duty and veteran buyers. Competitive rate plus down payment assistance.
Local Florida DPA programs
County and city programs often run alongside Florida Housing — but frequently run out of funding mid-year.
Orange County (Orlando)
SHIP program offers deferred loans for first-time buyers.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
SHIP-funded down payment assistance for qualified buyers.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
City of Jacksonville homebuyer assistance programs.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade Affordable Housing Foundation programs.
Palm Beach County
Palm Beach Housing Authority programs.
Florida DPA FAQs
How does Florida down payment assistance work?+
Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers deferred second mortgages, low-interest seconds, and forgivable grants that layer on top of FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgages. Local county SHIP programs add additional options for eligible buyers.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer for Florida DPA?+
Most Florida Housing programs require first-time buyer status (no primary residence ownership in the past 3 years) or purchase in a targeted area. The Salute Our Soldiers program waives the first-time buyer requirement for veterans.
Can Florida DPA be combined with FHA and VA?+
Yes. Florida Housing DPA layers cleanly on top of FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages. Local county DPA can sometimes stack on top of state DPA for even greater assistance.
What are the income and purchase price limits?+
Income and purchase price limits vary by county and program. Programs, limits, and funding availability change — we verify current program status at intake.
Stack every FL assistance program available
We're Florida Housing-approved and know which local county programs still have funding.