Florida Down Payment Assistance
Access up to $35,000 through Florida Housing programs including special assistance for teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders
Up to $35,000
Hometown Heroes program for community service workers
0% Interest
Most programs offer deferred loans with no interest
Forgivable Loans
HFA programs forgive 20% annually over 5 years
5 Programs
Multiple options to fit your situation
Florida Housing Finance Corporation Programs
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) offers multiple down payment assistance programs to help Florida homebuyers achieve homeownership.
**Florida Assist** provides up to **$10,000** in down payment and closing cost assistance through a deferred second mortgage with **0% interest**. This loan has no monthly payments and is only repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.
Program Features
Up to $10,000 Assistance
Can be used for down payment, closing costs, or both
0% Interest Rate
Deferred second mortgage with no interest charges
No Monthly Payments
Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage
First-Time Buyers
Designed for those purchasing their first home in Florida
The **Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP)** provides up to **$10,000** for down payment and closing costs through a **15-year amortizing second mortgage** at **3% interest**. Unlike deferred loans, this program requires monthly payments but offers predictable repayment.
Program Features
Up to $10,000
For down payment and closing costs
3% Interest Rate
Low fixed rate for 15 years
15-Year Amortization
Monthly payments required, fully paid off in 15 years
The **HFA Preferred Program** offers **forgivable second mortgages** at 3%, 4%, or 5% of your first mortgage amount. The amount you qualify for depends on your income and the location of the home. The loan is forgiven at **20% annually** over a **5-year term**.
Forgiveness Structure
20% Forgiven Each Year
After 5 years, the entire loan is forgiven if you stay in the home
Early Repayment
If you move, sell, or refinance before 5 years, you repay the unforgiven balance
Income & Location Based
Assistance amount varies by household income and property location
Example:
If you qualify for a 5% HFA Preferred loan on a $200,000 mortgage, you receive $10,000. After 1 year, $2,000 is forgiven. After 5 years, the entire $10,000 is forgiven if you remain in the home.
The **HFA Advantage PLUS** program offers a **0% deferred second mortgage** of up to **$8,000** that is forgiven at **20% per year for 5 years**. This is ideal for first-time homebuyers using Florida Housing's conventional loan programs.
Program Features
Up to $8,000
For down payment and closing costs
0% Interest
No interest charges on the deferred loan
20% Annual Forgiveness
Fully forgiven after 5 years if you stay in the home
Conventional Loans Only
Must use Florida Housing's conventional loan programs
The **Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program** is designed to assist community service workers including **teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and veterans**. Qualifying borrowers can receive up to **5% of the first mortgage loan amount**, or a **maximum of $35,000**, for down payment and closing costs.
Program Features
Up to $35,000
Maximum assistance for eligible community service workers
30-Year No-Interest Loan
Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage
No Monthly Payments
Deferred loan structure with no monthly obligation
Who Qualifies?
- •Teachers – Educators in Florida public or charter schools
- •Healthcare Workers – Nurses, EMTs, paramedics, and other medical professionals
- •Law Enforcement – Police officers, correctional officers, and law enforcement personnel
- •Firefighters – Career and volunteer firefighters
- •Veterans – Honorably discharged military veterans
Contact a Florida Housing-Approved Lender
Work with a licensed Florida mortgage broker (like us!) who participates in FHFC programs and can guide you through the application process.
Determine Your Eligibility
Your lender will help you determine which Florida Housing program best fits your situation based on income, employment, and homebuyer status.
Get Pre-Approved
Complete your mortgage pre-approval to confirm eligibility and determine how much assistance you qualify for.
Apply for DPA with Your Mortgage
Your lender submits your Florida Housing assistance application alongside your primary mortgage application.
Close on Your Florida Home
The down payment assistance funds are applied at closing, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
Ready to Access Florida DPA?
Get pre-approved in 24 hours and discover how much down payment assistance you qualify for.
NMLS #1767357 • Licensed in Florida • Free Consultation • No Obligation