• HUD-approved Florida housing counseling agencies
• HUD’s Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) recipients may offer homebuyer assistance in your area
• HUD’s HOME Investment Partnership Program provides funding to local agencies to help you purchase or repair your home
• State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program
• USDA Rural Housing Service – direct loans and grants for building, purchasing, or repairing
• Florida Association for Community Action – local agencies provide low-income emergency home repair (LEHRP) and weatherization assistance (WAP). Select those programs under their Quick Directory Links for help.
• Florida Housing Finance Corporation – call (800) 814-HOME (4663) for info on first-time homebuyer programs, lower interest rate loans, and purchase assistance
• Habitat for Humanity – home construction using sweat equity, assisted financing

Local Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs Sorted By County

Florida Downpayment Assistance Programs 

Florida mortgage lenders offer a variety of down payment assistance programs aimed at helping individuals and families achieve homeownership. These programs often work in conjunction with first mortgage loans, and they can vary significantly in their eligibility requirements and terms. Here’s a breakdown of how they generally function:  

Key Aspects of Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs:

Florida Housing Finance Corporation:
This is a central source for many state-level programs. They offer various options, often in the form of second mortgages, that can help with down payments and closing costs.  
Programs can include deferred payment options (where repayment is delayed), forgivable loans (where a portion or all of the loan is waived after a certain period), and traditional second mortgages with repayment schedules.

Program Variations:
Deferred Second Mortgages: These often require repayment when you sell the home, refinance, or no longer use it as your primary residence.  
Forgivable Second Mortgages: Some programs offer loans that are gradually forgiven over a set period, provided you meet certain conditions.
Specific Profession Programs: The “Florida Hometown Heroes Program” is a prominent example, offering assistance to essential community workers like teachers, firefighters, and healthcare professionals.  
Eligibility Requirements:

These typically include:
Income limits: Programs often have income restrictions to target those who need assistance most.
Credit score requirements: A minimum credit score is usually necessary.  
First-time homebuyer status: Some programs prioritize or require first-time homebuyers.  
Property location and purchase price limits: Restrictions may apply to where you can buy and how much you can spend.  
Homebuyer education: many programs require the completion of a homebuyer education course.  

Local and County Programs:
In addition to state-level programs, many counties and cities in Florida offer their own down payment assistance initiatives. These can have unique requirements and benefits.
Therefore, it is very important to research the county that you wish to live in, for their specific programs.
Types of loans that can be used:
Many of the Florida down payment assistance programs can be used in conjunction with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.  

Where to Find More Information:
Florida Housing Finance Corporation: This is the primary resource for state-level programs.
Local County Housing Authorities: Check with your county’s housing authority for local programs.
Participating Lenders: Many lenders are familiar with these programs and can guide you through the process.
It’s crucial to thoroughly research and understand the specific requirements and terms of any down payment assistance program before applying.