Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs You Might Be Missing Out On

Buying a home in Florida can feel like an uphill battle—especially when the biggest hurdle is the down payment. But what if we told you there’s money on the table that could make your dream home a lot more accessible?

If you're a first-time buyer, a returning homeowner, or someone working in one of Florida’s essential roles, you might qualify for help—and in some cases, it’s thousands of dollars you don’t have to pay back.

Here’s a breakdown of the top down payment assistance programs in Florida, what they offer, and the fine print you’ll want to know.

Florida Hometown Heroes Program (2025 Update)

Big news for Florida buyers: the 2025 state budget includes $50 million in funding for the Hometown Heroes Program. But this year comes with a few major changes.

What We Know:

• Funds will not be available on July 1st like last year. We’re waiting on final approval from the Governor.

• Once approved, Florida Housing will update its guidelines and begin training approved lenders.

Who’s Eligible (pending final approval):

• Healthcare workers

• School staff

• First responders

• Public safety & court employees

• Childcare workers

• Active military & veterans (must be full-time and employed by a Florida-based employer)

Pros:

• Up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

• 0% interest, deferred second mortgage—no payments while you live in the home.

• Doesn’t have to be repaid until you sell, refinance, or move out.

Cons:

• Must be a first-time homebuyer (unless you’re a veteran).

• Must work full-time in Florida and buy in the same community.

• Subject to income and credit guidelines (640+ score and ≤150% of AMI).

• Not available until the final budget is signed and released.

Pro Tip: Get your documents in order now—pre-approval, pay stubs, IDs, etc.—so you’re ready to go the moment funds are released. Our team is monitoring the rollout closely and can put you on our update list so you don’t miss your window.

Florida Assist (FL Assist) Down Payment Program

FL Assist is a state-funded option through Florida Housing that quietly supports thousands of buyers every year. It offers up to $10,000 as a 0% interest second mortgage to help with your down payment.

Pros:

• No interest and no monthly payments.

• Pairs well with first-time buyer mortgage programs (FHA, VA, USDA).

• Helps bridge the affordability gap without impacting your monthly budget.

Cons:

• Funds are limited and can run out.

• Must be repaid when you sell, refinance, or stop occupying the home.

• Requires housing education and income documentation.

It’s a strong option for those who don’t qualify for Hometown Heroes or want additional support layered into their loan package.

Local City & County Assistance Programs

Beyond statewide offerings, many Florida counties and cities offer their own down payment assistance programs—and some are incredibly generous.

For example:

• Hillsborough County offers forgivable loans to first-time buyers who meet income guidelines.

• Pasco County provides monetary assistance for eligible buyers.

• Pinellas County features down payment and closing cost grants based on income and household size.

• Larger cities like Orlando, Jacksonville, and Miami-Dade also have programs for city residents.

Pros:

• Many are forgivable after a few years of homeownership.

• Can often be combined with statewide assistance.

• Tailored to local housing costs and resident needs.

Cons:

• Vary widely by county and city.

• Often have long waitlists or limited funding.

• Typically, income-restricted and require additional paperwork.

If you're buying in one of these areas, we’ll help check if local funds are available and walk you through eligibility step-by-step.

Tips for Getting Approved

• Have your financial documents ready: tax returns, pay stubs, and ID.

• Reach out to our team, and we’ll help determine which programs you qualify for and create a game plan.

• Don’t wait—some programs are first-come, first-served, and funds can run out quickly.

Bottom Line: Florida has more down payment help than most people realize. From statewide programs like Hometown Heroes to county-level grants, there’s a good chance you qualify for something. At Shupe Lending Group, we specialize in matching buyers with the right assistance—so let’s talk through your options and get you home without draining your savings.

Jonathan Shupe Branch Manager

Jonathan Shupe NMLS ID# 1649211 is Manager of Shupe Lending Group NMLS ID# 2478065. Jonathan Shupe and his team of loan officers are licensed in multiple states. Many of the borrowers of Shupe Lending Group are individuals who did not qualify at other lenders due to those lenders overlays on government and conventional loans. We have a reputation of being able to work with over 270 different lenders to be able to offer out clients dozens of non-QM and alternative financing loan programs. Any non-QM mortgage loan program available in the market will be offered by our team at Shupe Lending Group. Our team is available 7 days a week, evenings, weekends, and holidays.