Buy a Home With Down Payment Assistance in Florida
Homeownership Is Closer Than You Think
Saving for a down payment can feel like one of the biggest roadblocks to owning a home—but it doesn’t have to be. With a wide range of down payment assistance programs in Florida, including county-specific options throughout the state, you may be able to purchase a home with little or no money out of pocket.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a public service worker, or someone with moderate income, these programs are designed to make homeownership more affordable and accessible.
What Is Down Payment Assistance?
Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs offer financial aid to help cover your down payment and/or closing costs when buying a home. These programs come in the form of:
- Grants (no repayment required)
- Forgivable loans (no repayment if conditions are met)
- Low or zero interest second mortgages
DPA is often available through state, county, and city-level housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, and even certain lenders.
Florida-Wide Down Payment Assistance Programs
Florida Housing – Hometown Heroes Assistance Program
Supports Florida based employees with no job requirement other than being a full time Florida worker. This is a “special” program that is typically available once per year:
- Up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance
- 0% interest, deferred second mortgage
- Repayable when you sell, refinance or pay off the first position mortgage, or if you convert the home to a rental property.
Best for: Full-time workers for Florida based companies (must have brick and mortar in Florida)
Florida Housing - Florida Assist (FL Assist or FL Bond)
- Up to $10,000 for down payment assistance
- 0% interest, deferred second mortgage (due when home is sold/refinanced)
- Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans
- Flexible income limits
Florida Housing – Florida Plus Grant Program
- Provides 3%, 4% or 5% Grant in down payment assistance funds
- Fully forgivable grant program
- No Monthly payments required
Tampa Bay Area Down Payment Assistance Programs
Tampa Bay buyers may qualify for additional local programs offered by cities and counties in the region:
City of Tampa DARE Program
Hillsborough County DPA
Pinellas County DPA
Pasco County DPA Program
Hernando County DPA Program
Pasco County DPA Program
And many other local options
- These programs offer multiple solutions for down payment assistance
- Vary in terms of dollar amount, credit requirements, income limits, interest rates
- Each program has its own specific requirements
Take the Next Step Today by calling us at 727-218-1120 to Check
Your Eligibility for Down Payment Assistance and Get
Pre-Approved to Buy a home.
Who Can Use These Programs?
Each program has its own guidelines, but you may qualify if you:
- Are a first-time homebuyer (haven’t owned a home in 3+ years)
- Meet income and credit score requirements
- Purchase a home as your primary residence
- Complete a homebuyer education course
- We do have an assistance program for non first-time homebuyers, those who have owned in the last three years!
Benefits of Buying a Home With Down Payment Assistance
- Lower upfront costs — keep more cash on hand
- Access to better loan options
- Increase buying power in competitive markets
- Grants and forgivable loans help reduce long-term debt
- Opens the door to homeownership sooner than expected
Ready to See If You Qualify?
Our team specializes in helping Florida homebuyers navigate down payment assistance programs. We’ll help you:
- Determine which DPA programs you qualify for
- Determine which DPA programs you qualify for
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage
- Connect with real estate agents familiar with eligible properties
- Complete required buyer education courses
