Down Payment Assistance Programs in Florida (2026 Guide)

The number one reason people delay buying a home in Florida is the down payment. Most buyers assume they need 20% saved before they can make a move. That number is wrong for almost everyone.

Florida has some of the strongest down payment assistance programs in the country. Depending on your occupation, military status, income, and location, you could qualify for anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 in assistance. Some of that money never has to be paid back.

This guide covers every major DPA program available to buyers in Florida in 2026, with specific attention to programs available in the Orlando and Central Florida area.

Florida Statewide DPA Programs

These programs are administered through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and are available to buyers anywhere in the state.

Hometown Heroes

Hometown Heroes is the best DPA option for most Florida buyers. It offers the highest assistance amount, the lowest interest rates, and does not require you to be a first-time homebuyer.

Eligibility is based on your occupation. Over 50 professions qualify, including teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, childcare workers, healthcare workers, and active military. If you work full-time for a Florida employer in one of these categories, you likely qualify.

One thing to watch: Hometown Heroes funding is limited. As of February 2026, approximately $7 million remained available. When the money runs out, the program pauses until the next funding cycle. If you qualify, do not wait.

FL Assist ($10,000)

FL Assist is the simplest DPA option. You receive $10,000 as a deferred second mortgage with no interest and no monthly payment. The balance is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

This is a good fit for buyers who need clean, no-payment assistance and whose DTI ratio is tight. The $10,000 does not add to your monthly obligations.

FL HLP ($12,500)

FL HLP gives you $2,500 more than FL Assist but comes with a monthly payment of approximately $86. That payment counts against your debt-to-income ratio. Choose HLP over FL Assist only if the extra $2,500 makes a meaningful difference in your transaction and your DTI can absorb the payment.

PLUS TBA (3% to 5% Flexible DPA)

PLUS TBA is the flexible option. You choose how much DPA you need between 3% and 5%. The trade-off is higher rates compared to other programs, and it only works with Freddie Mac conventional loans. Best for buyers who need slightly more than $10,000-$12,500 but do not qualify for Hometown Heroes.

Salute Our Soldiers

Salute Our Soldiers is the military-specific version of the standard FL Housing programs. The key advantage: no first-time buyer requirement. However, Hometown Heroes typically offers better rates and higher DPA for military buyers, so compare both before committing.

Orlando Area Local DPA Programs

Buyers in the Orlando metro area have access to local programs that can provide significantly more assistance than the state programs alone. In some cases, these programs can be stacked on top of a Florida Housing first mortgage.

Orange County's local DPA is one of the most generous programs in the state. Up to $50,000 in forgivable assistance means you could own a home with little to no money out of pocket. The forgiveness period is typically 5 to 10 years. If you stay in the home for the full period, the assistance is completely forgiven.

Which Program Should You Use?

The right program depends on your occupation, military status, location, and whether you have owned a home in the last three years. Here is how to narrow it down.

Can You Stack DPA Programs?

Common Mistakes That Disqualify Buyers

1. 1. No purchase contract before locking. You must have a fully executed contract before your lender can reserve DPA funds. Lakeview (the servicer) will not purchase the loan without it.
2. 2. Missing the 60-day delivery window. From reservation to loan purchase, you have 60 days. If your closing takes longer, the reservation expires.
3. 3. Misunderstanding first-time buyer. First-time means no ownership interest in any residential property in the prior three years. This applies to all borrowers on the loan.
4. 4. Ignoring household income limits. Some programs count all adults in the household, not just the borrowers on the loan. Ask your loan officer to verify.
5. 5. Skipping homebuyer education. Every Florida Housing DPA program requires completion of a homebuyer education course before closing. Framework or eHome America are the approved options.
6. 6. Not accounting for HLP in DTI. If you choose the $12,500 HLP, the $86/month payment counts against your debt-to-income ratio. Plan accordingly.
7. 7. Assuming county funds are always available. Orange and Osceola County programs run on limited funding cycles. Availability can change month to month.

Find Out What You Qualify For

Every buyer's situation is different. Your occupation, credit score, income, purchase location, and military status all determine which programs you can access and which combination gives you the best deal.

I work with every Florida Housing DPA program and both Orange and Osceola County local programs. If there is money available for your situation, I will find it.

Key Contacts and Resources

• eHousingPlus (rate locks and reservations): ehousingplus.com
• Florida Housing Finance Corp: floridahousing.org
• Orange County Housing: (407) 836-5150
• Osceola County Community Development: (407) 742-8400
• Homebuyer Education: Framework or eHome America