Orlando and Central Florida Focus

Down Payment Assistance
Programs in Florida

Up to $50,000 in assistance available for Orlando area buyers. State programs, county programs, and local grants. Find out what you qualify for.

See All Programs (850) 346-8514

$50K

Max Orange County DPA

$35K

Max Hometown Heroes

640

Minimum FICO Score

7

Programs Available

All Florida DPA Programs

Compare every program side by side. Rates current as of April 17, 2026. Source: eHousingPlus Florida Housing Finance Corporation program highlights. Source: eHousingPlus Florida Housing Finance Corporation program highlights. Source: eHousingPlus Florida Housing Finance Corporation program highlights. Source: eHousingPlus Florida Housing Finance Corporation program highlights. Source: eHousingPlus Florida Housing Finance Corporation program highlights. Source: eHousingPlus and Florida Housing Finance Corporation program highlights.

Program DPA Amount Type Loan Types FICO First-Time? Rates
Hometown Heroes 5% (max $35K) 0% deferred FHA, VA, USDA, Conv 6.750% - 7.250% No 6.250% - 7.000%
FL Assist $10,000 0% deferred FHA, VA, USDA, Conv 640 Yes* 7.125% - 7.625%
FL HLP $12,500 3%, 15yr (~$86/mo) FHA, VA, USDA, Conv 640 Yes* 7.125% - 7.625%
PLUS TBA 3-5% flexible 0% deferred Conv only (Freddie) 640 Yes 6.000% - 6.375%
Salute Our Soldiers $10K or $12.5K Same as FL Assist/HLP FHA, VA, USDA, Conv 640 No (military) Similar
Orange County Up to $50K Forgivable (5-10yr) FHA, VA, USDA, Conv 640 Yes N/A (local)
Osceola County Up to $40K Forgivable/deferred FHA, VA, USDA, Conv 640 Yes N/A (local)

*VA and targeted census tract borrowers exempt from first-time requirement

Local Programs

Orlando Area DPA Spotlight

Buyers in Orange and Osceola County have access to some of the most generous local DPA in Florida.

🍊

Orange County

Up to $50,000

Forgivable over 5-10 years. Stay in the home and the money is yours.

  • First-time buyers (no ownership in 3 years)
  • Must purchase within Orange County
  • Income limits apply (based on Orlando MSA AMI)
  • Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional
  • May stack with state FL Housing programs

Orange County Housing and Community Development

(407) 836-5150
🏠

Osceola County

Up to $40,000

Forgivable or deferred depending on program cycle.

  • First-time buyers
  • Must purchase within Osceola County
  • Income limits apply
  • Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional
  • Limited funding; check availability

Osceola County Community Development

(407) 742-8400

Which Program Fits You?

Answer a few questions to narrow down your best option.

Do you work in a Hometown Heroes eligible occupation?

Teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, childcare workers, healthcare, military, and 50+ more.

Common DPA Mistakes

No purchase contract before locking

You need a fully executed contract before DPA funds can be reserved. No exceptions.

Missing the 60-day delivery window

From reservation to loan purchase, you have 60 days. Plan your closing timeline accordingly.

Misunderstanding first-time buyer status

For first-time buyer programs, at least one borrower must meet the 3-year first-time buyer rule. Program overlays can still vary, so verify the exact guideline before locking.

Skipping homebuyer education

Required before closing on every FL Housing DPA program. Framework or eHome America.

Assuming county funds are always available

Orange and Osceola County programs run on limited cycles. Confirm availability before planning around them.

Find Out What You Qualify For

I work with every Florida Housing DPA program and both Orange and Osceola County local programs. No cost to check your eligibility.

(850) 346-8514 Apply Online

Dennis Ross | NMLS #2018381 | Home 1st Lending