Orlando and Central Florida Focus
Up to $50,000 in assistance available for Orlando area buyers. State programs, county programs, and local grants. Find out what you qualify for.
Quick Eligibility Review
Send the basics and Dennis will review county, income, household size, first-time buyer status, and program fit before you spend time on the wrong option.
County fit
Local funds vary by area and availability.
Income check
Most programs use household and county limits.
Next step
You will know whether to keep going or pivot.
$50K
Max Orange County DPA
$35K
Max Hometown Heroes
640
Minimum FICO Score
7
Programs Available
Compare Florida DPA options side by side. Program details and sample rate ranges shown as of June 04, 2026; availability, income limits, and pricing can change. Source: eHousingPlus and Florida Housing Finance Corporation program highlights.
| Program | DPA Amount | Type | Loan Types | FICO | First-Time? | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Assist / FL HLP - Standard Bond | FL Assist $10K or FL HLP $12.5K | 0% deferred or 3%, 15yr second | FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie, Freddie | 640 | Yes* | FHA/VA/USDA 6.750%; Fannie 7.500%; Freddie 7.250% |
| Florida Assist / FL HLP - Standard TBA | FL Assist $10K or FL HLP $12.5K | 0% deferred or 3%, 15yr second | FHA, VA, USDA, Freddie | 640 | Yes* | FHA/VA/USDA 7.000%; Freddie ≤80% AMI 7.125%; Freddie >80% AMI 7.375% |
| PLUS TBA | 3%, 4%, or 5% DPA | Flexible DPA | Freddie only | 640 | Yes | ≤80% AMI: 3% 7.000%, 4% 7.375%, 5% 7.625%; >80% AMI: 3% 7.125%, 4% 7.500%, 5% 7.750% |
| Hometown Heroes | 5% (max $35K) | 0% deferred | FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie, Freddie | 640 | No | Available |
| 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
Buyers in Orange and Osceola County have access to some of the most generous local DPA in Florida.
Up to $50,000
Forgivable over 5-10 years. Stay in the home and the money is yours.
Orange County Housing and Community Development
(407) 836-5150Up to $40,000
Forgivable or deferred depending on program cycle.
Osceola County Community Development
(407) 742-8400Answer 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.
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.
I work with every Florida Housing DPA program and both Orange and Osceola County local programs. No cost to check your eligibility.
Dennis Ross | NMLS #2018381 | Home 1st Lending