First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Florida
Down payment help, lower rates, and specialty loans can make a first Florida home more affordable. Here is a plain-English look at the main 2026 programs.
Help for first-time buyers in 2026
If you are buying your first home in Florida, you may not have to do it entirely on your own. The state, through Florida Housing Finance Corporation, offers first mortgage programs paired with down payment and closing cost assistance. Many programs define a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned a primary residence in the past three years, and most require a minimum credit score around 640, a homebuyer education course, and income and purchase-price limits that vary by county.
Program details, funding, and amounts change over time, so treat the summaries below as a starting point and confirm current terms with a participating lender. A lender can tell you which programs you qualify for and run the numbers for your budget.
Main Florida assistance programs
Florida Hometown Heroes. As of 2026, this program offers up to $35,000 (5% of the first mortgage, with a $10,000 minimum) toward down payment and closing costs as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. Since 2023 it has been open to full-time Florida workers under the income cap, regardless of profession, with veterans exempt from some requirements. Funding is limited and reserved first come, first served.
FL Assist. Provides down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage — no monthly payment, repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first loan.
Florida Assist / HFA Preferred. Some options offer forgivable assistance that reduces over several years, if you stay in the home. Terms vary by program.
Florida First mortgage. 30-year fixed-rate loans — conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA — that pair with the assistance programs above.
Assistance from most of these programs is a second mortgage or deferred loan, not a cash gift, so it is repaid under the program terms. That is normal and still a powerful way to get into a home sooner. Your lender will explain the repayment terms for any program you use.
How assistance shows up at closing
When you use a down payment assistance program, the funds are coordinated through your lender and appear on your closing settlement statement, and any second mortgage is recorded along with your first. As your title and settlement company, we make sure everything balances and records correctly so your closing stays on schedule. See how our closings work and get an estimate with our closing cost calculator.
Buyer tip: In many Florida transactions the buyer can choose the title and settlement company. If you want a smooth, on-time closing, tell your real estate agent early that you would like to close with Independent Title of Fort Lauderdale — and name us in your offer. We will guide you from contract to keys. Call (954) 493-8288.
Frequently asked questions
What first-time home buyer programs are available in Florida in 2026?
The best-known are run through Florida Housing Finance Corporation and include the Hometown Heroes down payment assistance program, FL Assist, HFA Preferred options, and Florida First mortgages (conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA). Many local governments also offer their own assistance. Programs, funding, and amounts change, so confirm current details with a participating lender.
How much down payment help can I get in Florida?
It varies by program. As of 2026, Hometown Heroes offers up to $35,000 (5% of the first mortgage, minimum $10,000) toward down payment and closing costs, while FL Assist and similar programs commonly offer smaller amounts. Assistance is usually a deferred or forgivable second mortgage rather than a cash grant.
Who qualifies as a first-time buyer in Florida?
Many Florida programs treat you as a first-time buyer if you have not owned a primary residence in the last three years. Most also require a credit score around 640, completion of a homebuyer education course, and income and purchase-price within county limits. A lender can confirm your eligibility.
Is down payment assistance free money?
Usually not. Most Florida assistance is a second mortgage or deferred loan that is repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage, though some programs are forgiven over time if you stay in the home. Your lender will explain the specific repayment terms before you commit.
Not legal advice. Independent Title of Fort Lauderdale, Inc. is a title insurance and real estate settlement services company — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal, tax, financial, or insurance advice. This page is general information only. Programs, promulgated rates, taxes, insurance rules, inspection standards, and market conditions change over time and vary by lender, insurer, property, and county. Confirm current details for your specific situation with the appropriate licensed professional — such as a licensed attorney, mortgage lender, insurance agent, surveyor, or tax advisor — before making decisions. Marketing and lead-generation ideas are provided for general educational purposes and should be carried out in compliance with all applicable rules, including RESPA and your brokerage's policies.
Ready to buy with confidence?
Get a fast, no-obligation Florida closing cost estimate, or tell your agent you would like to close with Independent Title of Fort Lauderdale. A closer will reach out — usually the same business day.