Florida down payment assistance programs.
Florida offers multiple down payment assistance programs providing up to $35,000. First-time buyers, veterans, teachers, nurses, and law enforcement may all qualify.
Every program available in 2026.
Many buyers leave thousands on the table because they don’t know these programs exist. Our mortgage team reviews every available program for your situation at no cost.
Hometown Heroes: Up to $35,000
For Florida community workforce: teachers, nurses, law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, childcare workers, and veterans. Down payment + closing cost assistance as a 0% deferred second mortgage. Income limits apply by county.
FL Assist: Up to $10,000
0% interest deferred second mortgage. No monthly payments. Repaid only when the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off. Available with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional first mortgages.
Florida HLP Second Mortgage: $10,000
$10,000 second mortgage at 3% interest over 15 years. Monthly payment of approximately $69. Can be combined with a Florida Housing first mortgage.
SHIP Grants: Varies by County
Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties all administer SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) funds. Amounts and availability vary. Some SHIP programs are forgivable grants.
Palm Beach County DPA: Up to $60,000
Palm Beach County’s Housing and Community Development division offers deferred payment loans up to $60,000 for income-qualifying buyers within Palm Beach County.
City-Level Programs
West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and other municipalities offer additional DPA funds for buyers purchasing within city limits. These can be stacked with state programs.
Can programs be combined?
Yes. In some cases, a buyer can stack Hometown Heroes ($35K) with a city-level DPA program, effectively covering the entire down payment and closing costs on a moderately priced home. Our mortgage team specializes in maximizing every available dollar for our clients.
Equal Housing Lender. Program availability and terms subject to change. Not a commitment to lend. NMLS# 1859012. Licensed in Florida.
Frequently asked questions about down payment assistance in Florida.
Does Florida down payment assistance have to be repaid?
It depends on the program. The FL Assist program is a deferred second mortgage with 0% interest, repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage. Hometown Heroes is also deferred with no monthly payment and is forgiven after 30 years. Some county SHIP programs offer forgivable grants after a set occupancy period. Our mortgage team explains the repayment terms of every program before you apply.
Can I combine multiple Florida DPA programs?
In many cases, yes. Buyers using Hometown Heroes can sometimes stack a city-level DPA program on top. The combined assistance can cover both the down payment and closing costs. Each program has its own stacking rules. Some prohibit layering. Our team reviews all available combinations for your specific situation and maximizes every dollar available to you.
Does using down payment assistance affect my mortgage rate?
Florida Housing DPA programs are paired with first mortgage products through approved lenders. The first mortgage rate is competitive but may be slightly higher than market rates on some products. The tradeoff is significant: $10,000–$35,000 in assistance versus a rate that is 0.25–0.50% above market. For most buyers, the upfront assistance creates more financial benefit than the rate difference costs over time.
What is the income limit for Hometown Heroes in Palm Beach County?
Income limits for Hometown Heroes vary by county and household size. In Palm Beach County, limits range from approximately $118,000 for a one-person household to $168,000 for a larger household. These limits are updated periodically by Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Contact us for the current published limits before assuming eligibility. Many buyers who assume they earn too much are surprised to find they qualify.
How long does it take to get DPA approved in Florida?
DPA approval runs concurrently with your first mortgage underwriting and typically does not extend your overall closing timeline. The process adds some paperwork but most Florida Housing DPA loans close within the same 30–45 day window as a standard mortgage. For SHIP grants from Palm Beach or Broward counties, the timeline can vary based on available funding and county processing volume.
Find out how much assistance you qualify for.
Our team reviews every program at no cost. Most buyers qualify for more than they expect.
Check My EligibilityOr view all loan programs at Pure Equity Realty Mortgage Capital.