Florida Housing Programs 2026

Florida first-time home buyer programs.

Florida offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance through state and county programs. Many buyers qualify without knowing it. See if you’re eligible.

Available Programs

Programs available to Florida buyers.

Florida’s statewide programs are administered through Florida Housing Finance Corporation. County-level SHIP funds provide additional assistance in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade.

Hometown Heroes Housing Program

Up to $35,000

Who qualifies: Teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, veterans, and other community workers.

Down payment + closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage. Forgiven after 30 years.

Florida Assist (FL Assist)

Up to $10,000

Who qualifies: First-time buyers using an FHA, VA, RD, or Conventional loan.

Deferred 0% interest second mortgage for down payment. No monthly payments — repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

Florida HLP Second Mortgage

$10,000

Who qualifies: First-time buyers with a Florida Housing first mortgage.

3% interest, 15-year term second mortgage. $66/month payment. Can be combined with other Florida Housing programs.

SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership)

Varies by county

Who qualifies: Income-qualifying buyers in participating counties.

Each Florida county administers its own SHIP funds. Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade all offer SHIP grants and deferred loans.

General Eligibility Requirements

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First-Time Buyer

Defined as not owning a primary residence in the last 3 years. Veterans and buyers in targeted areas are sometimes exempt.

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Income Limits

Vary by county and household size. Palm Beach County limits range from $75,040 (1 person) to $140,070 (8 people) for most programs.

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Credit Score

Minimum 640 credit score for most Florida Housing programs. Some county SHIP programs allow 580 with FHA.

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Primary Residence

Must be your primary home. Investment properties and second homes do not qualify.

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Homebuyer Education

Most programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course ($50–$125, available online).

Equal Housing Lender. Program terms subject to change. Not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. NMLS# 1859012. Licensed in Florida.

See which programs you qualify for.

Our mortgage team will check your eligibility for every available program at no cost.

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