Down Payment Assistance Programs in Florida: Your 2026 Guide

Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for Florida homebuyers, but dozens of assistance programs exist to help bridge the gap. From statewide programs administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to county-level grants and employer-based assistance, buyers in the Bradenton-Sarasota market have more options than many realize. John Belt with Keller Williams On The Water regularly connects buyers with these programs to make homeownership more accessible.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation Programs

The FHFC is the state's primary source of down payment assistance. Its flagship programs include Florida Assist, which provides up to $10,000 as a deferred second mortgage at 0 percent interest with no monthly payments — repayment is only due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. The Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP) offers up to $10,000 as a fully amortizing second mortgage at 3 percent interest over 15 years.

The Florida Hometown Heroes program provides up to $35,000 (5 percent of the first mortgage amount) as a zero-interest deferred second mortgage for qualifying community workers including teachers, healthcare professionals, first responders, and military personnel. All FHFC programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course.

Income Limits and Eligibility

Nearly all Florida down payment assistance programs have income limits based on household size and county, typically tied to the Area Median Income. Some programs cap eligibility at 80 percent AMI, while others like Hometown Heroes extend to 140 percent AMI. Most programs require the buyer to be a first-time homebuyer, generally defined as not having owned a home in the past three years. The property must serve as your primary residence.

County and Local Programs

Beyond statewide programs, many Florida counties and municipalities offer their own assistance. Programs vary significantly by location — some offer forgivable grants that require no repayment if you stay in the home for a set period, while others provide low-interest or deferred-payment second mortgages. In the Bradenton-Sarasota area, buyers should check with Manatee County and Sarasota County housing authorities for current local offerings.

Some of the most generous programs in the state include Jacksonville's Headstart to HOME Ownership Program offering up to $50,000 and Miami-Dade's Surtax Program offering up to $30,000. While these are location-specific, they illustrate the range of assistance available across Florida.

Homebuyer Education Requirements

Almost every down payment assistance program in Florida requires completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. These courses typically run six to eight hours and cover budgeting, the mortgage process, and homeowner responsibilities. Many are available online at low cost or free of charge. Completing the course early — before you start house hunting — ensures you are ready to apply as soon as you find the right program and property.

How to Stack Programs

In some cases, buyers can combine multiple assistance programs. For example, you might pair a statewide FHFC program with a local county grant, effectively covering your entire down payment and a portion of closing costs. Your lender and Realtor can help identify which programs can be layered together and ensure compliance with each program's requirements.

Getting Started

The first step is getting pre-approved with a lender who participates in Florida Housing programs. Not all lenders are approved to originate loans with FHFC assistance, so working with the right lender from the start is critical. John Belt with Keller Williams On The Water can connect you with participating lenders in the Bradenton-Sarasota market who specialize in down payment assistance programs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Program availability, funding levels, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Contact a participating lender or the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for the most current program details.