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, 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 offers several flagship programs. Florida Assist 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 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 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 cap eligibility at 80 percent AMI, while others extend to 140 percent AMI. Most require the buyer to be a first-time homebuyer, defined as not having owned a home in the past three years. The property must be your primary residence.

County and Local Programs

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

Homebuyer Education Requirements

Almost every program requires a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. These typically run six to eight hours covering budgeting, the mortgage process, and homeowner responsibilities. Many are available online at low cost or free. Completing the course early ensures you are ready to apply when you find the right program and property.

Combining Multiple Programs

In some cases, buyers can combine multiple assistance programs — pairing a statewide FHFC program with a local county grant to cover the entire down payment and closing costs. Your lender and Realtor can help identify which programs can be layered together.

Getting Started

Get pre-approved with a lender who participates in Florida Housing programs. Not all lenders are approved to originate loans with FHFC assistance. 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.

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 current details.