Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs

Note: If you haven’t already done so, please read the article entitled What is Down Payment Assistance. It goes further into depth about what you need to do and what you can expect with a down payment assistance loan or grant than this page. This page is purely intended as a resource page for you once you understand what down payment assistance is. It’s up to you to do more research about the programs that interest you.

Listed below is what we hope to be an exhaustive list of every down payment assistance program in Florida. If you were to scroll through every program you would find that many local governments get assistance through the SHIP assistance program (State Housing Initiative Partnership). It’s listed across multiple counties instead of in a statewide category because the specifics vary depending on where you live. Contact information, amount of available funds, as well as whether it’s forgivable or not varies on the county.

Sometimes SHIP funds run out in certain counties while not in others. For this reason, if you are close to a county line, and your county’s SHIP funds are out, consider looking at a nearby county. You may very well have success just expanding your search a few miles. Most programs don’t require you to live in the county itself prior to receiving down payment assistance funds there. Of course, call to verify before you apply.

If you served or are currently serving in the US Military don’t forget about VA loans. They don’t require any down payment as long as your home’s purchase price doesn’t exceed your area’s limits. If it does, you have to pay a portion of the down payment.

And don’t forget about USDA loans either, as they also don’t require a down payment. The catch with USDA loans is that the house must be in an area the US Department of Agriculture considers to be in need of economic development. Many homes across the nation in rural and suburban environments qualify. If you think a home may qualify, or are simply curious, throw it in the USDA property eligibility map.

Lastly, to quickly jump to programs in your county, CTRL+F the city or county in which you live. If you do not see anything listed, don’t lose heart. Contact your county or city’s local housing authority. They will likely be able to point you towards the best program for you.

OK, enough chat, let’s find you some money.  

Alachua County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Alachua County Down Payment Assistance

• Website: http://www.alachuacounty.us/Depts/CSS/House/Pages/DownPaymentAssistance.aspx

• Up to $7,500

  • 10 year deferred second mortgage

    • Payments due on sale, refinance or transfer of property

• Point of Contact:

  • James Shaw

    • 353-337-6284

    • jmshaw@alachuacounty.us

• Must work with approved lenders

  • http://www.alachuacounty.us/Depts/CSS/House/Documents/2017-18%20SHIP%20%20Certified%20Lenders%20Auggust%202018.pdf

• Must take a homebuyer education course

• Must meet income limits

  • Very low to moderate income

• Maximum sales price: $271, 165

Gainesville Down Payment Assistance

• Websites:

  • http://www.cityofgainesville.org/HousingCommunityDevelopment/HomeownershipPrograms.aspx

  • http://test.cityofgainesville.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Nco0p1yaK8s%3D&tabid=307

• City Housing and Community Development Division

  • (352) 334-5026

• Up to $8,000

• Must work with an approved DPA lender

  • List of approved lenders:

  • http://www.cityofgainesville.org/Portals/0/house/Lenders%202018.pdf

• Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

• Must contribute at least 2% of the home purchase price

Brevard County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Brevard County Purchase Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • https://www.brevardfl.gov/HumanServices/HousingPrograms/PurchaseAssistanceProgram

  • www.chibrevard.org

• Points of Contact:

  • Lisa Walters

  • Dorcy Normandia

    • (321) 253-1575

• Funds cannot be used to purchase a manufactured home

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Can be used with conventional, FHA, or VA loan

• Must not have more than $8,000 in liquid assets

• Must attend a homebuyer education course

• Assistance varies on income levels:

  • Moderate income (81%-120% of AMI) — $5,400

  • Low income (51%-80% of AMI) — $12,400

  • Very low (50% or less of AMI) — $22,400

• 0%, deferred payment loan

Cocoa: Housing and Neighborhood Services

• Website:

  • https://www.cocoafl.org/143/Housing-Neighborhood-Services

• Note: As of this writing, there are no available funds.

  • Call for an update on funding availability

• Contact information:

  • (321) 433-8520

City of Melbourne Purchase Assistance Program

• Website:

  • https://www.melbourneflorida.org/departments/community-development/housing-urban-improvement/housing-programs#ad-image-3

• (321) 253-0053

• Can be used for closing costs and down payment assistance

• Must take a homebuyer education course

• Must contribute $1,000- $1,500 (depending on income level)

• Mobile homes not permitted

• Must be located within the city limits of Melbourne

• Must meet income limits

  • https://www.melbourneflorida.org/home/showdocument?id=1276

City of Palm Bay Community Planning and Economic Development: State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program

• Websites:

  • https://www.palmbayflorida.org/government/departments/community-planning-economic-development/housing-and-community-development-assistance-programs

  • http://www.floridahousing.org/

• (321) 253-0053

• Purchase assistance loans for first time home buyers

• Must complete a homebuyer education course

• Must qualify for a mortgage loan

• Must have a FICO credit score of 640 or greater

• Amount of down payment assistance depends on income level and loan type

Broward County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Broward County Housing Finance and Community Development

• Website:

  • http://www.broward.org/Housing/Pages/Homebuyer.aspx

• (954) 357-4900

• Loan up to $40,000

  • 0%

  • 15 year term

• Buyer must contribute 1% of down payment funds

• Borrower must pay $750 in transaction fees

• Must work with a participating lender

  • http://www.broward.org/Housing/Pages/LenderRegislenders.aspx

• Must meet income requirements and purchase in designated areas

  • See website for both

Davie Community Services Division: Housing Assistance First Time Homebuyer Program

• Websites:

  • https://www.davie-fl.gov/606/Community-Services

  • https://www.davie-fl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5976/First-Time-Homebuyer-Program-Info-Packet-2018

• Point of contact:

  • Glenda E. Martinez

    • (954) 797-1196

• Currently taking applications

• Maximum loan up to $50,000, depending on buyer income

• 0%, deferred loan

• 10 year loan term

• Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

• Buyer must contribute at least 1% of the home’s purchase price

• See info packed for more information

Deerfield Beach Community Development Department:

• Website:

  • http://www.deerfield-beach.com/56/Community-Development

• Point of Contact:

  • Loleta Harris

    • (954) 425-8449, ext. 113

• Application:

  • http://www.deerfield-beach.com/DocumentCenter/View/12567/2019-Purchase-Assistance-Application

• Maximum loan amount of $50,000

• See application for income limits

• Application must be be sent with both a pre-approval letter and a signed real estate contract

Hallandale Beach First Time Homebuyer/ Affordable Housing Program

• Website:

  • https://hallandalebeachfl.gov/310/Downpayment-Assistance-Affordable-Housin

• Contact:

  • (954) 457-1422

• Application:

  • https://hallandalebeachfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8041

• Must meet income limits (see website)

• Must have an acceptable credit score

• Must obtain a first mortgage from a lender

• Must be able to put down at least $2,000

• Up to $50,000 in funds

• 0%, deferred payment loan

Hollywood: Home Ownership Purchase Assistance (HOPA) — Broward Alliance for Neighborhood Development (BAND)

• Website:

  • http://www.hollywoodfl.org/193/Housing-Programs

  • http://www.hollywoodfl.org/199/Home-Ownership-Purchase-Assistance-HOPA

• Up to $40,000 in down payment assistance to purchase a newly renovated home

• (954) 581-9899

• Little information is available online; call for more information

Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • http://www.lauderhillha.com/

  • https://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/home/showdocument?id=18220

• Contact:

  • (954) 714-3118

• Buyer must contribute a minimum of 3% of the required down payment

• Funds up to $25,000

• Call for more information

Miramar First-Time Homebuyer Program

• Websites:

  • https://www.miramarfl.gov/1202/First-time-Homebuyer-Program

  • https://www.miramarfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7058/Purchase-Assistance-At-A-Glance?bidId=

• Application:

  • https://www.miramarfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6106/Purchase-Assistance-Application?bidId=

• Contact:

  • Miramar Housing Consultant

    • (954) 431-7866, Ext. 110

• 15 year, 0% interest deferred second loan

  • Can convert to a grant if certain conditions are met

• Call for more information

Pembroke Pines Purchase Assistance

• Website: http://209.151.148.224/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/City-of-Pembroke-Pines-Purchase-Assistance-Application-revised-April-2018.pdf

• Contact:

  • Community Redevelopment Associates of Florida

    • (954) 431-7866, Ext. 111

• Must contribute 1% of purchase price

• Up to $50,000, depending on your income versus the average median income

• 15 year, 0% interest deferred payment loan

• Forgivable loan if you are still living in the property after fifteen years and the title is still in your name

• Call for more information

Plantation Purchase Assistance

• Websites:

  • Main Site: http://www.plantation.org/Planning-Zoning/grants.html

  • Application: http://minoritybuilders.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Plantation-First-Time-Homebuyer-Application.pdf

  • Approved Lenders: http://www.plantation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Approved-Lenders-List-2018.pdf

  • Income Chart: http://www.plantation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2017-Income-Chart-Plantation.pdf

• Contact:

  • (954) 797-2200

• Up to $50,000

• See website for more information or call number above

Pompano Beach First Time Home Buyer

• Websites:

  • Main Site: http://pompanobeachfl.gov/index.php/pages/ohui_fthb/fthb

  • Application:  http://pompanobeachfl.gov/assets/docs/pages/ohui/2018-2019%20FTHB%20APPLICATION.pdf

  • Promotional Flier: http://pompanobeachfl.gov/assets/docs/pages/ohui/2018%20FTHB%20FLYER%2008.01.2018.pdf

• Contact:

  • (954) 786-4659

• Up to $40,000

• 0%, 20 year deferred loan

  • Reduced 20% per year the last five years

Sunrise Homeowners Assistance Programs

• Website:

  • http://www.sunrisefl.gov/index.aspx?page=103

• Note: Waiting list is currently closed; call for updates

• Contact information:

  • (954) 741-2580

  • (954) 746-3288

• Up to $30,000 in assistance, depending on income

• Must attend a homebuyer education course

• Must verify cash to close

• Must verify stable employment

Tamarac

• Website: https://www.tamarac.org/443/Down-Payment-Assistance

• Contact: (954) 597-3549

• Must meet income requirements

  • See website above

• Up to $40,000

• Must be able to qualify with a first mortgage lender prior to assistance

• Open enrollment starts on April 1st and runs to April 12th at 5 PM

Charlotte County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Charlotte SHIP Down Payment Assistance

• Website:

  • https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/services/Housing/Documents/Housing-SHIP-Down-Payment-Assistance.pdf#search=first%20time%20homebuyer

• Contact information:

  • (941) 833-6524

• Up to 10% of purchase price; maximum of $15,000

• Does not have to paid back as long as the property remains owner occupied

• Must meet income qualifications (see link)

• Maximum property value is $253,809

• Must live in Charlotte County 6 months before applying

• See link above for more information

Citrus County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Citrus County SHIP Assistance

• Websites:

  • https://www.citrusbocc.com/commserv/housing/ship.htm

  • https://www.citrusbocc.com/commserv/housing/ship-assistance-plan.pdf (see page 15)

• Point of Contact:

  • Tammy Harris

    • tammy.harris@citrusbocc.com

    • (352) 527-7520

• Maximum amount of $10,000

• 0%, deferred payment

• Term of 15 years

• Loan will be forgiven after 15 years if all conditions are met (see PDF)

Clay County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Clay County State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP)

• Websites:

  • https://www.claycountygov.com/departments/state-housing-initiative-program-ship

  • https://www.claycountygov.com/Home/ShowDocument?id=4026

• Contact Information:

  • Theresa Sumner

    • (904) 278-4786

    • theresa.sumner@claycountygov.com

• Must be a first time buyer

• 30 year deferred, 0% second mortgage

• Up to $10,000

• Loan must be repaid; it is never forgiven

• Must have a FICO score of 640

• Must meet income eligibility requirements (see second link)

• Must work with a participating lender (see second link)

Watson Mortgage Corp.: Down Payment Assistance

• Website:

  • https://www.watsonmortgagecorp.com/down-payment-assistance.html

• (904) 645-7111

• Up to $7,500

• 0%, deferred second mortgage

• Must take a home buyer education course

• Must use Florida Housing’s first mortgage loan

Collier County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Collier County Homebuyers Program

• Websites:

  • https://www.colliercountyfl.gov/your-government/divisions-a-e/community-and-human-services/housing-programs/homebuyers

  • https://www.colliercountyfl.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=48348  

  • https://www.colliercountyfl.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=23558

• Note: As of this writing, the program is closed due to Hurricane Irma and a reallocation of funds into Disaster Assistance; call for updates

• Contact Information:

  • (239) 252-2339

  • (239) 252-4663

Columbia County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Suwanee River Economic Council, Inc.: Columbia SHIP Program

• Website:

  • http://srecinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Union-County-SHIP-Application.pdf

• Contact information:

  • SREC, Inc.

    • (386) 362-4078

  • Purchase questions:

    • (386) 688-0074

• Appraised value of home cannot exceed $160,000

• Compare your income to Columbia County’s AMI, which is listed on page 6 on the PDF link above, to see how much assistance you could receive:

  • Very low income: $25,000

  • Low Income: $18,000

  • Moderate income: $12,000

• Minimum buyer contribution is 1% of purchase price

• Call for more information

DeSoto County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners’ SHIP Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP)

• Website:

  • http://desotobocc.com/images/social_services/LHAP_-_11618.pdf

• Point of Contact:

  • Lauri Benson

    • l.benson@desotobocc.com

    • (863) 993-4858

• Up to $25,000

• 0% interest, 30 year loan term

  • Deferred payments

• Payment due in full at end of loan term

• Maximum purchase price of home is $175,000

• Applicant must contribute at least $1,000

Dixie County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Suwanee River Economic Council, Inc.: Dixie SHIP Program

• Website:

  • http://srecinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Dixie-County-SHIP-Application.pdf

• Contact information:

  • SREC, Inc.

    • (386) 362-4078

  • Purchase questions

    • (386) 688-0074

• Appraised value of home cannot exceed $160,000

• Compare your income to Dixie County’s AMI, which is listed on page 6 on the PDF link above, to see how much assistance you could receive:

  • Very low income: $25,000

  • Low Income: $20,000

  • Moderate income: $15,000

• Minimum buyer contribution is 1% of purchase price

• Assistance cannot exceed 50% of purchase price

• Call for more information

Duval County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

City of Jacksonville Housing & Community Development Division

• Website:

  • http://www.coj.net/departments/housing-and-neighborhoods.aspx

• Note: Program is currently closed; check website for updates to funding availability

Neighborhood Lift

• Websites:

  • https://www.cp-cto.org/lift

  • https://cp-housing.force.com/cphousingcft  

• Up to $7,500

• Not limited to first time homebuyers

• Must meet income limits

• Must work with a participating lender

  • https://trustedpartner.azureedge.net/docs/library/CommunityPartners2016/2017%20Approved%20Lenders2.pdf

Escambia County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Escambia Neighborhood Enterprise Foundation

• Website:

  • https://myescambia.com/our-services/neighborhood-human-services/neighborhood-enterprise/homebuyer-programs

• Contact Information:

  • (850) 858-0350

• Up to $7,500

• Five year forgivable loan

• Maximum sales price is $189,000

• Must be a first time homebuyer

• Total gross income cannot exceed 120% of the area median income (AMI)

• Must take a homebuyer education course

Pensacola SHIP Program

• Websites:

  • https://www.cityofpensacola.com/183/Home-Buyers-Programs

  • https://www.cityofpensacola.com/DocumentCenter/View/95/Escambia-Pensacola-State-Housing-Initiative-Partnership-Local-Housing-Assistance-Plan-PDF?bidId=

• Up to $7,500

• Can be used for closing costs

• Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

• Must meet income requirements

• Must take a homebuyer education course

• Must work with a participating lender

  • https://www.cityofpensacola.com/DocumentCenter/View/440/SHIP-Participating-Lenders-PDF?bidId=

Flagler County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Flagler County State Housing Initiatives Partnerships (SHIP)

• Websites:

  • http://www.flaglercounty.org/departments/social_services/state_housing_initiatives_partnerships_(ship)/index.php

  • http://www.flaglercounty.org/document_center/SHIP/2018%20DPA%20Brochure%2011-18.pdf

• Contact Information:

  • Ralston Reodica, SHIP Administrator

    • (386) 313-4037

    • rreodica@flaglercounty.org

• 15 year, second mortgage

• 0% interest

• Forgivable after 15 years if certain conditions are met

• Maximum purchase price of $200,000

• Buyer must contribute $500, $1,000, or $1,500, depending on income

• Must meet income requirements

  • See second link above

Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, Inc.

Note: This program provides funds to Volusia County, Daytona, Deltona Beach, Flagler County

• Websites:

  • Volusia County: http://www.mfhp.org/programs/home-buyer-assistance-county-of-volusia/

  • Daytona Beach: http://www.mfhp.org/programs/home-buyer-assistance-city-of-daytona-beach/

  • Deltona: http://www.mfhp.org/programs/home-buyer-assistance-city-of-deltona/

  • Flagler County: http://www.mfhp.org/programs/home-buyer-assistance-county-of-flagler/

• Contact information:

  • http://www.mfhp.org/contact/

• Assistance varies on income and purchase location

• See links for more information

Franklin County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Franklin County SHIP Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP)

• Website:

  • http://www.floridahousing.org/FH-ImageWebDocs/Housing%20Partners/Local%20Governments/LHAPS/County%20LHAPS/Franklin%2016-19.pdf

  • http://www.floridahousing.org/

• Contact Information:

  • (850) 653-9304

• Maximum loan amount of $15,000

• Loan term of 10 years

• 10% of loan is forgiven each year

• 0% interest, deferred payments

Gadsden County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Gadsden County SHIP and First Time  Homebuyers Programs

• Websites:

  • https://www.gadsdengov.net/department/division.php?structureid=45

  • https://www.gadsdengov.net/department/division.php?structureid=46

• Contact Information:

  • (850) 875-8659 (SHIP)

  • (850) 875-7255 (First Time Homebuyers)

• Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

• Little information is available online about Gadsden County SHIP or First Time Homebuyers programs specifics; contact for more information

Gilchrist County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Suwanee River Economic Council, Inc.: Gilchrist County SHIP Program

• Website:

  • http://srecinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Gilchrist-County-SHIP-Application-1.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (386) 364-5799

  • (386) 362-4115

  • (352) 463-2940

• Appraised value of home cannot exceed $160,000

• Compare your income to Gilchrist County’s AMI, which is listed on page 8 on the PDF link above, to see how much assistance you could receive:

  • Very low income: $40,000

  • Low Income: $29,000

  • Moderate income: $21,500

• Minimum buyer contribution:

  • Very low income: $0

  • Low income: $1,000

  • Moderate income: $2,000

Glades County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Glades County SHIP Program

• Website:

  • http://www.floridahousing.org/FH-ImageWebDocs/Housing%20Partners/Local%20Governments/LHAPS/County%20LHAPS/Glades%2016-19.pdf

  • https://www.myglades.com/departments/community_services/ship.php

• Contact information:

  • Cynthia Ricker

    • (863) 946-6124

    • cricker@myglades.com

• Maximum assistance:

  • Very low income: $30,000

  • Low income: $20,000

  • Moderate income: $15,000

• 0% interest, 10 year deferred loan

• If certain conditions are met, the loan is forgiven

Gulf County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Gulf County SHIP Local Housing Assistance PLan (LHAP)

• Websites:

  • http://www.floridahousing.org/docs/default-source/programs/special-programs/lhap/county-lhaps/gulf-18-21.pdf?sfvrsn=2c1b3f7b_6

  • http://www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/county_government/s_h_i_p

• Points of Contact:

  • Joe Paul

  • Lynn Lanier

    • (850) 229-6125

      • ship@gulfcounty-fl.gov

• Maximum award: $30,000

• 0% interest, 10 year deferred loan

• 10% forgiven annually

Hamilton County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Hamilton County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

• Website:

  • https://hamiltoncountyfl.com/ship/

• Point of Contact:

  • Spencer Nabors

    • (386) 792-0507

    • admin@itcgroupinc.net

• $2,000 will be held in escrow to cover minor renovation costs

• Amount of assistance is tailored to individual’s needs

• Contact for more information

Hardee County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Hardee County First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance

• Websites:

  • https://www.hardeecounty.net/Site/content/ocd/files/First%20Time%20Homebuyer%20Preliminary%20Application.pdf

  • https://www.hardeecounty.net/ocd.htm

• Contact information:

  • (863) 773-6349

• Maximum sales price of $147,000

• Buyer must contribute at least $1,500

• Home must be purchased in Hardee County

  • Buyer does not have to live in Hardee County at time of application

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Contact for more information

Hendry County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Hendry County Housing SHIP Down Payment Assistance

• Websites:

  • http://www.hendryfla.net/ship_housing_program/homebuyers.php

  • http://www.hendryfla.net/SHIP%20Down%20Payment%20Assistance%20Application.pdf

  • http://www.hendryfla.net/ship_housing_program/s_h_i_p_information.php

• Contact Information:

  • (863) 675-5297

• Maximum home value: $253,809

• Must meet income limits

  • Income cannot exceed 120% of the AMI

• Amount of assistance depends on your annual gross income

• Contact for more information

Hernando County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Hernando County SHIP Program

• Websites:

  • https://www.hernandocounty.us/departments/departments-f-m/housing-authority

  • https://www.hernandocounty.us/departments/departments-f-m/housing-authority/ship-program

  • https://www.hernandocounty.us/home/showdocument?id=2683

  • https://www.hernandocounty.us/home/showdocument?id=2718

• Contact Information:

  • (352) 754-4160

• Up to $10,000

  • Additional $20,000 may be available for homes in need of rehabilitation

• Loan is forgiven after 30 years if buyer if it is still the buyer’s primary residence

• Must get pre-approved with a mortgage lender first

Highlands County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Highlands County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • http://www.hcbcc.net/departments/human_services/housing/

  • http://www.hcbcc.net/departments/human_services/housing/docs/SHIP%20Programs%20Package%20Effective%20March%2030%202018%20(English).pdf

• Point of Contact:

  • Lucy Castillo, Fair Housing Coordinator

    • (863) 402-6648

    • lcastill@hcbcc.org

• Up to $40,000 in assistance

• Buyer must contribute:

  • $750 if very low income

  • $1,000 if low income

  • $1,200 if moderate income

• Income must not exceed 120% of the area median income

• Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

• Maximum purchase price of home must not exceed $189,682

• May be required to pay back loan if your primary mortgage is less than 30% of your income

Hillsborough County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Hillsborough County Down Payment Assistance

• Websites:

  • https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/property-owners-and-renters/homeowners-and-neighborhoods/down-payment-assistance

  • http://hillsboroughcountyhfa.org/

  • http://hillsboroughcountyhfa.org/single-family/

  • https://myfirstfloridahome.com/hillsborough-county.html

• Point of Contact:

  • Cheryl Howell, Director of Affordable Housing Services

    • (813) 246-3150

• Second mortgage up to $7,500

• 0%, deferred payments

• 30 year loan term

• Maximum sales price: $253,809

• Certains buyers may qualify for an additional grant between $1,500-$2,500

Tampa Community Development Block Grant

• Website:

  • https://www.tampagov.net/housing-and-community-development/programs/community-development-block-grant-program

• Contact Information:

  • (813) 274-7940

  • (813) 274-7954

• Note: There are numerous programs through the community development block grant for assisting low to moderate income buyers purchase a home, but specific information is limited; call for more information

Tampa State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program

• Website:

  • https://www.tampagov.net/housing-and-community-development/programs/state---ship-programs

• Contact Information:

  • (813) 274-7940

  • (813) 274-7954

• Multiple agencies are funded by the City of Tampa’s SHIP funds; contact customer service for more information to determine which one is best for you

Holmes County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

West Florida Regional Planning Council

• Website:

  • http://www.wfrpc.org/programs/ship

  • http://www.wfrpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Holmes-County-LHAP.pdf

• Point of Contact:

  • Garett Griffin

    • (850) 332-7976, Ext. 226

• Funded through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP)

• Serves very low, low, and moderate income households

• Up to $20,000

• 15 year loan term

• 0% interest

• After year ten, loan is forgiven 20% each year until end of term

• Mobile homes are not eligible

• Call for more information

Indian River County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Indian River State Housing Initiative Partnership Program

• Websites:

  • http://www.irccdd.com/Planning_Division/SHIP/Index.htm

  • Information: http://www.irccdd.com/Applications/SHIP_DPL/General-Information.pdf

  • Application: http://www.irccdd.com/Applications/SHIP_DPL/Purchase-Assistance-App.pdf

  • Income Requirements: http://www.irccdd.com/Applications/SHIP_DPL/Income_Level.pdf

  • Priority Needs: http://www.irccdd.com/Applications/SHIP_DPL/Priority-Needs.pdf

• Point of Contact:

  • Dawn Bradford

    • (772) 226-1594

    • dbradford@ircgov.com

• Up to $20,000 depending on income level (see income requirements)

• Must attend a homebuyer workshop

• Must be prequalified with a primary lender before application

• Call for more information

Jackson County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Jackson County Board of County Commissioners: Purchase Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • http://www.jacksoncountyfl.net/grants/services

  • http://www.jacksoncountyfl.net/grants/ship-program

  • Income limits: http://www.jacksoncountyfl.net/images/stories/Docs/Grants%20forms/Currently%20Posted/2018LimitsJackson.pdf

• Point of Contact:

  • Romina Valerio

    • (850) 332-7976

• Up to $20,000 in funds

• 10 year deferred loan

• 0% interest

• 10% of loan is forgiven each year buyer remains the owner of the house

• Contact for more information

Jefferson County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Jefferson County Housing Assistance & Grants Administration

Websites:

• Main: http://www.jeffersoncountyfl.gov/p/county-departments/grants-administrator

• SHIP: http://www.jeffersoncountyfl.gov/p/county-departments/grants-administrator#ship

• Points of Contact:

  • Diana Bullock, Grants Coordinator

    • dbullock@jeffersoncountyfl.gov

    • (850) 997-2036

  • Jay Moseley

    • JMoseley@govserv.com

    • (352) 381-1975

• Low to moderate income borrowers may receive up to 5% of purchase price plus closing costs

• Very low borrowers may receive up to 10% of purchase price plus closing costs

• Contact for more information

Lafayette County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Suwannee River Economic Council INC.: State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP)

• Websites:

  • http://srecinc.org/programs/ship/

  • http://srecinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Suwannee-County-SHIP-Application.pdf

• Point of Contact:

  • Amanda Lamb

    • (386) 688-0074

    • alambsrec@gmail.com

• Appraised value cannot exceed $160,000

• Applicant may receive $12,000-$25,000 depending on income

• Depending on income, borrower may have to contribute between 0.5%-2% of sales price

• Contact for more information

Lake County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Central Florida Homebuyers Dream Program

• Website:

  • http://www.ochfa.com/sf_homebuyer.html#other

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Must have a credit score greater than 640

• Maximum purchase price:

  • Targeted areas: $331,423

  • Non-targeted areas: $271,164

• Must be used with either an FHA, VA, or USDA loan

• Up to $7,500

• 0% interest, 30 year deferred loan

Lake County Home Ownership Assistance: SHIP Home Purchase Program

• Website:

  • https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/departments/community_services/housing_and_community_development/home_ownership_assistance.aspx

• Up to $20,000 in assistance, depending on income level

  • $5,000 may be used for repairs

• 0% interest, deferred payments

• Loan is forgiven after 15 years if the title has not transferred

• Contact information:

  • (352) 742-6530

• Must be pre-screened for mortgage readiness

  • Call Consumer Debt Counselors (352) 434-0411

• Must complete a homebuyer education course

• Primary mortgage must meet Lake County’s mortgage guidelines

• See website for income eligibility requirements

Lee County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Cape Coral Housing Development Corporation

• Website:

  • http://capecoralaffordablehousing.org/programs/index.php?page=program2

  • Note: As of this writing, this program is currently not accepting applications; call for updates

• Contact information:

  • (239) 471- 0922

• Buyer must contribute $2,000 before or at closing

• Must meet income requirements; see website

• Maximum of 20% of purchase price

  • Maximum of $20,000

• Must attend a homebuyer education workshop

• Maximum DTI of 45%

• 0% interest, zero payments

  • Loan is forgiven after 10 years if buyer still lives in property and holds title

Fort Myers Mortgage Assistance Program: SHIP

• Websites:

  • https://www.cityftmyers.com/159/Housing-Real-Estate-Division

  • https://www.cityftmyers.com/DocumentCenter/View/3762/2016-19-SHIP-LHAP  

• Contact information:

  • (239) 321-7970

• Assistance between $25,000 and $35,000

• 0% interest, 30 year deferred loan

  • Forgiven after 30 years if buyer still lives in property and holds the property’s title

• Must attend a homebuyer education course

Lee County HOME Program

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.leegov.com/dhs/housing/DPA

  • Info: https://www.leegov.com/dhs/Documents/Housing/HOME-Info-Sheet-6-1-18.pdf

  • Application: https://www.leegov.com/dhs/Documents/Housing/HOME-Application-6-1-18.pdf

• Up to 10% of purchase price

  • Maximum of $18,100

  • Ten year loan

    • 10% of loan is forgiven each year buyer lives in property

• Application process can take up to 4-6 weeks

• Maximum purchase price: $181,000

• Must attend a homebuyer education workshop

• Program is open to all lenders

• Application must be turned in with a purchase contract

Lee County Housing Development Corporation

• Website:

  • http://www.leecountyhdc.org/index.html

• Contact Information:

  • (239) 275-5105

• Note: Though down payment assistance is offered, little information is available online; contact for more information

Lee County SHIP Program

• Website:

  • Main: https://www.leegov.com/dhs/housing/DPA

  • Info:  https://www.leegov.com/dhs/Documents/Housing/SHIP%20Info%20Sheet%20Moderate%20Income%204.1.18.pdf

  • Application: https://www.leegov.com/dhs/Documents/Housing/SHIP%20Application%20Moderate%20Income%206.29.18.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (239) 533-7953

  • (239) 533-7938

• May take up to 2-3 months to be processed

• Must be used for the purchase of newly constructed homes

• Maximum purchase price of $328,847

• Between $20,000 and $40,000 in assistance

• 15 year, 0% interest deferred loan

  • Forgiven after 15 years as long as the buyer still lives in the property and holds the title

• Must meet income requirements (see info sheet)

• Must attend a homebuyer education workshop

Leon County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Leon County Down Payment Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Home/Departments/Office-of-Human-Services-and-Community-Partnership/Housing-Finance-Authority/Our-Programs/Down-Payment-Assistance-Program

  • Conventional loans: http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Portals/0/HousingandHumanServices/HFA/docs/DownPmt-Conv.pdf

  • Government loans: http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Portals/0/HousingandHumanServices/HFA/docs/DownPmt-Gov.pdf

• Programs vary depending on which loan you use

• Up to $7,500 in assistance

• See links for more information

City of Tallahassee Neighborhood and Community Services Department: SHIP Local Housing Initiatives Partnership

• Websites:

  • http://www.talgov.com/neighborhoodservices/housing.aspx#ship

  • http://www.talgov.com/Uploads/Public/Documents/neighborhood/housing/lhap16-19.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (850) 891-6566

• Up to $15,000

• 0% interest, 30 year deferred loan; loan is due at maturity; if you move, sell, foreclose, or transfer the title, loan is due immediately

• NOTE: There is also an employee Purchase Assistance Program through SHIP funds if you work for the City of Tallahassee

• Call for more information

Levy County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Levy County SHIP Program

• Websites:

  • Main: http://www.levycounty.org/residents/ship.php

  • Checklist: http://www.levycounty.org/ship/SHIP%20Program%20Requirement%20and%20Checklist%20-%20ADA.pdf

  • Information: http://www.levycounty.org/ship/Levy%20County%20Local%20Housing%20Assistance%20Plan%2016-19.BOCC%20approved%204-28-18-%20No%20Exhibits.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (352) 486-5268

• Up to $30,000

• Contact for more information

Madison County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Suwanee River Economic Council, Inc.: Madison County SHIP Program

• Website:

  • http://srecinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Madison-County-SHIP-Application.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (386) 688-0074

• Appraised value of home cannot exceed $160,000

• Compare your income to Madison County’s AMI, which is listed on page 6 on the PDF link above, to see how much assistance you could receive:

  • Very low income: $25,000

  • Low Income: $25,000

  • Moderate income: $15,000

• Must attend a homebuyer education course

• Purchase assistance cannot exceed 50% of purchase price (which includes closing costs)

• Minimum contribution:

  • Very low income: 0% of purchase price

  • Low income: 1% of purchase price

  • Moderate income: 2% of purchase price

Manatee County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Manatee County Housing and Community Development

• Websites:

  • https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/redevelopment___economic_opportunity/community_development/housing_programs/downpayment_assistance_programs/ship

  • Requirements: https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/redevelopment___economic_opportunity/community_development/housing_programs/downpayment_assistance_programs/ship/ship_income_limits

  • Certified lenders: https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/redevelopment___economic_opportunity/community_development/housing_programs/downpayment_assistance_programs/certified_lenders

  • Contact information:

    • (941) 748-4501

• Note: Funds are temporarily unavailable; call for updates

Marion County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

City of Ocala State Housing Initiative Partnership

• Websites:

  • https://www.ocalafl.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=1327

• Contact information:

  • (352) 629-8231

• 0% interest, 15 year deferred payment loan

• Must complete a homeownership education course

• Mobile homes are not eligible

• Adjusted gross income must be below $26,000 for a single person household and $38,000 for a four person household

• Homes must be within the City of Ocala

• Call for more information

Marion County Homebuyer Purchase Assistance

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.marioncountyfl.org/departments-agencies/departments-a-n/community-services/homebuyer-purchase-assistance

  • Approved lenders: https://www.marioncountyfl.org/home/showdocument?id=18152

  • FAQs: https://www.marioncountyfl.org/home/showdocument?id=13125

  • Income eligibility chart: https://www.marioncountyfl.org/home/showdocument?id=16643

• Contact information: (352) 671-8770

• NOTE: Escambia and Marion County have an agreement with one another to allow residents of each county to use down payment assistance funds for either county

• Muste take a homebuyer education class

• Homebuyer is responsible for part of the closing costs (normally $2-$3K)

• Home must be outside the City of Ocala limits

• Call for more information

Martin County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Martin County Affordable Housing Assistance

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.martin.fl.us/martin-county-services/affordable-housing-assistance

  • Application: https://www.martin.fl.us/resources/ship-downpayment-application-pdf

• Contact information:

  • (772) 221-1362

  • (772) 288-5785

• Purchase price cannot exceed $291,176

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Must meet income eligibility requirements (see PDF)

• Call for more information

Miami-Dade County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

City of Hialeah First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • http://www.miamihomeprograms.org/program/programdetail.php?id=123

• Contact information:

  • (305) 883-8040

• Up to $25,000

• 20 year loan term

• 0% interest, 20 year deferred loan

• $2,500 is forgiven each year you occupy the home

• Can also be sued for closing costs

• Must be a first time homebuyer

• Sales price cannot exceed $429,000

• Must take a homebuyer education course

• Call for more information

City of Homestead Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Down Payment Program

• Website:

  • https://www.cityofhomestead.com/DocumentCenter/View/54/DownPaymentGuidelines?bidId=

• Point of Contact:

  • Evelin Simpson

    • (305) 224-4547

• Do not have to be a first time homebuyer

• Home must be located in one of the following zip codes:

  • 33030

  • 33033

  • 33035

• Home must located within city limits

• Buyer must contribute at least $1,500 towards the purchase of the home

• Income must be at or below 120% of Homestead’s AMI

• Up to $50,000 in assistance

• Assistance cannot exceed 50% of sales price

• See link for more information or call number above

City of Miami First-Time Homebuyer Program

• Websites:

  • https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/1st-Time-Homebuyer-Over.pdf

  • https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/

• Point of Contact:

  • Maria Ruiz

    • mariaruiz@miamibeachfl.gov

    • (305) 673-7491

• $50,000 to $150,000 in assistance

• Buyer must contribute at least 2% of the purchase price

• Must complete a first time homebuyer’s education workshop

• Home must be within the City of Miami Beach

• Funds are forgiven after 15 years if the buyer still owns the property and lives in it as his or her primary residence

Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP)

• Websites:

  • http://www.miamihomeprograms.org/program/programdetail.php?id=107

  • http://www.miamidade.gov/economicadvocacytrust/

• Point of Contact:

  • Eric Johnson

    • ERICJ1@miamidade.gov

    • (303) 372-7600

• Must live in Miami-Dade County

• Must contribute at least 1% of sales price

• Must be approved for financing through a HAP approved lender

• Annual income must be at or below 140% of the AMI for Miami-Dade County

• Maximum assistance of 10% of purchase price

  • Home purchase price cannot exceed $423,750

• 0% interest, 10 year deferred payment

  • Forgiven after 10 years provided you have not refinanced, sold, transferred, or foreclosed and you still live in the property

• Call for more information

Miami Gardens Down Payment Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • https://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/faq.aspx?qid=124

• Contact information:

  • (305) 622-8041

• Property must be under contract

• Mut be a first time qualified homebuyer

• No other information is available online; call for more information

North Miami 1st Time Home Buyer Down Payment/ Closing Cost Assistance

• Website:

  • http://www.northmiamifl.gov/departments/cpd/housing/first_time_buyer.aspx

• Point of Contact:

  • Marie Frantz Jean-Pharuns

    • (305) 895-9825

    • (305) 893-6511, Ext. 19002

    • mjean-pharuns@northmiamifl.gov

• Up to $40,000 in assistance

• Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

• Applicant must have sufficient income to make mortgage payments

• Depending on income, loan may be forgiven

Monroe County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Monroe County’s SHIP Homebuyer’s Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • Main: http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/1066/SHIP-Homebuyers-Assistance-Program

  • Application: http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16769/SHIP-Intake-Application

  • https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8850/ShipApp?bidId=

• Contact information:

  • (302) 292-4408

• Up to $45,000 in assistance

• 0%, 30 year deferred loan; unforgivable

• Full amount of loan due after 30 years

• Must meet income requirements

  • See first link

• Call for more information

Nassau County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Nassau County Board of Commissioners SHIP Program

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/921/SHIP-Information---Housing-Assistance

  • Information: http://www.floridahousing.org/FH-ImageWebDocs/Housing%20Partners/Local%20Governments/LHAPS/County%20LHAPS/Nassau%2015-18.pdf

  • Income eligibility requirements: http://www.floridahousing.org/FH-ImageWebDocs/PropertyOwnersAndManagers/IncomeLimits/026-2014%20Income%20Limits/016-2014_Income_Limits_SHIP_1_-_8_Persons_Rev_7-1-2014.pdf  

• Point of Contact:

  • Carol Gilchrist, Grants Specialist

    • (904) 530-6020

    • cgilchrist@nassaucountyfl.com

• Amount of funds varies on income and availability; contact for more information

Okaloosa County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Okaloosa Community Development Corporation

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.okcommunityhousing.org/ship

  • Brochure: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/33ebf4_a807c3bd46744e46a353f5bbdde1557e.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (850) 863-1969

  • drfransen@embarqmail.com

  • levanshhfadv@embarqmail.com

• Must be pre-qualified and referred to this program by a mortgage company or bank

  • (Hint: Don’t be afraid to ask.)

• Must meet income eligibility requirements

  • See brochure

• Home purchase price cannot exceed $284,810.40

• Funds cannot be used to purchase foreclosures, mobile homes, duplexes, multifamily units or repossessions

• Money must be repaid

• Must not currently own a home

• Must attend a homebuyer education workshop

• Must be able to put down at least $500 towards the purchase

• Call for more information

Okaloosa County and City of Fort Walton Beach

• Website:

  • https://www.floridahousing.org/docs/default-source/programs/special-programs/lhap/county-lhaps/okaloosa-ft-walton-beach-16-19.pdf?sfvrsn=8e1b3f7b_2

• Up to $30,000

• 0% interest, no monthly payments

• Loan is forgiven provided certain conditions are met

• Contact housing authorities for more information, or www.floridahousing.org

Okeechobee County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Okeechobee SHIP/Housing

• Website:

  • http://www.co.okeechobee.fl.us/departments/community-development/ship-housing

• Point of contact:

  • Ty Hancock, SHIP Housing Manager

    • (863) 763-5548

    • thancock@co.okeechobee.fl.us

• Note: no information is available online, but down payment assistance for Okeechobee does exist; contact for more information

Orange County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Central Florida Homebuyers Dream Program

• Website:

  • http://www.ochfa.com/sf_homebuyer.html#other

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Must have a credit score greater than 640

• Maximum purchase price:

  • Targeted areas: $331,423

  • Non-targeted areas: $271,164

• Must be used with either an FHA, VA, or USDA loan

• Up to $7,500

• 0% interest, 30 year deferred loan

City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance

• Websites:

  • Main: http://www.cityoforlando.net/housing/downpaymentassistance/

  • Brochure: http://www.cityoforlando.net/housing/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/02/190205-DPA-flyer_English.pdf

  • Homebuyer Workshop: http://www.cityoforlando.net/housing/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/12/181213-Housing-Counseling-Agencies-for-DPA.pdf

  • Certified Lenders: http://www.cityoforlando.net/housing/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/02/190206-Approved-Lenders-List-by-Name-1.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (407) 246-2708

• Must meet income eligibility requirements

  • See brochure

• Must be able to put down a minimum of $1,000 towards the purchase of the new home

• Must complete a homebuyer education workshop

• Home must be within city limits

• Loan will be forgiven if certain conditions are met

• $20,000-$35,000 is awarded to each applicant

Orange County Government Homebuyer Program

• Websites:

  • Main: http://www.orangecountyfl.net/NeighborsHousing/HomebuyerDownPaymentAssistance.aspx#.XFtPNFxKjIV

  • Flyer: http://www.orangecountyfl.net/Portals/0/Library/Neighbors-Housing/docs/Down%20Payment%20Assistance%20Flyer.pdf

  • Income Limits Chart: http://www.orangecountyfl.net/Portals/0/Library/Neighbors-Housing/docs/Income%20Limits%20Chart.pdf

• Contact information:

  • housing@ocfl.net

  • (407) 836-5150

• $10,000 to $30,000 available

• 10 year deferred loan

• Property must be within Orange County, but outside the city limits of Orlando

• Maximum purchase price is $214,000

• Must attend a homebuyer education workshop

• Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

Osceola County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Central Florida Homebuyers Dream Program

• Website:

  • http://www.ochfa.com/sf_homebuyer.html#other

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Must have a credit score greater than 640

• Maximum purchase price:

  • Targeted areas: $331,423

  • Non-targeted areas: $271,164

• Must be used with either an FHA, VA, or USDA loan

• Up to $7,500

• 0% interest, 30 year deferred loan

Osceola State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.osceola.org/agencies-departments/human-services/housing/ship-program/

  • Purchase Assistance: https://www.osceola.org/agencies-departments/human-services/housing/ship-program/purchase-assistance.stml

  • FAQ PDF: https://www.osceola.org/core/fileparse.php/2731/urlt/020718_FAQ-Purchase-Assistance-2018.pdf

  • Brochure: https://www.osceola.org/core/fileparse.php/2731/urlt/032218_Down-Payment-Assist-Flyer2018_Eng.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (407) 742-8424

• Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

• Home must be located in Osceola County, and also must be a single family residence, townhome or condominium

• Sales price cannot exceed $200,000

• Must take a home buyer education class

• Must meet income eligibility requirements

  • Cannot make more than 120% of the AMI for Osceola County

• Must contribute at least $1,000 to the purchase

• See links for more information

Palm Beach County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

City of Boca Raton SHIP Purchase Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.myboca.us/396/Financial-Assistance-Programs

  • Application Package: https://www.myboca.us/DocumentCenter/View/15052/SHIP-Application-Packet-April-2018?bidId=

• Contact information: (561) 393-7756

• 0% interest, 20 year deferred loan

  • Forgiven if certain conditions are met

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Must meet income eligibility requirements

  • Must make at least $21,500 a year

• Awards vary $25,000-$95,000

• Buyer must contribute at least 1% of purchase price

• See application packet for more information

City of Boynton Beach SHIP Program

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.boynton-beach.org/planning-building/housing-information

  • Application: https://www.boynton-beach.org/sites/default/files/documents/Business%20and%20Development/SHIP%20PURCHASE%20ASSISTANCE%20Program%20Website%20FLYER.PDF

• Contact information:

  • (561) 742-6066

  • BrooksL@bbfl.us

• Buyer must contribute at least 3.5% of purchase price

• Must meet income eligibility requirements

  • See application

  • Must be at or below 120% of Boynton Beach’s AMI

• Maximum purchase price cannot exceed $215,000

• 0% interest, 15 year deferred loan

  • Forgivable if certain conditions are met

City of Delray Beach First-Time Homeownership Program

• Websites:

  • https://www.delraybeachfl.gov/government/city-departments/neighborhood-community-services/neighborhood-services-division/first-time-homeownership-program

• Point of Contact:

  • Ferline Mesidort

    • mesidort@mydelraybeach.com

    • (561) 243-7282

• Must contribute at least 2% of purchase price

• Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

• ‘Gap’ forgivable loan— meaning lender provides as much money as the borrower can afford, and the city pays the rest

• $280,000 maximum purchase price for home

• Contact for more information

Palm Beach County Housing Finance Authority

• Website:

  • Main: http://www.pbchfa.org/owners_renters.html

  • Contact information: http://www.pbchfa.org/pdfs/pbchfa_contacts.pdf

• Two programs available:

  • Option 1: Up to $10,000, 0% interest due upon sale, refinancing, or in 30 years

  • Option 2: “Own a Home Opportunity Grant Program”-- does not have to be repaid, but buyer must meet certain qualifications

• Contact for more information

Pasco County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Pasco County Homebuyer Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • Main: http://www.pascocountyfl.net/573/Homebuyers-Assistance

  • Brochure:  http://www.pascocountyfl.net/DocumentCenter/View/28968/PascoHome-Brochure---Revised-04242018?bidId=

• Funds must be repaid

• 0% interest

• $10,000 to $30,000 in assistance

• Home price cannot exceed $240,000

• Depending on income, buyer must contribute $500 to $1,250

• See brochure for more details and contact information

Tampa Bay Down Payment Assistance

• Website:

  • Main: https://tampabaycdc.org/down-payment-assistance-application/

  • Application: https://tampabaycdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/4-2018-TAMPA-BAY-CDC-DPA-APPLICATION.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (727) 442-7075

• Income must meet eligibility requirements

  • See application

• Terms and conditions of funds is unclear on website, contact for more information

Pinellas County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Pinellas County First Time Homebuyer Program

• Websites:

  • Main: http://www.pinellascounty.org/hfa/

  • Brochure: http://www.pinellascounty.org/hfa/pdf/first_mortgage.pdf

  • Approved lender: http://www.pinellascounty.org/hfa/pdf/approved-lenders.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (727) 223-6419

• Assistance available with a Home Key Plus 2nd Mortgage

• Must take a homebuyer education workshop

• Up to $7,500 in assistance

• 0% interest, 0 payments

  • Payment is due with borrower sells, refinances, pays off first mortgage, rents, or no longer occupies the residence as his or her primary residence

• Also available in Pasco and Polk County

Polk County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development

• Website:

  • https://www.polk-county.net/health-and-human-services/housing-and-neighborhood-development

• Point of Contact:

  • Tamara West

    • (863) 534-5240

    • TamaraWest@polk-county.net

• Funds are available, but specifics are not available online; call for more information

Putnam County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Putnam County SHIP Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP)

• Website:

  • Main: www.floridahousing.org  

  • PDF: http://www.floridahousing.org/FH-ImageWebDocs/Housing%20Partners/Local%20Governments/LHAPS/County%20LHAPS/Putnam%2015-18.pdf

• $3,500 in assistance

  • If buying foreclosure, an additional $10,000 will be provided for repairs

• Home purchase price cannot exceed $135,000

• 0% interest, 20 year deferred loan

  • Funds will be forgiven provided certain conditions are met

• Contact Florida housing for more information

Santa Rosa County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Santa Rosa HOME Program (Federal Assistance)

• Website:

  • https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/341/Housing-Programs

• Points of Contact:

  • Housing Department

    • (850) 981-7076

    • deannel@santarosa.fl.gov

  • Erin Malbeck

    • (850) 981-7092

  • Meredith Nunnari

    • (850) 595-0022

• For closing costs and down payment costs

• Note: Site hasn’t been updated for some time and information is limited; call for more information

Santa Rosa State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program

• Website:

  • https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/341/Housing-Programs

• Point of Contact:

  • Housing Department

    • (850) 981-7076

    • deannel@santarosa.fl.gov

• 0%, 15 year deferred loan

  • Forgiven if certain conditions are met

• Note: Site hasn’t been updated for some time and information is limited; call for more information

Seminole County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Central Florida Homebuyers Dream Program

• Website:

  • http://www.ochfa.com/sf_homebuyer.html#other

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Must have a credit score greater than 640

• Maximum purchase price:

  • Targeted areas: $331,423

  • Non-targeted areas: $271,164

• Must be used with either an FHA, VA, or USDA loan

• Up to $7,500

• 0% interest, 30 year deferred loan

Seminole County Purchase Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • Main: http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/community-services/

  • PDF: http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/core/fileparse.php/3201/urlt/2018-CD-Purchase-Assistance-Flyer2.pdf

• Contact Information:

  • cscustomerservice@seminolecountyfl.gov

  • (407) 665-2300

• $10,000-$50,000 in assistance

• Must qualify for a 1st mortgage with a certified Seminole County Leader

• Maximum sales price is determined for each recipient

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Call for more information

St. Johns County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

St. Johns County Housing and Financial Counseling Program

• Websites:

  • http://www.sjcfl.us/Housing/HomeOwnProgram/index.aspx

  • http://www.sjcfl.us/Housing/HomeOwnProgram/media/HOBrochure.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (904) 827-6890

• Cannot be used to purchase mobile homes and duplexes

• Must complete a homebuyer education course

• Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

• Must be considered creditworthy by a mortgage lender

• Specific amounts and requirements are not disclosed online; call for more information

St. Lucie County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

City of Fort Pierce Home Purchase Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • FAQ: http://cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/2681/Frequently-Asked-Questions---Home-Purchase-Assistance-Program?bidId=

  • Brochure: http://cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/261/NSP-Home-Purchase-Brochure-PDF?bidId=

  • Pre-Screening Questionnaire: http://cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/2677/Pre-Screening-Qualification-Packet-for-Home-Purchase-Assistance-Program-?bidId=

  • Application: http://cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/2676/Application-for-Housing-Assistance-Programs?bidId=

• Contact information:

  • Sadie Cooper

    • (772) 460-2200, ext. 228

• Up to $15,000 in assistance

• Note: Above links are several years old; call for updates

St. Lucie County Home Purchase Assistance

• Website: https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-services/a-z/community-services/housing/housing-purchasing-assistance

• Note: Not currently accepting applications

• Contact information:

  • (772) 462-1777

• Call for funding updates

Sumter County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Sumter County Down Payment Assistance

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/251/Down-Payment-Assistance

  • Income eligibility: https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/252/Eligibility-Limitations

  • Application process: https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/253/Steps-to-Home-Ownership

• Up to $10,000 loan

  • 0% interest

• No minimum out-of-pocket requirement for borrower (many programs require a minimum down payment contribution)

• Contact information:

  • (352) 689-4400

• $200,000 maximum new home sales price

• $185,000 maximum existing home sales price

• Call for update on funding availability before you begin applying

Suwannee County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Suwanee River Economic Council, Inc.: Suwanee SHIP Program

• Website:

  • http://srecinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Suwannee-County-SHIP-Application.pdf

• Contact information:

  • SREC, Inc.

    • (386) 362-4078

  • Purchase questions

    • (386) 688-0074

• Appraised value of home cannot exceed $160,000

• Compare your income to Suwanee County’s AMI, which is listed on page 8 on the PDF link above, to see how much assistance you could receive:

  • Very low income: $25,000

  • Low Income: $18,000

  • Moderate income: $12,000

• Minimum buyer contribution:

  • Very low income: 0.5%

  • Low income: 1%

  • Moderate income: 2%

• Call for more information

Taylor County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Taylor County State Housing Program SHIP

• Website:

  • http://www.taylorcountygov.com/departments/ship_cdbg/index.php

  • www.floridahousing.org

• Point of Contact:

  • Jay Moseley

    • Jmoseley@govserv.com

    • (866) 484-1975

  • Florida Housing

    • info@flhousing.org

    • (850) 488-4197

• Loan is forgiven after 5 years if the title remains in borrower’s name and it is still his or her primary residence

• Mobile homes are not eligible

• Pre-approval letter from a participating lender must be sent prior to application

• Home must have been built prior to 2010

• Loan specifics are not available online; contact for more information

Union County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Suwanee River Economic Council, Inc.: Union SHIP Program

• Website:

  • http://srecinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Union-County-SHIP-Application.pdf

• Contact information:

  • SREC, Inc.

    • (386) 362-4078

  • Purchase questions

    • (386) 688-0074

• Appraised value of home cannot exceed $200,000

• Compare your income to Union County’s AMI, which is listed on page 6 on the PDF link above, to see how much assistance you could receive:

  • Very low income: $25,000

  • Low Income: $25,000

  • Moderate income: $20,000

• Minimum buyer contribution is 1% of purchase price

• Call for more information

Volusia County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

City of Daytona Beach Affordable Home Ownership

• Websites:

  • Main: http://www.codb.us/index.aspx?NID=200

  • Eligibility: http://www.codb.us/index.aspx?NID=408

  • Available Assistance: http://www.codb.us/index.aspx?NID=409

• Contact information:

  • Central Florida Community Development Corporation:

    • (386) 253-3232

  • Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, Inc.:

    • (386) 274-4441

• Maximum home purchase price of $258,690.60

• Amount of assistance is not disclosed online; contact for more information

City of Deltona Purchase Assistance Program

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.deltonafl.gov/housing-community-development/pages/purchase-assistance

  • PDF: https://www.deltonafl.gov/sites/deltonafl/files/uploads/18-19_purchase_assistance_manual_4-9-18_rev_db.pdf

• Contact information:

  • Rebecca Perdue

    • (386) 878-8616

  • Damaris Miranda

    • (386) 878-8603

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Maximum purchase price of $138,000 if your income falls below 80% of Deltona’s AMI

• Maximum purchase price of $225,000 if your income is between 81% and 120% of Deltona’s AMI

• Depending on income, borrower must either contribute $1,000 or $2,000 towards the purchase

• Assistance cannot exceed 50% of purchase price

• Assistance from $15,000 to $25,000

  • $3,000 closing cost assistance

  • $10,000 in rehab assistance after closing

• Must meet income eligibility requirements

• Can be a forgivable loan if certain conditions are met

• Refer to the PDF link for more information

Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, Inc.

Note: This program provides funds to Volusia County, Daytona, Deltona Beach, and Flagler County

• Websites:

  • Volusia County: http://www.mfhp.org/programs/home-buyer-assistance-county-of-volusia/

  • Daytona Beach: http://www.mfhp.org/programs/home-buyer-assistance-city-of-daytona-beach/

  • Deltona: http://www.mfhp.org/programs/home-buyer-assistance-city-of-deltona/

  • Flagler County: http://www.mfhp.org/programs/home-buyer-assistance-county-of-flagler/

• Contact information:

  • http://www.mfhp.org/contact/

• Assistance varies on income and purchase location

• See links for more information

Volusia County Homebuyer Assistance

• Websites:

  • Main: https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/community-assistance/housing-and-grants-administration/affordable-housing-programs/

  • Brochure: https://www.volusia.org/core/fileparse.php/6098/urlt/HBA.pdf

• Contact information:

  • (386) 736-5955

• Maximum purchase price of $225,000

• Home cannot be located within Daytona Beach or Deltona

• Depending on income, assistance ranges from $18,000 to $30,000

  • Above totals do not include additional closing cost assistance, which range from $4,000 to $6,000

• Borrower is responsible for making a minimum contribution:

  • 1% to 50% AMI: $500

  • 51% to 80% AMI: $1,500

  • 81% to 120% AMI: $2,000

• Must work with a participating lender (see brochure)

• Call for more information

Wakulla County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Wakulla County Housing Services: State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program

• Websites:

  • Main: http://www.mywakulla.com/departments/housing_services.php

  • Affiliate: http://www.weservegovernments.com/

• Contact information:

  • GSG:

    • (850) 325-6288

  • Jay Moseley, Housing Director

    • JMoseley@govserv.com

• Specific program details don’t appear to be available online; contact for more information

Walton County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

West Florida Regional Planning Council

• Website:

  • http://www.wfrpc.org/programs/ship

  • http://www.wfrpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Clean-Final-Walton-LHAP-2016.pdf

• Point of Contact:

  • Garrett Griffin

    • (850) 332-7976, Ext. 226

• Funded through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP)

• Serves very low, low, and moderate income households

• Up to $10,000

• 12 year loan term

• 0% interest

• At the end of twelve years, if the home is still occupied by the buyer, the loan is forgiven

• Call for more information

Washington County, Florida: Down Payment Assistance

Washington County SHIP Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP)

• Websites:

  • https://www.floridahousing.org/docs/default-source/programs/special-programs/lhap/county-lhaps/washington-17-20.pdf?sfvrsn=90a5397b_2

  • www.floridahousing.org

• Contact information:

  • Washington County Housing Department:

    • (850) 638-0134

  • Florida Housing:

    • (850) 488-4197

• Up to $10,000 in assistance

  • Funds can be used for closing costs as well

• 0% interest

• 10 year deferred loan

• Serves very low, low, and moderate incomes

• Loan is forgiven if certain conditions are met

• Must not have owned a home in the past three years

• Contact for more information

West Florida Regional Planning Council

• Website:

  • http://www.wfrpc.org/programs/ship

• Point of Contact:

  • Garett Griffin

    • (850) 332-7976, Ext. 226

• Funded through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP)

• Serves very low, low, and moderate income households

• Little information is available online, though funds are available for residents of Washington County; call for more information