First Time Home Buyers in Florida? You Can Get Help.

Affordable Housing Programs for First-Time Homebuyers in Florida

1. Down Payment Assistance Programs:

• Florida Assist Loan Program: Offers a 0% interest second mortgage as down payment assistance. Repayment is required when you pay off your primary mortgage or move.
• HFA Preferred PLUS Grant: Provides a non-repayable grant of up to 3% of the home purchase price for FHA Preferred PLUS loans.

2. USDA Mortgage Program:

• Designed for low-income residents, offering a zero-down mortgage. Specific financial requirements and the home must be in a rural area.

3. FHA Preferred Conventional Loan Programs:

• Backed by Fannie Mae, reducing mortgage insurance costs for first-time homebuyers.

4. Mortgage Credit Certificate Program:

• Offers an Annual Federal Tax credit of up to $2,000 for every year of mortgage interest payments.

5. Veterans & Military Programs:

• Florida First & Military Heroes Program: Provides reduced-interest-rate loans for military personnel.
• VA-Backed Loan: Offers benefits such as lower down payments, better rates, and lower closing costs.

County-Specific First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Florida

1. Alachua County:

• Assistance from Gainesville Housing Division for down payment, closing costs, and mortgage rates.

2. Brevard County:

• Brevard County offers a $2,500 grant for down payment assistance through Housing and Human Services.

3. Broward County:

• Broward County Housing and Community Development Department provides assistance programs for low-income and poor-credit homebuyers.
• Broward County Housing Authority offers grants for closing costs.

4. Calhoun County:

• Building department assistance for closing costs and down payment.

5. Charlotte County:

• Limited funding for down payment and closing cost assistance through the Housing Corporation of Charlotte County.

6. Citrus County:

• Citrus County Housing Services Division aids with down payment and mortgage rate assistance.

7. Collier County:

• The City of Naples assists with down payment assistance.

8. Duval County:

• Jacksonville Housing Commission provides down payment assistance.

9. Hernando County:

• Hernando County Housing Authority helps with down payment and closing costs.

10. Highlands County:

• Highlands County Housing offers down payment assistance and credit toward closing costs.

11. Hillsborough County:

• City of Tampa Housing and Community Development provides down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Department helps find affordable housing and financing.

12. Indian River County:

• Indian River County Community Development Department assists with homebuyer programs and financing.

13. Lake County:

• City of Leesburg Housing and Economic Development Division aids first-time homebuyers with down payment.

14. Lee County:

• Lee County Department of Human Services offers homebuyer assistance.
• Lee County Department of Community Development provides down payment assistance.

15. Leon County:

• The City of Tallahassee Neighborhood and Community Services Department assists in finding homes and financing.

16. Manatee County:

• Manatee County Housing and Community Development provides housing assistance and credit counseling.

17. Marion County:

• City of Ocala Community Programs Department aids low-income first-time homebuyers.

18. Miami-Dade County:

• Multiple agencies offer down payment assistance grants for homebuyers in the Miami area.

19. Monroe County:

• Monroe County offers grants to save on down payment and closing costs.

20. Orange County:

• Orange County Housing & Community Development offers assistance to homebuyers and upgrading homes.
• The City of Orlando's development corporation provides various programs, including 100% down payment assistance.

21. Osceola County:

• Osceola County Housing Office assists with down payments.

22. Palm Beach County:

• Various agencies, including the City of Boca Raton and the Housing Finance Authority, offer down payment assistance.

23. Pasco County:

• Pasco County Community Development Division helps save on home purchases for low and moderate-income individuals.

24. Pinellas County:

• The City of Clearwater and the Pinellas County Community Development Department offer down payment and closing cost assistance.

25. Sarasota County:

• Sarasota City and County Housing and Community Development assist in finding homes at special prices.

26. Seminole County:

• Seminole County Community assists with down payment and offers resources for necessities.

27. St. Lucie County:

• St. Lucie County’s Community Services Division provides down payment grants and helps with closing costs.
• Ft. Pierce Community Development Division offers down payment grants for low-income homebuyers.

28. Sumter County:

• Sumter County Housing Department assists with down payment and closing costs.

29. Volusia County:

• Volusia County Housing Department aids in the home search and offers credit counseling.
• Daytona Beach Community Development provides down payment assistance.

30. Mid-Florida Housing Partnership:

• Mid-Florida Housing Partnership assists potential homeowners in Florida.

These programs aim to make homeownership more accessible for low-income individuals, providing various forms of financial aid and support throughout the homebuying process. Eligibility criteria and available assistance may vary by location.