Darryn StephenSenior Mortgage Advisor · Smart Home Loans Call

First-Time Buyers · Down Payment Assistance

First-time home buyers & down payment assistance in Florida

Plain-language help from first conversation to closing day.

Florida has real down payment assistance programs, but each one has its own rules, income limits and funding windows. I help you see which ones you may qualify for before you start touring homes.

Call (786) 737-4391Text meEmail me
Darryn Stephen, Senior Mortgage Advisor, Smart Home Loans
  • Florida-licensed
  • NMLS #2664300
  • Smart Home Loans NMLS #1734077

Florida down payment assistance programs to know

Florida Housing assistance is only available with a Florida Housing first mortgage through a participating lender. Eligibility, income and price limits and funding all change.

Florida Hometown Heroes

A Florida Housing program for eligible full-time workers in fields like healthcare, K-12 education, first response and public safety, courts, child care, plus military members and veterans. Assistance is 5% of the first mortgage, from $10,000 up to $35,000, as a second mortgage with no interest, deferred until you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage or move out. Program terms set by Florida Housing and subject to change. It is not a grant: it’s repaid when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, pay off the first mortgage or stop living in the home. Funding is limited and can run out.

FL Assist

Up to $10,000 as a second mortgage with no interest, deferred until you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage or move out, on FHA, VA, USDA and certain Florida Housing conventional loans through Florida Housing. Program terms set by Florida Housing and subject to change. Not forgivable; due when you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage or move out.

FL HLP Second Mortgage

A second mortgage through Florida Housing, with monthly payments. Amount and terms are set by Florida Housing and may change.

Palm Beach County programs

Palm Beach County’s Department of Housing & Economic Development runs Purchase Assistance for income-eligible first-time buyers (helping with gap financing, down payment and closing costs) and has offered lottery-based programs like the Homebuyer Match Pilot. Windows open and close, so I check what’s open when you’re ready.

Martin & St. Lucie County programs

Each Florida county receives state SHIP housing funds and may offer its own purchase assistance. Availability and rules vary by county and change during the year.

Lender & builder programs

Some lenders and builders offer their own credits or reduced down payment options. These depend on the lender, the program and the property.

What first-time buyers should expect

  1. Talk it through

    Budget, income, savings and credit, so you know what may be realistic.

  2. Match programs

    Which assistance programs and loan types may fit you.

  3. Pre-approval

    Documented and ready for your agent to use in offers.

  4. Close with no surprises

    Homebuyer education, appraisal and final approval, step by step.

Programs also pair with low down payment options like FHA, conventional low down payment and VA. Sellers can also help with costs; see seller credits.

Programs, guidelines and eligibility change and vary by lender and program. This page is general information, not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of approval. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting and property approval. Not legal or tax advice.

Questions people ask me

Straight answers. Programs and guidelines change, and everything depends on the lender, the program and your situation.

What counts as a first-time home buyer in Florida?

For many programs, it means you haven’t owned your primary home in the past three years. Florida Hometown Heroes waives the first-time buyer rule for active duty military and veterans. Rules vary by program.

Who qualifies for Florida Hometown Heroes?

Full-time employees of a Florida-based employer in eligible fields such as healthcare, K-12 school staff, first responders, public safety and court employees, child care workers, plus military members and veterans, who meet income, credit and program limits. Funding is limited.

Is down payment assistance free money?

Usually not. Florida Hometown Heroes and FL Assist are second mortgages with no interest, deferred until you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage or move out, when they must be repaid. Program terms set by Florida Housing and subject to change. Some county programs may be forgiven after years of living in the home. Each program is different.

Can I use down payment assistance in Palm Beach County?

Possibly. Statewide Florida Housing programs work across the county, and Palm Beach County runs its own programs when funding is open. Income, price limits and funding windows apply.

How much do I need to save to buy my first home?

It depends on the loan, the price and any assistance or seller credits. You may still need money for earnest deposit, inspections and some closing costs. Darryn maps out your likely cash needed up front.

Do I need homebuyer education?

Many assistance programs and some low down payment loans require a homebuyer education course. It’s usually online and quick.

Keep exploring

Happy with how I helped you? Leave me a Google review.

Let’s talk it through

No pressure, just clear answers about what may fit you. Call, text or email me.

Call (786) 737-4391Text medarryn@smarthomeloans.net

Ready to apply? Start at smarthomeloans.net.