Florida Housing (FHFC)
FL Assist, FL PLUS, and Hometown Heroes explained.
Florida Down Payment Assistance: Three Programs, Up to $35,000
Florida is one of the most generous states for down payment help. Florida Housing runs three options, including the flagship Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000), and many counties add their own. Here is how to use them.
How Florida down payment assistance works
Buying in Florida does not have to mean saving 3% to 5% in cash first. Florida Housing, the state agency, runs three down payment assistance options that pair with a first mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) and put money toward your down payment and closing costs, with no monthly payment. FL Assist is a flat $10,000. FL PLUS is a forgivable percentage of your loan. And Hometown Heroes, the flagship, can reach $35,000. A 640 credit score is enough to start, and many counties add their own program on top.
The Florida programs at a glance
Hometown Heroes
Up to $35,000 — Florida's flagship program.
FL Assist vs. FL PLUS
Repayable $10k, or forgivable 3–5%.
County HFA vs. statewide
Orange, Hillsborough, Jacksonville & more.
DPA + FHA loan
Cover FHA's 3.5% down with assistance.
Eligibility & limits
640 credit, county income and price limits.
Why work with us
A participating lender, not a referral site.
Cornerstone First Mortgage originates your Florida Housing loans directly, we are an approved participating lender, not a lead broker that sells your information. Mike Certo has closed these loans across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Southwest Florida, and he will tell you straight whether Hometown Heroes is funded and whether a program fits before you apply. No obligation, no pressure.
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Tell us your county, credit range, and whether you have owned before, and we will map your Florida options, FL Assist, FL PLUS, Hometown Heroes, and any county program, in a no-pressure call. Start with the quiz above, or reach Mike at (480) 296-6513.
Local guides
Down payment assistance by county
Income limits change from county to county. Start with yours.
Miami-Dade
High-cost market — Hometown Heroes ($35k) matters most.
Orlando / Orange
Statewide + Orange County HFA (OCHFA).
Tampa / Hillsborough
Statewide + Hillsborough 'Home Sweet Home'.
Jacksonville / Duval
Affordable metro — assistance stretches far.
Fort Myers / Lee
Statewide + Lee County HFA (OAHO).
Eligibility & limits
640 credit · county income & price limits.
Compare your options
Hometown Heroes
Up to $35,000 — Florida's flagship program.
FL Assist vs. FL PLUS
$10k repayable, or 3–5% forgivable over 5 years.
County HFA vs. statewide
Orange, Hillsborough, Jacksonville & more.
DPA + FHA loan
Cover FHA's 3.5% down with assistance.
DPA + VA loan
Zero-down VA plus Florida Housing.
Florida DPA blog
Guides and updates as programs change.
FAQ
Common questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Florida?
Florida Housing offers three options: FL Assist ($10,000, repayable), FL PLUS (3-5% of the loan, forgivable over 5 years), and Hometown Heroes (up to 5% of the first mortgage, capped at $35,000). All are 0% deferred seconds with no monthly payment.
What is Florida Hometown Heroes?
Hometown Heroes is Florida's flagship down payment program, providing up to 5% of the first mortgage amount, capped at $35,000, as a 0% deferred second. It was built for Florida's workforce. Funding runs in cycles, so confirm it is open when you buy.
What credit score do I need for Florida down payment assistance?
Florida Housing requires a 640 minimum credit score, or 660 for manual underwriting. The assistance pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgages.
Is Florida down payment assistance forgivable?
FL PLUS is, forgiven at 20% per year over 5 years. FL Assist and Hometown Heroes are repayable deferred seconds, due when you sell, refinance, or pay off. None has a monthly payment.
See your Florida down payment options
Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your Florida path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.