Florida Housing Loan Programs 2025: Complete Guide to Homebuyer Assistance & Down Payment Help

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation has been opening doors to homeownership for over 44 years, providing innovative and fiscally sustainable solutions to Florida's affordable housing challenges. With multiple loan programs offering up to $35,000 in down payment assistance and 0% interest rates, Florida residents have exceptional opportunities to achieve homeownership.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, teacher, firefighter, or essential worker, Florida Housing's comprehensive programs can help make your homeownership dreams a reality.

Who is Florida Housing Finance Corporation?

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) was created by the state Legislature over 44 years ago to assist in providing affordable housing opportunities for Florida residents. Their mission is to be recognized as an outstanding provider of innovative, measurable, data-driven, and fiscally sustainable solutions that respond to the state's affordable housing challenges.

Key Advantages of Florida Housing Programs:

• Never runs out of funds - No waiting lists
• No additional closing time required
• Seller-paid closing costs remain unaffected
• Multiple loan types available (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional)
• Comprehensive down payment assistance options

Florida Housing Homebuyer Loan Programs

Florida Housing offers 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage loans to first-time homebuyers through participating lenders throughout the state. The program includes several loan types and down payment assistance options.

Available Loan Types:

1. FHA Loans - As low as 3.5% down payment
2. FHA 203k (Limited Rehab) - For homes needing minor repairs
3. VA Loans - For eligible veterans and service members
4. USDA Loans - For rural and suburban properties
5. Conventional Loans - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac approved

Eligible Property Types:

• Single-family homes
• Townhomes
• 2-4 unit homes (must reside in one unit)
• Condominiums (approved projects)
• Modular/Mobile homes (existing and built 1994 or newer)

Basic Program Requirements:

✅ Must meet IRS definition of first-time homebuyer
✅ Minimum credit score of 640
✅ Complete approved homebuyer education class
✅ Purchase price below county limits
✅ Income below county limits

Down Payment Assistance Programs

Florida Housing offers four main down payment assistance programs, each with unique benefits and terms. These second mortgage programs can provide substantial financial help to qualified homebuyers.

1. Florida Assist (FL Assist) Program

Benefits:

• Up to $10,000 in down payment assistance
• 0% interest rate
• No monthly payments required
• Available for FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans

Program Details:

• Deferred second mortgage
• Not forgivable (must be repaid)
• Repayment required upon: sale, transfer, first mortgage satisfaction, refinancing, or ceasing to occupy as primary residence
• Otherwise, due upon second mortgage maturity

2. HFA Advantage PLUS Second Mortgage (3%, 4%, 5%)

Benefits:

• 3%, 4%, or 5% of total loan amount in assistance
• 0% interest rate
• No monthly payments required
• Forgivable second mortgage

Forgiveness Terms:

• 20% forgiven per year over 5-year term
• Complete forgiveness after 5 years of occupancy
• Must remain in home as primary residence

3. Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP)

Benefits:

• Up to $12,500 in assistance
• 3% fully-amortizing second mortgage
• 30-year term

Payment Structure:

• Monthly payment: $52.70
• Remaining balance deferred until sale, transfer, or refinancing
• Payment may affect debt-to-income ratio calculations

4. Florida Hometown Heroes (FL HTH) Program

Benefits:

• 5% of total loan amount (Min: $10,000 / Max: $35,000)
• 0% interest rate
• No monthly payments required
• Available for eligible essential workers

Eligible Professions:

• Educators
• Law enforcement officers
• Firefighters
• Emergency medical technicians
• Paramedics
• Healthcare workers
• Active military personnel
• Veterans

Program Details:

• Deferred second mortgage
• Not forgivable (must be repaid)
• Repayment required upon: sale, transfer, first mortgage satisfaction, refinancing, or ceasing to occupy as primary residence

Florida Housing Homebuyer Loan Program Wizard

Florida Housing provides an interactive online tool to help potential homebuyers navigate the program requirements and find approved professionals.

Access the Wizard:

Website: https://apps.floridahousing.org/StandAlone/FTHBWizard

What the Wizard Provides:

1. Down Payment Assistance Requirements - Compare all four DPA programs
2. Income Limits - By household size and county
3. Purchase Price Limits - Maximum home values by county
4. Approved Loan Officers - Licensed lenders serving your county
5. Certified Real Estate Agents - Professionals trained in affordable housing programs

How to Use the Wizard:

1. Enter household size - Number of people residing in the home
2. Select county - Where you plan to purchase
3. Explore DPA programs - Compare FL Assist, FL HLP, FL PLUS, and Hometown Heroes
4. Review limits - Purchase price and income requirements for your county
5. Find professionals - Locate approved lenders and certified agents

Five Steps to Homeownership in Florida

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved

• Use the Homebuyer Loan Program Wizard to find a Florida Housing-approved lender
• Determine your budget before house hunting
• Understand the credit process and requirements
• Learn about available down payment assistance options

Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education

• Take required homebuyer education class from approved provider list
• Learn about homeownership responsibilities
• Understand the mortgage process
• Get certificate of completion for loan application

Step 3: Choose a Real Estate Agent

• Select a certified agent using the Program Wizard (or agent of your choice)
• Communicate your price range and home preferences
• Begin your home search within program guidelines
• Get guidance on offers and negotiations
• Coordinate required inspections

Step 4: Finalize Your Mortgage Application

• Submit required documentation promptly to your lender
• Cooperate with appraisal and title search processes
• Shop for homeowners insurance
• Arrange utility connections for move-in
• Stay in communication with your loan officer

Step 5: Attend Loan Closing

• Sign note and mortgage documents
• Complete final walkthrough
• Receive keys to your new home
• Celebrate your achievement!

After You Purchase: Essential Next Steps

Immediate Actions:

✅ Keep loan documents in a safe place
✅ Note first payment due date and payment location
✅ Change address on driver's license, mail, bills, employer records
✅ File for Homestead Exemption with county property appraiser
✅ Locate main water shutoff valve

Security and Maintenance:

✅ Consider changing locks (unknown key holders)
✅ Clean and service HVAC systems
✅ Review household budget and save for repairs
✅ Update insurance and emergency contacts

Income and Purchase Price Limits by County

Florida Housing sets income and purchase price limits by county to ensure programs serve those with the greatest need. These limits are updated annually and vary based on:

• Area Median Income (AMI) for the county
• HUD Fair Market Rents and home values
• Local housing market conditions
• Household size

Important: Use the Homebuyer Loan Program Wizard for current limits in your specific county, as these change annually and vary significantly across Florida's 67 counties.

Program Benefits Summary

Program	Max Assistance	Interest Rate	Monthly Payment	Forgiveness
FL Assist	$10,000	0%	None	Not forgivable
HFA PLUS 3%	3% of loan	0%	None	20%/year for 5 years
HFA PLUS 4%	4% of loan	0%	None	20%/year for 5 years
HFA PLUS 5%	5% of loan	0%	None	20%/year for 5 years
FL HLP	$12,500	3%	$52.70	Not forgivable
FL Hometown Heroes	Up to $35,000	0%	None	Not forgivable

Why Choose Florida Housing Programs?

Unique Advantages:

1. No Funding Delays - Programs never run out of funds
2. Standard Closing Times - No additional processing delays
3. Seller Concessions - Normal seller-paid closing costs allowed
4. Multiple Options - Choose the best program for your situation
5. Professional Network - Access to trained lenders and agents
6. Ongoing Support - Educational resources and guidance

Who Should Consider These Programs:

• First-time homebuyers meeting IRS definitions
• Essential workers (teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers, etc.)
• Military personnel and veterans
• Income-qualified Florida residents
• Credit-worthy borrowers with 640+ credit scores

Getting Started Today

Ready to explore Florida's homebuyer programs? Here's your action plan:

Immediate Steps:

1. Visit the Program Wizard at https://apps.floridahousing.org/StandAlone/FTHBWizard
2. Check your county's limits for income and purchase price
3. Compare down payment assistance programs
4. Find an approved lender in your area
5. Begin the pre-approval process

Use Our Calculators:

• Affordability Calculator - Determine your price range
• Down Payment Calculator - See how assistance helps
• Mortgage Payment Calculator - Compare scenarios

Conclusion

Florida Housing Finance Corporation's homebuyer programs represent some of the most comprehensive and accessible homeownership assistance available in the United States. With over 44 years of experience, up to $35,000 in down payment assistance, and no waiting lists, these programs have helped thousands of Florida families achieve the dream of homeownership.

The combination of competitive loan products, substantial down payment assistance, and professional support creates a clear pathway to homeownership for qualified Florida residents. Whether you're a teacher, firefighter, healthcare worker, or simply a first-time homebuyer, Florida Housing's programs can help make homeownership affordable and achievable.

Don't wait - housing markets and program benefits can change. Start your homeownership journey today by exploring the Homebuyer Loan Program Wizard and connecting with approved professionals who can guide you through the process.

Ready to get started? Begin your pre-approval process or use our mortgage calculators to explore your options today.