Find the Florida down payment help you can actually use.
Florida has state, city, county and bank programs that can put thousands toward your down payment and closing costs. Most buyers only hear about one or two. Answer a few quick questions and see which ones fit you.
Free. About 2 minutes. No credit check, and we never ask for your Social Security number.
Earn too much for most programs, but not enough to feel ready?
Teachers, nurses, first responders and county employees hear "you make too much" all the time. If your household earns 120 to 140% of the area median income, you still have real options. They are just harder to find.
Area median income (AMI) is set each year by county and household size. A counselor or lender can tell you exactly where you fall.
Available from the City of Tampa's Dare to Own the Dream program to first-time buyers at 120 to 140% of AMI, forgiven after 20 years in the home.
The programs, in plain language
Most down payment help comes as a second loan with no monthly payment that you repay when you sell, refinance or move out. Some is forgiven over time. A little of it is a true grant. Here is what Florida buyers can look for in 2026.
Statewide programs
Run by Florida Housing Finance Corporation and offered only through participating lenders. You pair one of these with a Florida Housing first mortgage.
0% interest, no monthly payment. Repaid when you sell, refinance or move out. Comes with a reduced first mortgage rate.
Eligible fields include healthcare, school staff, licensed childcare, first responders and public safety, court employees, active military and veterans.
Timing matters. Funding comes in yearly rounds that sell out fast. The 2026 round opened July 13, 2026 with $50 million. Get pre-approved early so you are ready.
0% interest, no monthly payment. Repaid when you sell, refinance or move out. Because there is no payment, it does not shrink the loan you qualify for.
Forgiven 20% a year over five years as long as you live in the home.
3% interest with a small monthly payment. That payment counts toward your debt ratio, so ask your lender how it changes your budget.
Florida Housing's programs generally do not stack with each other. Local and bank programs can sometimes be layered on top. Your lender confirms what combines.
Tampa Bay city and county programs
Local programs usually offer the largest amounts, but funding opens in windows and the rules are strict about order. Start early.
- 50 to 80% of AMI$50,000
- 80 to 120% of AMI$40,000
- 120 to 140% of AMI$30,000
0% interest, no monthly payment, fully forgiven after 20 years as your primary home.
Order matters. You must start with one of the City's approved housing counseling agencies and get a reservation number before you sign a contract. You must also use a lender from the City's approved list.
A separate program for specific neighborhoods. Same 0% rate and no monthly payment, with the same start-with-a-counselor rule.
State money that each county hands out under its own rules, usually as a 0% deferred loan for down payment and closing costs. Generally for households up to 120% of AMI.
Funds open and close during the year and waitlists are common. Some counties add their own rules, such as Polk's one-year residency requirement.
Bank and lender programs
Separate from government programs, and often overlooked.
Some banks offer grants or credits that never have to be repaid, usually tied to their own loan products and to certain areas. Ask two or three lenders what they offer before you choose one.
How buyers get from here to closing
Take a homebuyer class
Most programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Some, like Tampa's, require it before you sign a contract.
Pick a participating lender
Not every lender offers every program. Ask directly which state, local and bank programs they can use.
Reserve the money
Where a program uses reservations, lock in your spot before you go under contract.
Shop and close
Make your offer with the assistance already in your plan. Your lender and the program office handle the paperwork.
Want one-on-one help?
A HUD-approved housing counselor can review your budget and credit, confirm which programs you qualify for and walk you through each step. Counseling is free or low cost.
Solita's House is an independent, HUD-approved housing counseling agency in Tampa. You can also find other agencies through HUD's counselor search.
Solita's House operates separately from Threshold. You are free to choose any HUD-approved agency, and your choice does not affect your eligibility for any program.
Get funding alerts
Hometown Heroes and county programs open and close on short notice. Join the list and we will email you when funding moves, plus the printable guide.
We use your information only to send what you asked for. We never sell it.