Saving for a down payment feels impossible for many aspiring Florida homeowners. Between rising home prices, rent payments, and daily expenses, setting aside thousands of dollars can take years. But you don't have to do it alone. Florida offers numerous assistance programs designed to help qualified buyers bridge the gap between renting and owning.

Whether you're a first-time buyer in Hollywood, a teacher in Tampa, or a veteran anywhere in the Sunshine State, assistance programs can dramatically reduce the cash you need upfront. These aren't traditional loans—many are grants, forgivable loans, or deferred payment options that make homeownership accessible right now.

City First Mortgage has helped thousands of Florida buyers navigate these programs since 1988. Based in Hollywood, our team stays current on every available option and knows exactly which programs you qualify for. This guide breaks down what you need to know about getting help with your down payment in 2025.

Understanding How Down Payment Help Works in Florida

Assistance comes in several forms, each designed to reduce your upfront costs when buying a home. Understanding the different types helps you identify which programs work best.

Grants provide money you never repay. These are the most sought-after but often have the strictest eligibility requirements. Grants typically come from state or local housing agencies and target specific buyer groups like first-timers, teachers, or those buying in certain areas.

Forgivable loans start as second mortgages but disappear over time if you meet specific conditions. For example, a program might provide $10,000 as a forgivable loan that reduces by 20% annually. After five years living in the home as your primary residence, the entire amount is forgiven.

Deferred payment loans are second mortgages with no monthly payment. The loan becomes due when you sell the home, refinance, or stop using it as your primary residence. You can buy now without worrying about an additional monthly payment.

Low-interest loans provide funds at below-market rates. While you do make monthly payments, the low interest rate keeps costs manageable.

Most programs require you to use an approved lender and complete homebuyer education. Some restrict which properties you can purchase or cap your household income. The trade-offs are worth it—these programs can provide $5,000 to $25,000 or more.

Major Programs Available in Florida

Florida offers both statewide programs and local assistance that varies by county. Knowing what's available helps you maximize your benefits.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation Programs

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation administers several major assistance programs available throughout the state.

Florida Assist provides help with down payments and closing costs to eligible homebuyers. The assistance comes as a second mortgage that's either deferred or forgivable depending on the program structure. Borrowers must be first-time homebuyers (or not have owned a home in the past three years) and meet income limits that vary by county.

This program works with various loan types including FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional mortgages. It can provide up to a specific percentage of the home's purchase price, though actual amounts depend on your location and the lender's guidelines.

HFA Preferred offers a conventional loan option with competitive rates and assistance for qualified buyers. This program appeals to borrowers who don't quite fit traditional lending but have stable income and decent credit.

Both programs require completion of a homebuyer education course, which actually benefits buyers by ensuring they understand the responsibilities of homeownership. City First Mortgage can direct you to approved education providers and walk you through the entire application.

Hometown Heroes Housing Program

One of Florida's most generous programs, Hometown Heroes assists frontline community workers in purchasing homes. Eligible professions include:

• Teachers and educators

• Law enforcement officers

• Firefighters

• Healthcare workers

• Active military and veterans

• Child care employees

• Emergency medical technicians

The program offers help with down payments and closing costs plus additional benefits that reduce the overall cost of homeownership. Many of these professions face the challenge of serving communities they can't afford to live in—Hometown Heroes directly addresses this problem.

Income limits apply, and you must be a first-time homebuyer or not have owned a home in the past three years. The home must be in Florida, and you must occupy it as your primary residence.

If you work in any eligible profession, this program deserves serious consideration.

County and Local Programs

Many Florida counties offer their own programs in addition to state options. These local programs often have specific geographic restrictions but can be combined with state assistance for maximum benefit.

Broward County (where Hollywood is located) periodically offers programs for qualified buyers purchasing in the county. These target first-time buyers, moderate-income households, and specific professions. Funding for local programs can be limited, so applying early matters.

Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, and Duval Counties all have various programs. Eligibility requirements, assistance amounts, and program structure vary significantly by location.

Our team at City First Mortgage monitors these programs closely. Because we're based in Hollywood and serve clients throughout Florida, we know which local programs are currently accepting applications. Many buyers miss out on local help simply because they don't know it exists—we make sure our clients don't leave money on the table.

Do You Qualify? Eligibility Requirements Explained

Qualification requirements vary by program, but most share common eligibility criteria.

First-Time Homebuyer Status

Many programs require you to be a first-time homebuyer, defined as someone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years. If you owned a home more than three years ago, you typically still qualify as "first-time" under this definition. Some programs don't have this requirement at all.

Income Limits

Most programs cap household income, though limits vary dramatically by county and family size. In some Florida counties, households earning $70,000-90,000 or more can still qualify depending on family size and the program. Higher-cost areas generally have higher income limits.

Income limits exist to direct help to those who need it most. Use our mortgage calculator to see how different assistance amounts affect your monthly payment and overall affordability.

Credit Score Requirements

While requirements vary, most programs want credit scores of 620 or higher. Some accept lower scores, especially when combined with compensating factors like stable employment or significant reserves.

If your credit needs work, we can help. City First Mortgage offers guidance on credit improvement and also provides non-conforming loan options that can work with lower scores.

Property Requirements

The home must be in Florida and must be your primary residence. Most programs exclude investment properties and second homes. Some programs restrict property location to specific neighborhoods or cities.

Homebuyer Education

Nearly all programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. These courses cover budgeting, understanding mortgages, home maintenance, and avoiding foreclosure. While it's an additional step, the education genuinely helps buyers make informed decisions.

Loan Type Compatibility

Some programs work only with specific loan types. For example, certain programs combine with FHA loans, while others require conventional financing. We'll ensure your assistance program aligns with your overall loan structure.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Lenders calculate your DTI by dividing monthly debt payments by gross monthly income. Most programs want DTI below 43-50%, though this varies. Assistance improves your financial position by reducing your loan amount.

How Much Assistance Can You Get?

Assistance amounts vary widely depending on the program, your location, and your purchase price. Understanding realistic expectations helps you plan effectively.

Most Florida down payment assistance programs provide between $5,000 and $25,000. Some generous programs offer up to $30,000 or more in specific circumstances. The assistance typically covers a percentage of the purchase price or loan amount, with caps on the maximum benefit.

For example, a program might offer 5% of the purchase price up to $15,000. On a $250,000 home, you'd receive $12,500. On a $350,000 home, you'd receive the $15,000 maximum.

Besides down payment assistance, many programs also help with closing costs. Florida closing costs typically run 2-5% of the loan amount, so assistance here makes a real difference. Some programs provide one lump sum that can be used for down payment, closing costs, or both.

Let's look at a real example of how Florida down payment assistance changes the affordability equation:

Without Assistance:

• Home price: $300,000

• Down payment (3.5% FHA): $10,500

• Closing costs (estimated 3%): $9,000

• Total cash needed: $19,500

With $15,000 Assistance:

• Home price: $300,000

• Assistance applied: $15,000

• Out-of-pocket needed: $4,500

The assistance reduces your upfront cash requirement by over $15,000. This transforms homeownership from "maybe someday" to "possible now" for many Florida buyers.

Stacking Programs: Getting Maximum Help

You can often combine multiple programs to maximize your benefits. Understanding how to stack programs legally gives you the greatest advantage.

State programs can sometimes combine with local county programs. For example, you might use Florida Assist (state program) along with a Broward County program. Together, these could provide $20,000-30,000 in total help.

Federal loan programs also complement state assistance. VA loans already offer zero down payment for eligible veterans. Adding state assistance can cover closing costs, making homeownership essentially free from an upfront cash perspective.

The same applies to USDA loans in eligible rural and suburban Florida areas. Zero down USDA loans combined with closing cost assistance make homeownership extremely accessible.

However, programs have rules about combining or "stacking." Some explicitly allow stacking, others prohibit it, and some cap total assistance regardless of source. The rules are complex and change periodically.

This is where working with an experienced Florida mortgage lender makes a huge difference. We know which programs can be combined, how to structure your application to maximize benefits, and which options provide the best overall value. We've successfully helped clients combine programs to dramatically reduce their upfront costs.

The Application Process: What to Expect

Understanding the process helps you prepare and avoid delays. While specific steps vary by program, most follow a similar pattern.

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved for Your Mortgage

Before applying for assistance, you need mortgage pre-approval. This establishes your loan amount and shows programs you're a serious buyer.

Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education

Most programs require an 8-hour homebuyer education course from a HUD-approved provider. These courses are available online, in-person, or hybrid. You'll receive a certificate upon completion that you'll submit with your application. Many courses cost $50-100.

Step 3: Work with an Approved Lender

Programs require you to work with approved lenders who understand program requirements and documentation. City First Mortgage is an approved lender and handles all the paperwork on your behalf.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Your lender typically submits the application as part of your overall loan package. You'll provide income documentation, proof of employment, credit authorization, and your homebuyer education certificate.

Step 5: Home Shopping

Once approved, you can shop for homes within program guidelines. Some programs restrict property location or price, so understand these limitations upfront.

Step 6: Make an Offer and Go Under Contract

When you find the right home, make an offer. Include in your contract that financing is contingent on receiving the funds. This protects you if something goes wrong with the approval.

Step 7: Final Loan Approval and Closing

Your loan and assistance go through final underwriting together. At closing, the funds are applied to your down payment and closing costs. You'll sign documents for both your primary mortgage and the assistance (if it's structured as a second mortgage).

The timeline from application to closing typically runs 30-60 days, though this varies. Working with an experienced lender who processes these applications regularly speeds things up considerably.

Benefits Beyond Down Payment Assistance

Florida down payment assistance programs offer advantages beyond just reducing your upfront cash needs.

Faster Path to Homeownership: Without needing to save $15,000-20,000, you can buy years sooner. This means building equity sooner, enjoying homeownership benefits sooner, and potentially buying before prices rise further.

Lower Mortgage Insurance: Some assistance programs help you reach 20% equity faster by effectively increasing your down payment. This can reduce or eliminate private mortgage insurance requirements, saving you monthly.

Access to Better Homes: With less cash needed upfront, you might afford a home in a better neighborhood, a larger property for your family, or a home in better condition requiring fewer immediate repairs.

Financial Cushion: Keeping thousands of dollars in savings instead of depleting them for a down payment gives you a financial cushion for moving costs, immediate repairs, furniture, and emergencies. This safety net is crucial for new homeowners.

Community Investment: Many assistance programs target specific neighborhoods or cities, helping revitalize communities and create stability. Your purchase contributes to neighborhood improvement.

Long-Term Wealth Building: Homeownership remains one of the most reliable wealth-building tools for American families. Assistance programs help you start building equity and wealth sooner rather than continuing to pay rent.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

Misconceptions prevent many qualified buyers from pursuing help. Time to set the record straight on the most common myths.

Myth 1: "I make too much money to qualify." Income limits vary dramatically by program and county. Many programs accept households earning $80,000-100,000+ depending on family size and location. Don't assume you're over the limit without checking.

Myth 2: "The paperwork is too complicated." Your lender handles most paperwork. Yes, you'll provide documentation, but the same documents required for any mortgage. Working with City First Mortgage means we guide you through every form.

Myth 3: "It'll take forever to get approved." While assistance adds some time to the process, the delay is typically only 1-2 weeks compared to a standard mortgage. The wait is worth thousands in help.

Myth 4: "I'll have huge monthly payments on the assistance loan." Most assistance comes as grants, forgivable loans, or deferred payment loans with no monthly payment. Even when there is a payment, it's typically small.

Myth 5: "I can't sell my home for years." Most programs require you to occupy the home as your primary residence for a set period (often 3-5 years). After that, you're free to sell. If you sell earlier, you typically just repay the assistance on a prorated basis.

Myth 6: "Assistance programs are for people who can't really afford homes." Programs help qualified buyers who have stable income and good credit but haven't yet saved large down payments. They assess your ability to afford the mortgage payment and reject applicants who can't sustain homeownership.

Myth 7: "My credit score is too low." While most programs want 620+, some accept lower scores. More importantly, if your score needs work, we can help you get there. Start a conversation about your specific situation.

Smart Strategies for Maximum Benefits

Some strategies help you get the most from available programs.

Apply Early: Some programs have limited funding and process applications first-come, first-served. Once funding depletes, you wait for the next allocation. Start the process early to ensure funds are available.

Complete Education Early: Don't wait until you're ready to apply to take the homebuyer education course. Complete it early so your certificate is ready when needed.

Understand Program Restrictions: Some programs restrict property location, type, or price. Know these limitations before house hunting to avoid finding a perfect home you can't buy with your program.

Save Some Money Anyway: Even with assistance, you'll have some out-of-pocket costs. Save at least $2,000-5,000 for earnest money, inspection fees, and reserves. Having some savings also makes you a stronger borrower.

Improve Your Credit: Higher credit scores qualify for better mortgage rates and more programs. Even moving from 620 to 680 opens up options. We can provide specific credit improvement guidance.

Work with Experienced Lenders: Choose a lender who regularly processes these applications. Our team at City First Mortgage has completed thousands of these transactions and knows how to maximize your benefits while ensuring smooth closing.

Ask About Combining Programs: Don't assume you can only use one program. Ask your lender about stacking state, local, and federal benefits. We'll tell you exactly what's possible.

Keep Documentation Organized: Applications require income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and employment documentation. Having organized files speeds up the process considerably. are available.

Complete Education Early: Don't wait until you're ready to apply for assistance to take the homebuyer education course. Complete it early so your certificate is ready when needed.

Understand Program Restrictions: Some programs restrict property location, type, or price. Know these limitations before house hunting to avoid finding a perfect home you can't buy with your assistance program.

Save Some Money Anyway: Even with assistance, you'll have some out-of-pocket costs. Save at least $2,000-5,000 for earnest money, inspection fees, and reserves. Having some savings also makes you a stronger borrower.

Improve Your Credit: Higher credit scores qualify for better mortgage rates and more assistance programs. Even moving from 620 to 680 opens up options. We can provide specific credit improvement guidance.

Work with Experienced Lenders: Choose a lender who regularly processes assistance applications. Our team at City First Mortgage has completed thousands of these transactions and knows how to maximize your benefits while ensuring smooth closing.

Ask About Combining Programs: Don't assume you can only use one program. Ask your lender about stacking state, local, and federal benefits. We'll tell you exactly what's possible.

Keep Documentation Organized: Assistance applications require income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and employment documentation. Having organized files speeds up the process considerably.

Why Choose City First Mortgage for Down Payment Assistance

Navigating Florida down payment assistance programs requires expertise. Here's why working with City First Mortgage makes sense.

37 Years of Florida Experience: Since 1988, we've helped thousands of Florida buyers use down payment assistance programs. We've seen programs come and go, requirements change, and funding levels fluctuate. This experience means we know how to successfully navigate the system.

Local Hollywood Presence: Our office at 6100 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 305 serves South Florida buyers with convenient local access. We understand Broward County programs intimately while maintaining knowledge of assistance throughout Florida.

Approved Lender Status: We're approved to originate loans with all major Florida down payment assistance programs. This means you won't find out mid-process that we can't complete your transaction—we're already qualified.

Multiple Loan Options: Beyond assistance programs, we offer FHA, VA, conventional, USDA, and non-conforming loans. This flexibility means we can pair your assistance with the right loan type for your situation.

Personalized Guidance: Every buyer's situation differs. We take time to understand your income, credit, savings, and goals, then recommend the specific assistance programs that benefit you most. No cookie-cutter approaches—just customized solutions.

Smooth Process Management: We handle the paperwork, coordinate between the assistance program and your mortgage, and keep you informed throughout. Our goal is removing stress while maximizing your benefits.

Problem-Solving Expertise: Issues sometimes arise during the process. Documents get questioned, income calculations differ from expectations, or properties don't meet program requirements. Our experience means we solve these problems quickly and keep your purchase on track.

Education and Communication: We believe informed buyers make better decisions. We'll explain exactly how your assistance works, what obligations you have, and what happens in various future scenarios. No surprises—just clear information.

Take Action Today

Florida down payment assistance programs can transform your path to homeownership. Instead of saving for years, you could be in your own home within months. Instead of depleting your savings, you could maintain financial security while building equity.

The programs exist and have funding available now. What's missing is your application.

📞 Call Us: (954) 967-6600
Speak with a down payment assistance specialist who can evaluate your situation and identify every program you qualify for.

🏢 Visit Our Hollywood Office: 6100 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 305, Hollywood, FL 33024
Meet with our team to review program options and start your application.

💻 Apply Online:
Start your pre-qualification and we'll assess your eligibility for assistance programs.

🧮 Calculate Your Savings:
See exactly how different assistance amounts change your monthly payment and total cost.

Don't let lack of down payment savings keep you from homeownership. City First Mortgage has helped thousands of Florida buyers access assistance programs and achieve their homeownership dreams. We're ready to help you too.

Your Florida home is waiting. The assistance programs are funded. All that's missing is your application. Contact us today and take the first step toward homeownership with Florida down payment assistance.