

First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Florida: Your Guide to Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
By Stacy Ann Stephens, Mortgage Broker at Jhenesis Mortgage | Published: May 6, 2025
Buying your first home in Florida is an exciting milestone, but the upfront costs—like down payments and closing costs—can feel overwhelming. As a top mortgage broker at Jhenesis Mortgage, I often hear, “How do I get into a first-time home buyer program?” Many buyers hope for no-money-down or no-closing-cost options, but the reality is that most programs have specific guidelines and requirements. This comprehensive guide explores Florida’s first-time home buyer programs, eligibility criteria, assistance amounts, deadlines, and more to help you navigate the process.
Who Is Considered a First-Time Home Buyer in Florida?
In Florida, a first-time home buyer is defined as someone who:
- Has not owned and lived in a primary residence in the past three years.
- Meets income and purchase price limits set by the program and county.
- Intends to use the home as their primary residence.
This means even if you owned a home years ago, you may still qualify as a first-time buyer. For example, if you rented for the last three years after selling your home, you’re eligible.
Average Down Payment and Closing Costs in Florida
The down payment and closing costs depend on the home’s purchase price and loan type. In 2025, Florida’s median home price is approximately $388,454, according to recent market data. Here’s a breakdown:
- Down Payment: Typically 3–5% for first-time buyer programs like FHA or conventional loans. For a $388,454 home, that’s $11,654–$19,423.
- Closing Costs: Usually 3–5% of the purchase price, or $11,654–$19,423 for a $388,454 home. This includes lender fees, title insurance, and taxes.
These costs can be a barrier, but Florida’s assistance programs can significantly reduce the upfront burden.
Top Florida First-Time Home Buyer Programs for 2025
Florida offers a variety of programs through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing), local governments, and other entities. Below are the key programs, their guidelines, assistance amounts, and sources.
1. Florida Housing Homebuyer Program
Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Description: Offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA) through approved lenders, often paired with down payment assistance.
Assistance:
- FL Assist: Up to $10,000 as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. Repayment is due upon sale, refinance, or if the home is no longer your primary residence.
- FL HLP: Up to $10,000 as a 3% interest, 15-year second mortgage with monthly payments of approximately $69.06.
- FL PLUS: 3%, 4%, or 5% of the first mortgage amount (e.g., $11,654–$19,423 on a $388,454 loan) as a 0% interest, forgivable second mortgage. Forgiven at 20% per year over five years.
Eligibility:
- First-time buyer (no homeownership in the past three years).
- Minimum FICO score of 640 (580 for FHA loans).
- Complete a homebuyer education course (HUD-approved or Florida Housing-approved).
- Income and purchase price limits vary by county (e.g., Miami-Dade: $127,200 income limit for a family of four; $475,000 purchase price limit).
- Primary residence only; eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, townhomes.
Deadlines: Ongoing, subject to funding availability. Apply through a Florida Housing-approved lender like Jhenesis Mortgage.
Programs: Let's see if you're eligible
2. Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Description: Targets community workers (e.g., teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers) with low-rate mortgages and significant assistance.
Assistance: Up to $35,000 (max 5% of the loan amount) as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage for down payment and closing costs. Repayment is due upon sale, refinance, or if the home is no longer your primary residence.
Eligibility:
- First-time buyer or not having owned a home in the past three years.
- Employed full-time by a Florida-based employer in a qualifying profession.
- Minimum FICO score of 640.
- Income and purchase price limits by county.
- Homebuyer education course required.
Deadlines: Ongoing, but funds are limited. Apply early through an approved lender.
Programs: Let's see if you're eligible
3. State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Source: Local county/city governments via Florida Housing
Description: SHIP funds are distributed to Florida’s 67 counties and Hawkins for affordable housing programs.
Assistance: Varies by county; typically $7,500–$50,000 as grants, zero-interest deferred loans, or forgivable loans for down payment and closing costs.
Examples:
- Pensacola/Escambia County: Up to $25,000 (deferred loan).
- Volusia County: Up to $44,000 (down payment) + $6,000 (closing costs).
- Panama City: Up to $50,000.
Eligibility:
- First-time buyer or no homeownership in three years.
- Income limits based on Area Median Income (AMI).
- Homebuyer education course (often 8 hours).
- Primary residence; purchase price limits apply.
Deadlines: Vary by county; funds are often first-come, first-served. Contact your local SHIP office.
Programs: Let's see if you're eligible
4. Local County/City Programs
Source: City/County Housing Authorities
Description: Many cities and counties offer unique programs, often funded by SHIP or federal grants.
Examples:
- Miami-Dade County: Up to $35,000 as a 0% interest loan for down payment.
- Orlando: Up to $30,000 for down payment and closing costs.
- Hillsborough County: Up to $20,000 as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage.
Eligibility: Similar to SHIP (first-time buyer, income limits, homebuyer education). Specific requirements vary by program.
Deadlines: Vary; check with local housing authorities.
Source: Local government websites (e.g., Miami-Dade, Orlando)
Scenarios: How These Programs Work
Scenario 1: Maria, a Teacher in Miami
Maria earns $55,000 annually and wants to buy a $350,000 condo in Miami-Dade County. She qualifies for the Hometown Heroes Program, receiving $17,500 (5% of the loan) as a deferred second mortgage for down payment and closing costs. She uses an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment ($12,250), covered by the assistance. After completing a homebuyer education course, Maria closes on her home with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Scenario 2: John, a First-Time Buyer in Pensacola
John, a single parent earning $40,000, buys a $200,000 home in Pensacola. He qualifies for a $25,000 SHIP deferred loan, covering his 3% down payment ($6,000) and closing costs (~$8,000), with funds left for repairs. After an 8-hour education course, John moves in with only $500 from his savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I get a no-money-down program in Florida?
While rare, some programs like VA loans (for veterans) or USDA loans (rural areas) require no down payment. Most Florida programs require 3–5% down, but assistance can cover this amount. Programs: Let's see if you're eligible
2. Do I have to repay the assistance?
It depends. Grants and forgivable loans (e.g., FL PLUS) don’t require repayment if conditions are met (e.g., living in the home for 5 years). Deferred loans (e.g., FL Assist) must be repaid upon sale or refinance.
3. What credit score do I need?
Most programs require a minimum FICO score of 640, though FHA loans may accept 580 with a 3.5% down payment.
4. How do I apply?
Contact a Florida Housing-approved lender like Jhenesis Mortgage. We’ll guide you through pre-approval, program selection, and the application process.
Ready to Own Your First Home in Florida?
Don’t let down payments or closing costs hold you back. At Jhenesis Mortgage, we specialize in helping first-time buyers navigate Florida’s assistance programs. Contact Stacy Ann Stephens today to get pre-approved and start your journey to homeownership!
Call: 203-910-5549 | Email: stacyann@jhenesismortgage.com
Contact Jhenesis Mortgage
Stacy Ann Stephens, Mortgage Broker
Cell: 203-910-5549 | Office: 407-630-9766
NMLS: 2532705
Email: stacyann@jhenesismortgage.com
Website: www.jhenesismortgage.com
Down Payment Programs: Let's see if you're eligible