Down Payment Grants & Assistance
Down Payment Grants & Assistance: find the programs you may qualify for
Many buyers qualify for help with their down payment or closing costs and never know it. Programs come from the state, counties, cities and lenders, and each has its own rules. Tell us a little about yourself and, if you're buying in Florida, you'll go straight to a free search of the programs that may fit you.
You may qualify if…
- You haven't owned a home in the past three years (first-time buyer)
- Your household income is under your county's limit
- You'll live in the home as your main residence
- You can complete a short homebuyer education course
- You work in certain professions (some programs)
- You're a veteran or active service member (some programs)
Good to know
- Many "grants" are forgivable or deferred second loans. Read the terms.
- Funding opens and closes during the year, so timing matters.
- Most programs require an approved lender. We can check eligibility.
- VA and USDA loans may need no down payment at all.
Teachers, nurses, first responders and other key workers
If you serve your community, there may be extra help for you. Programs open and close as funding allows, so ask us what's available right now.
Florida Hometown Heroes
Run by Florida Housing Finance Corporation for full-time workers in a wide range of jobs, including teachers and school staff, nurses and healthcare workers, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, active military and veterans. When funded, it has offered help with the down payment and closing costs alongside a first mortgage. Income and price limits apply, and funding opens in rounds and can run out quickly.
HUD Good Neighbor Next Door
A federal program for law enforcement officers, pre-K to 12th-grade teachers, firefighters and EMTs. Eligible buyers can get 50% off the list price of selected HUD-owned homes in designated areas, in return for living there as their main home for 3 years. Homes are limited and offered by lottery.
Veterans and active military
VA loans need no down payment for eligible veterans and service members, and many Florida programs give extra help to veterans. See VA loans.
Local and employer programs
Some counties, cities, school districts and hospitals run their own help for employees. Ask your HR department, and tell us where you work: we'll check what you may qualify for.
Not every job qualifies, and eligibility, limits and funding change. We'll confirm the current rules before you rely on any program.
Common questions
What are Down Payment Grants?
Programs run by states, counties, cities and some lenders that help with your down payment or closing costs. Some are true grants; many are forgivable or deferred second loans that you may repay only when you sell or refinance. Each has its own rules.
Who qualifies?
Rules vary, but common requirements include being a first-time buyer (often meaning you haven't owned a home in the past three years), staying under an income limit for your county, buying below a price limit, living in the home, completing a homebuyer education course, and meeting a minimum credit score.
What programs exist in Florida?
Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers statewide assistance, and many counties and cities run their own. Florida has also run the Hometown Heroes program for eligible full-time workers in many professions, when funding is available. Availability and amounts change; the Down Payment Connect search on this page shows what may fit you.
I'm buying outside Florida. Can you help?
Yes. Fill in the form and choose "Another state". We will look into the programs where you are hoping to buy and get back to you.
Can I combine a grant with an FHA, VA or USDA loan?
Often, yes. Many assistance programs work alongside FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans, but the combination depends on each program's rules and the lender.
Program availability, amounts and rules change frequently and are set by each program administrator. Eligibility is not guaranteed. Down Payment Connect is a third-party search tool.
Educational information only. This page gives general information to help you learn and plan. It is not legal, tax, financial or other professional advice, or an offer to lend. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed professional. Terms of use