Exclusive loan programs, grants, and down payment assistance designed to make homeownership affordable for first-time buyers in Florida. Alex Doce has helped thousands of first-time buyers close on their homes over 38+ years.
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Four loan types are available to first-time buyers in Florida — each with different down payment, credit, and eligibility requirements.
As a first-time buyer in Florida, you have access to government-backed loans with lower barriers to entry and conventional mortgages with flexible structuring options. The right loan depends on your credit score, savings, income, military status, and where you plan to buy.
Credit scores as low as 550. Down payments starting at 3.5%. No income limits. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required on all FHA loans at approximately 0.55% of the loan amount annually. Non first-time buyers are also eligible.
Fixed or adjustable rates. Terms from 10 to 30 years. Minimum 620 credit score, DTI below 50%. No mortgage insurance with 20% down. Lower interest rates than personal loans. The most flexible option for structuring your loan.
Built for self-employed buyers, 1099 contractors, and investors. Qualify with bank statements, assets, or rental income — no W-2s or tax returns required. Flexible underwriting, competitive rates, and a path to homeownership when traditional loans don’t fit.
Zero down payment. No mortgage insurance. Closing costs capped at 1% origination fee. Available to veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. Significantly lower credit requirements than conventional loans.
Not sure which loan type fits your situation? Get a personalized recommendation.
Get Expert AdviceState-sponsored programs that provide down payment assistance, reduced rates, and forgivable second mortgages to qualifying first-time buyers.
Florida offers some of the most generous first-time buyer assistance in the country. Through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and related state initiatives, eligible buyers can receive $10,000 to $35,000+ in down payment and closing cost help — often as 0% interest, deferred loans with no monthly payments.
30-year fixed-rate first mortgage through approved lenders. Requires 640+ credit, homebuyer education course, and income/purchase price within county limits. Must be a first-time buyer (no ownership in past 3 years).
Up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage. For full-time essential workers, active-duty military, and veterans. No 1% origination fee.
FL Assist provides $10,000 as a 0% interest deferred loan. FL HLP offers $12,500 at 3% interest. Both help cover down payment and closing costs. Must be paired with a Florida Housing first mortgage.
Forgivable second mortgage worth 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount. Forgiven at 20% per year over five years. Must occupy within 60 days. Available for primary residences, new or existing construction.
Find out which Florida programs you qualify for — no obligation.
Check My EligibilityBeyond state-sponsored assistance, these federal, local, and proprietary programs can further reduce your costs.
Many first-time buyers don’t realize they can layer federal, county, and proprietary programs on top of state assistance. Programs like HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door offer up to 50% off, while The Doce Mortgage Group’s exclusive HomeZero program eliminates the down payment entirely.
Exclusive to The Doce Mortgage Group — a zero down payment mortgage for qualifying Florida buyers. No PMI required. Ideal for first-time buyers who want to keep cash in savings. Learn more about HomeZero.
The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) provides county-administered down payment and closing cost assistance funded by documentary stamp tax revenue. Each of Florida’s 67 counties sets its own income limits, assistance amounts, and application process. Contact us to find your county’s SHIP program.
The federally funded HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time buyers at or below 80% AMI. Administered by local participating jurisdictions across Florida. Assistance typically structured as a deferred second mortgage with affordability requirements.
A local homebuyer assistance initiative providing down payment and closing cost support to income-qualifying first-time buyers in participating Florida communities. Funding and eligibility vary by jurisdiction. Often paired with Florida Housing first mortgage products for maximum benefit.
A HUD program offering a 50% discount on the list price of eligible homes in designated revitalization areas. Available to law enforcement officers, pre-K through 12th grade teachers, firefighters, and EMTs. Must commit to living in the home for at least 3 years. Visit HUD.gov.
Understanding the difference between grants, forgivable loans, and repayable assistance — and which ones are available to you.
The HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage programs offer 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount as a second mortgage that is forgiven at 20% per year over five years. If you stay in the home for 5 years, you owe nothing — making this the closest thing to a true grant available statewide.
Programs like FL Assist ($10,000) and Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000) provide assistance as 0% interest loans with no monthly payments. Repayment is deferred until you sell, refinance, or move out. Not technically grants, but the zero-interest, no-payment structure makes them function similarly during occupancy.
Some Florida counties and cities offer true grants or SHIP-funded assistance that may be partially or fully forgivable after meeting occupancy requirements (typically 5–15 years). Amounts range from $7,500 to $100,000+ depending on the jurisdiction and income level. Availability varies by funding cycle.
Programs like FL HLP provide $12,500 at 3% interest with monthly payments. While not a grant, the below-market rate and structured payments make homeownership accessible when combined with a competitive first mortgage rate through Florida Housing.
Find out which grants and assistance programs you qualify for in your county.
Check My EligibilityKey thresholds across Florida’s most popular first-time buyer programs. Verify your specific county limits with a free consultation.
FHA from 550 · Conventional 620+ · FL Housing & Hometown Heroes 640+
VA & USDA 0% · Conventional 3% · FHA 3.5% · HomeZero 0%
Hometown Heroes up to $35K · FL Assist $10K · FL HLP $12.5K · County grants vary
Hometown Heroes up to 150% AMI · USDA 115% median · FHA no limit · Varies by county
2026 Florida Housing income limits and purchase price caps for the top Florida counties. Limits are set by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and updated annually.
Income limits determine eligibility for Florida Housing loan programs and down payment assistance. Limits vary by county, household size, and whether the property is in a targeted or non-targeted area. All adult household income counts — not just the borrowers on the loan application.
| County | Income Limit (1–2 Person) |
Income Limit (3+ Person) |
Purchase Price Limit |
HTH Income (150% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broward | $122,400 | $140,760 | $679,323 | $172,950 |
| Miami-Dade | $123,900 | $142,485 | $679,323 | $185,850 |
| Palm Beach | $122,080 | $140,392 | $679,323 | $175,650 |
| Hillsborough | $104,300 | $119,945 | $544,232 | $156,450 |
| Orange | $105,400 | $121,210 | $544,232 | $158,100 |
| Duval | $108,599 | $124,889 | $602,915 | $153,750 |
| Pinellas | $104,300 | $119,945 | $544,232 | $156,450 |
| Lee | $102,200 | $117,530 | $544,232 | $153,300 |
| Brevard | $99,900 | $114,885 | $544,232 | $149,850 |
| Pasco | $104,300 | $119,945 | $544,232 | $156,450 |
| Volusia | $98,454 | $113,222 | $544,232 | $147,681 |
| Seminole | $105,400 | $121,210 | $544,232 | $158,100 |
| Osceola | $105,400 | $121,210 | $544,232 | $158,100 |
| Sarasota | $107,600 | $123,740 | $568,292 | $161,400 |
| Collier | $136,320 | $159,040 | $793,937 | $195,450 |
| Manatee | $107,600 | $123,740 | $568,292 | $161,400 |
| St. Johns | $108,599 | $124,889 | $602,915 | $153,750 |
| Polk | $99,874 | $114,855 | $544,232 | $149,811 |
| Monroe | $156,360 | $182,420 | $1,004,062 | $195,450 |
| Alachua | $104,000 | $119,600 | $544,232 | $156,000 |
Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 2026. Non-targeted area limits shown. Income limits are for households of 1–2 persons; 3+ person limits are approximately 15% higher. Hometown Heroes (HTH) income limits are based on 150% of Area Median Income. Limits are updated annually — always verify current limits with an approved lender before applying.
You don’t have to be purchasing a home for the very first time to qualify as a first-time buyer in Florida.
To qualify as a first-time home buyer, you must not have owned and lived in a primary residence within the past three years. This definition, established by the IRS tax credit fact sheet, applies broadly to most Florida homeownership programs.
Previous homeowners who have been renting or in other living situations for 3+ years can qualify again. The criteria are intentionally flexible to help more individuals access assistance programs.
Veterans and active-duty service members are often exempt from the first-time buyer requirement, allowing them to access programs like Hometown Heroes and VA loans regardless of prior ownership.
Buyers purchasing in federally designated targeted areas may also be exempt from the first-time buyer requirement, expanding access to assistance programs in underserved communities.
From your first call to closing day — here’s what to expect as a first-time buyer.
Speak with Alex Doce to review your finances, credit, and goals. Get a verified pre-approval that tells you exactly how much home you can afford.
We match you to the best loan type and assistance programs based on your income, credit score, and the county where you’re buying.
Shop with confidence knowing your budget and pre-approval are locked in. Put in offers backed by verified financing.
Send us your signed purchase contract. We begin processing your loan immediately and coordinate with your real estate agent.
We handle the appraisal, title work, and underwriting. You get constant updates throughout the process — no surprises.
Sign your documents, get your keys, and move into your new home. Welcome to homeownership!
Ready to start your home buying journey? Get pre-approved in 24 hours.
Get Pre-Approved NowCommon questions about buying your first home in Florida. Use our mortgage calculator to estimate your payment, or explore all Florida loan options.
Alex Doce will match you to the best loan and assistance programs for your situation.
Talk to AlexGet a free quote and find out which Florida first-time buyer programs you qualify for. Alex Doce will walk you through every option.
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