Florida Programs That Help You Cover Your Down Payment & Closing Costs
The down payment is the single biggest barrier for most first-time buyers in Florida. Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs provide grants and forgivable loans that cover part or all of your down payment and closing costs — so you can stop renting and start building equity. Skyline Mortgage specializes in identifying and combining DPA programs to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
No application. No credit pull. Just answers. · NMLS #2386002
Assistance Amount
Up to $35K
Income Limits
Vary by County
First-Time Buyer
Required (Most Programs)
Minimum Credit Score
620+
Loan Types
FHA, VA, Conventional
Property Types
SFR, Townhome, Condo, Manufactured (post-1976)
Homebuyer Education
Required (Most Programs)
States Available
FL, GA, TN, TX, CO
Text us your scenario — no application, no credit pull, no pressure. Our team will walk you through your options and help you understand the next steps and transaction-specific requirements.
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs are grants or low-interest second mortgages provided by state, county, or local housing agencies to help qualified buyers cover their down payment and closing costs. The assistance is typically paired with a primary mortgage (FHA, VA, or conventional). Some programs are forgivable after a set period of occupancy; others are repaid when the home is sold or refinanced.
Most DPA programs require that you have not owned a home in the past 3 years to be considered a first-time buyer. However, some programs — particularly those in federally designated targeted areas — waive this requirement. Veterans may also be exempt from first-time buyer requirements on certain programs. Skyline Mortgage will identify all programs you qualify for regardless of prior homeownership.
Assistance amounts vary by program. Florida Housing Finance Corporation programs offer up to $10,000 in second mortgage assistance. County-specific programs can provide additional grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 depending on the county and your income level. In some cases, multiple programs can be layered together to cover the entire down payment and closing costs.
Yes. Most DPA programs have income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for your county. Limits typically range from 80% to 140% of AMI depending on the program. Skyline Mortgage will verify your income against current program limits and identify the programs where you qualify.
Some DPA programs are paired with specific loan products that may have a slightly higher interest rate than the open market. However, when you factor in the assistance received, the net benefit is almost always positive. Skyline Mortgage will run a full cost comparison to show you exactly how the numbers work before you commit.
DPA loans follow the same timeline as the primary mortgage — typically 30–45 days from application to closing. Some programs require a homebuyer education course that must be completed before closing, which can be done online in 6–8 hours. Skyline Mortgage will coordinate all program requirements to keep your closing on schedule.
From your first call to your closing day, and thereafter. Skyline Mortgage is with you every step of the way.
Related Reading
A complete breakdown of every major DPA program — income limits, assistance amounts, and how to stack programs to cover your entire down payment.
Read Article →⚖️Most DPA programs pair with FHA loans. Understand the difference before you apply.
Read Article →✅Step-by-step guide from pre-approval to closing day — what to expect at every stage.
Read Article →