The down payment is the single biggest barrier for most first-time buyers in Florida. With median home prices in Orlando hovering around $380,000, even a 3.5% FHA down payment requires over $13,000 — before closing costs. Down Payment Assistance programs exist specifically to bridge this gap, and most buyers don't know they exist.
What Is Down Payment Assistance?
Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs are grants or second mortgages provided by state, county, or local housing agencies to help qualified buyers cover their down payment and closing costs. Some programs are forgivable — meaning you never have to repay them if you stay in the home for a set period. Others are deferred second mortgages with 0% interest that are repaid when you sell or refinance.
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Book a Strategy Call →Florida Housing Finance Corporation Programs
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) administers the state's primary DPA programs, available through approved lenders like Skyline Mortgage:
- ▸Florida Assist: Up to $10,000 as a 0%, non-amortizing second mortgage — repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage
- ▸Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP): Up to $10,000 at 3% interest over 15 years — monthly payment of approximately $69/month
- ▸HFA Preferred Grant: 3–5% of the loan amount as a forgivable grant — forgiven over 5 years at 20% per year
- ▸Salute Our Soldiers: Additional assistance for military veterans and active-duty service members
Income Limits for Florida DPA Programs
All FHFC programs have income limits based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county. In Orange County (Orlando), the 2025 income limits for a household of 1–2 people are approximately $80,000–$90,000. Limits are higher for larger households. Skyline Mortgage will verify your income against current limits before you apply.
How to Stack Multiple DPA Programs
The most powerful strategy is combining multiple programs. For example, a first-time buyer in Orange County could combine the Florida Assist ($10,000) with a county-specific grant ($7,500) and an employer assistance program — potentially covering the entire down payment and closing costs on a $350,000 home. Skyline Mortgage specializes in identifying and stacking every program you qualify for.
Pro Tip: Many buyers qualify for more assistance than they realize. Always ask your loan officer to run a full DPA analysis before assuming you need to bring cash to closing.
What You Need to Qualify
- ▸Minimum credit score of 620 (some programs require 640+)
- ▸Income at or below the program's AMI limit for your county
- ▸First-time homebuyer status (no homeownership in the past 3 years) for most programs
- ▸Completion of an approved homebuyer education course (available online, 6–8 hours)
- ▸Purchase of a primary residence (investment properties are not eligible)
Most DPA programs pair with FHA loans. Learn how FHA loans work and whether you qualify.
New to the homebuying process? Read our complete First-Time Homebuyer Checklist for Florida — from pre-approval to closing day.
Written by
The Skyline Mortgage Team
NMLS #2386002 · Licensed in FL, GA, TN, TX & CO
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Loan programs, rates, and requirements are subject to change. Contact Skyline Mortgage for current program availability and personalized guidance.