🏠Down‑Payment Assistance in Florida
March, 2025
Empowering First‑Time Buyers in Hillsborough, Polk & Orange Counties Florida’s down‑payment assistance (DPA) landscape is expanding—Q1 2025 saw 43 new programs added, bringing the total to 2,509 programs nationwide. These offer average LTV reductions of 6%, enabling more buyers to qualify for mortgages.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program, launching July 1, 2025, provides up to $35,000 (5% of the first mortgage) to full-time workers through a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage. This the perfect program for those families who seek affordability on a moderate income. Here is a list of each of the programs in the 3 counties we serve.
đź“Ť Hillsborough County
– Home Sweet Home & Affordable Income Subsidy Grant offer 0% second mortgages for first-time buyers 
floridahousing.org
– Through HFA, buyers can access up to $15,000, forgivable over 5 years (20% per year), with income limits of ~$59,800 (1–2 pers.) and ~$68,770 – The county actively reviews HUD’s CDBG-DR Disaster Recovery funding, with the BoCC reviewing the 2025 action plan on March 5, 2025—efforts that may support affordable housing initiatives
For More information visit:
Hillsborough County Down Payment Assistance
Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County Florida
đź“Ť Polk County
– The Polk County HFA offers up to $7,500 in 0% deferred second-mortgage DPA for first-time buyers
– Additionally, through the Home Key Plus 2nd Mortgage (via Pinellas HFA for targeted zones), buyers in specific census tracts may qualify for the same $7,500 assistance
– The minimum FICO Score for all loans is 660.
For more information visit:
Polk County Housing Finance Authority
Pinellas County Housing Finance Authority FTHP
đź“Ť Orange County (Greater Orlando)
– Offers tiered assistance: $70,000 (very low-income), $40,000 (low-income), or $10,000 (moderate-income), via a deferred 10-year loan forgiven over time.
– Applicants must attend an approved homebuyer education course, secure a first mortgage, and meet credit (FICO 620+) and residency criteria
– The City of Orlando has currently suspended new DPA applications, pending state-level legislative funding slated for July 2025
for more information visit:
City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance
đź’ˇ Tips for Homebuyers
– Check eligibility: Programs typically require first-time buyer status, income and price limits, and FICO ≥620 (Orange) or ≥640 (Hillsborough).
– Education & mortgage prep: All counties require homebuyer education and a pre-approved first mortgage.
– Watch funding cycles: Polk’s NFC funds are depleted, and Orlando’s city-run program resumes post‑July 2025.
– Explore state programs: Florida Hometown Heroes opens July 1, offering up to $35K on top of county programs.
– Act strategically: For larger grants—or layered assistance—combining county and state programs may maximize benefits.
Ready to take the next step toward your dream home? Contact me for a complimentary 30‑minute consultation. No hard sell—just honest advice to help you make your smartest move yet.
Written by: Andrea Jastemski
