Florida First-Time Home Buyer Programs for 2026
Looking for Florida first time home buyer programs? Florida has statewide and local programs that can help with down payment and closing costs, plus loan types built for buyers with less saved. Funding and rules change often, so here is how the options fit together and how to find out what is open right now.
Apply Online or Get Pre-Approved Call Sam: (904) 687-9274
What First-Time Buyer Programs Are Available in Florida? Quick Answer
The main statewide source is Florida Housing Finance Corporation, which offers first mortgage programs through participating lenders and down payment and closing cost assistance as second mortgages, including the Florida Hometown Heroes program for eligible full-time Florida workers when funding is available. Many counties and cities also run local assistance through programs such as SHIP. These can be paired with FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans. Income limits, purchase price limits and homebuyer education usually apply, and funding opens and closes in rounds.
Program Types at a Glance
| Program type | What it helps with | Typical requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Housing first mortgage programs | A first mortgage through a participating lender | Income and purchase price limits, homebuyer education |
| Florida Housing down payment assistance | Down payment and closing costs as a second mortgage | Paired with an eligible Florida Housing first mortgage |
| Florida Hometown Heroes | Down payment and closing costs for eligible full-time Florida workers | Florida-based employer, income limits, funding availability |
| County and city programs (such as SHIP) | Local down payment, closing cost or repair help | Varies by county; often income-based |
| VA loans | Financing for eligible veterans and service members | VA eligibility |
| FHA loans | Flexible credit guidelines | Primary residence, FHA loan limits |
Who Counts as a First-Time Buyer?
Most programs define a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned a primary residence in the past three years. Some programs exempt veterans or allow buyers in targeted areas. We check each program’s rules for your situation.
How to Get Started
- Get pre-approved so you know your price range and which programs you qualify for.
- Ask us which programs currently have funding in your county.
- Complete any required homebuyer education course early.
- Shop within the program’s purchase price limits.
Also see our Florida first-time home buyer guide and 2026 FHA loan limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is down payment assistance free money?
Usually not. Most Florida assistance is a second mortgage, sometimes deferred or forgivable, with rules set by the program.
Can I use assistance with a VA loan?
Some programs pair with VA loans. We confirm which ones are available when you apply.
Do I need perfect credit?
No. Programs have their own credit minimums, and FHA guidelines are flexible. We review your options.
How fast does funding run out?
Some programs, like Hometown Heroes, have run out within days of opening. Being pre-approved first helps.
Serving all of Florida, including Jacksonville, St Augustine, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fernandina Beach and Palm Coast.
Talk to Sam
Apply online or call Sam Gorniak at (904) 687-9274.
Saverio (Sam) Gorniak, NMLS #1954721. Atlantic Trust Mortgage, NMLS #239592. Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, and property eligibility. Programs, limits and terms may change without notice. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice.