Last updated: April 2026 · Program availability changes frequently
Down Payment Assistance in Miami: Overview
The biggest misconception about buying in Miami is that the market is too expensive for down payment assistance to matter. It is not. Miami-Dade County runs multiple DPA programs totaling over $100,000 in potential combined assistance. The City of Miami adds up to $70,000 for buyers within city limits. Florida Housing's statewide programs add another $35,000+. The FHA limit here is $667,000, one of the highest in the state, which means DPA programs work on most purchases.
The Miami-Dade County median sits around $565,000. That sounds high, and it is. But a 3.5% FHA down payment on $565,000 is $19,775. The county's PHCD DPA covers $35,000. The MDEAT HAP covers $28,000 and is forgivable after 20 years. These are not token amounts. They cover the down payment and most or all closing costs on a median-priced home.
What most buyers miss: Miami-Dade explicitly allows stacking local programs, up to $120,000 in combined local assistance. That is not typical. Most counties limit you to one program. Miami-Dade built a system where a buyer can layer county DPA on top of county HAP on top of city programs. The math works out to more available assistance per buyer than almost any other metro in Florida.
The catch is that most of these programs require first-time buyer status (no ownership in the past 3 years) and income under 140% AMI, which is roughly $136,500 for a family of four. If you meet those thresholds, the amount of available help is substantial. This guide covers every program, what is open, and how the layers work together.
Quick Answer
Yes. Miami has 7+ DPA programs across county, city, and state levels. Miami-Dade PHCD DPA offers $35,000 deferred. MDEAT HAP offers up to $28,000 forgivable after 20 years. City of Miami offers up to $70,000 within city limits. The Homebuyer Loan Program offers up to $100,000 at 1-2% interest.
On a $565,000 home: FHA down = $19,775. County DPA ($35K) plus HAP ($28K) = $63,000 in county assistance alone. That covers the down payment, all closing costs, and leaves a cushion.
Credit starts at 640 for Florida Housing programs. County and city programs vary. Hometown Heroes is available to qualifying Florida workers (law enforcement, education, healthcare, military, childcare) earning under 150% AMI.
Miami-Dade County Programs
Miami-Dade PHCD Down Payment Assistance
Shared equity provision: If you sell within 1-3 years, 100% of profit goes to repayment. Sell in years 4-6, 50% of profit. After 6 years, no shared equity. You must also contribute at least 1% of the purchase price from your own funds. This is the most straightforward county DPA option.
MDEAT Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP)
The key advantage here is the forgiveness. Stay in the home 20 years and the balance disappears. The program also explicitly stacks with other Miami-Dade programs. Buyer contribution: 1% at lower incomes, 3% at higher incomes. CLTV max 105%.
Homebuyer Loan Program (HLP)
This is the highest-dollar county option. Unlike DPA grants, this is a real loan with monthly payments, though at 1-2% interest. Best for buyers who need more than $35,000-$63,000 from the DPA programs above. Contact the county for current availability and area designations.
HFA Miami-Dade Mortgage Program
Smaller amount but simpler process. Works through the Housing Finance Authority's own first mortgage product.
Stacking is allowed. Miami-Dade explicitly permits combining local programs up to $120,000 total. PHCD DPA ($35K) + MDEAT HAP ($28K) = $63,000 from county sources alone. Confirm current stacking rules with the county before finalizing your strategy.
City of Miami Programs
City of Miami First-Time Homebuyer Program
One of the largest city-level DPA programs in Florida. Contact Miami Housing and Community Development for current income limits and funding availability. This is separate from county programs and may stack with them.
City vs. County: Miami sits within Miami-Dade County. The city program ($70K) is separate from county programs (PHCD $35K, MDEAT $28K). If both allow stacking, a buyer in Miami city limits could potentially access $70K (city) + $63K (county) = $133K+ in local assistance. Confirm with both agencies.
Florida Hometown Heroes
Florida Housing Hometown Heroes Program
Important change for 2025-2026: Hometown Heroes now requires qualifying occupations (law enforcement, fire, education, healthcare, childcare, military). It was previously open to all Florida workers. If you are in a qualifying occupation, this program is still strong. The 0% deferred loan is repaid only when you sell, refinance, or transfer. No monthly payment. On a $565K purchase: 5% = $28,250. Funding is $50M for 2025-2026, half the prior year. Apply early.
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This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. Program availability, terms, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Verify all details with the administering agency or an approved lender. DownPaymentScout is an independent resource. Last updated April 2026.