What down payment assistance is available in Orlando FL?

Orlando buyers have access to 6+ programs across three layers. The City of Orlando DPA offers up to $45,000 as a forgivable loan. Orange County DPA offers $10,000 to $70,000 depending on income tier. Florida Housing's Hometown Heroes provides up to $35,000 (5% of first mortgage). Plus FHFC DPA adds up to $10,000. Credit scores start at 620.

What is the City of Orlando DPA program?

The City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $45,000 as a forgivable loan for qualifying buyers purchasing within Orlando city limits. Contact the city's Housing and Community Development division for current income limits, credit requirements, and funding availability.

What is Florida Hometown Heroes?

Florida Hometown Heroes is a statewide program offering up to 5% of the first mortgage (max $35,000) as a deferred second loan with 0% interest. Available to all Florida workers, not just first responders despite the name. First-time buyer required. 640 credit minimum. Income capped at 150% AMI.

What credit score do I need for DPA in Orlando?

Florida Housing programs (Hometown Heroes, FHFC DPA) require 640 minimum. City and county program requirements vary. Most Orlando buyers with 640+ credit have access to all programs.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?

Hometown Heroes requires first-time buyer status (no ownership in past 3 years). City and county programs may have their own requirements. Contact each program directly.

What is the FHA loan limit in Orlando?

The FHA limit for Orange County is approximately $541,287. Orlando's median of around $380,000 is below this, so FHA-based programs work on most purchases.

Can I combine Orlando DPA programs?

City of Orlando DPA and Orange County DPA serve overlapping geographic areas but may not stack. Hometown Heroes includes its own first mortgage. Confirm stacking with your lender before assuming.

What income limits apply?

Hometown Heroes caps at 150% AMI. Orange County DPA tiers range from very low to moderate income. City of Orlando has its own limits. Orange County AMI is approximately $75,000 for a family of 4. At 150% AMI, Hometown Heroes allows incomes up to approximately $112,500.

How does the Hometown Heroes name work?

Despite the name, Hometown Heroes is available to all W-2 employed Florida residents, not just first responders. The name refers to anyone who works and contributes to their community. Teachers, healthcare workers, retail employees, and office workers all qualify.

Down Payment Assistance Orlando FL 2026 | 6+ Programs, Up to $70K County DPA

Q: What is the Orange County DPA program?

Orange County DPA provides between $10,000 and $70,000 as a forgivable loan, with the amount varying by income tier. Higher assistance amounts are available to lower-income households. Covers all of Orange County including Orlando. Contact Orange County Housing at (407) 836-5150.

Last updated: April 2026 · Program availability changes frequently

Down Payment Assistance in Orlando: Overview

Orlando has one of the strongest DPA ecosystems in Florida. The city runs its own program ($45,000 forgivable). Orange County runs a separate program ($10,000 to $70,000 depending on income tier). And Florida Housing's Hometown Heroes covers up to $35,000 statewide. A first-time buyer in Orlando can potentially access three separate layers of assistance simultaneously.

Orlando's median home price sits around $380,000. A 3.5% FHA down payment on that is $13,300. Orange County's DPA at the higher tiers covers $70,000. That is more than five times the minimum FHA down payment. Even at the lower tiers ($10,000-$25,000), the county program covers the full down payment or comes close.

Florida Housing's Hometown Heroes program deserves special attention. Despite the name, it is not limited to first responders. Any W-2 employed Florida resident qualifies. Teachers, healthcare workers, hospitality employees, office workers. The program covers up to 5% of the first mortgage (max $35,000) as a 0% interest deferred loan. It requires first-time buyer status and a 640 credit score. For a city built on tourism and hospitality, this program was designed for Orlando's workforce.

The FHA limit for Orange County is approximately $541,287. Orlando's median is $380,000. Every FHA-based program works on the vast majority of purchases. This guide covers what is open, how the three layers compare, and which path makes sense for different buyer profiles.

Quick Answer

Yes. Orlando has 6+ DPA programs across city, county, and state levels. Orange County DPA offers up to $70,000 (income-tiered). City of Orlando DPA offers $45,000 forgivable. Hometown Heroes offers $35,000 deferred.

On a $380,000 home: FHA down = $13,300. Orange County DPA at lower income tiers can cover $40,000-$70,000, handling the down payment, all closing costs, and then some. Hometown Heroes covers $19,000 (5%) as a deferred loan.

Credit starts at 620 for some programs, 640 for Hometown Heroes. Hometown Heroes is open to all employed FL residents, not just first responders.

Orlando and Orange County Programs

Verify Funding Orange County

Orange County Down Payment Assistance

Amount: $10,000 to $70,000 (income-tiered)

Type: Forgivable loan

Coverage: All of Orange County (includes Orlando)

Contact: (407) 836-5150

Higher assistance amounts are available to lower-income households. The tiered structure means a buyer at 50% AMI may receive significantly more than a buyer at 80% AMI. Contact Orange County Housing for the current tier schedule and funding availability.

Verify Funding City of Orlando

City of Orlando DPA

Amount: Up to $45,000

Type: Forgivable loan

Coverage: Orlando city limits

Contact the City of Orlando Housing and Community Development for current income limits, credit requirements, and how this interacts with the county program.

City vs. County: Orlando sits within Orange County, so both programs may technically cover the same property. Whether they stack is a separate question. Contact both programs and your lender to confirm. Do not assume you can combine them without verification.

Florida Hometown Heroes

Open Statewide

Florida Housing Hometown Heroes Program

Amount: Up to 5% of first mortgage (max $35,000)

Type: 0% interest deferred second loan

Income limit: 150% AMI (~$112,500 in Orange Co.)

First-time buyer: Required

Credit score: 640 minimum

Employment: Must be employed by a FL-based employer

The name is misleading. Hometown Heroes is not limited to first responders, military, or teachers. Any W-2 employed Florida resident qualifies. Hospitality workers, retail employees, healthcare staff, office workers. If you work in Florida and have not owned a home in 3 years, you likely qualify. The 0% interest deferred loan is repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer. No monthly payment.

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Florida DPA Programs DPA in Tampa DPA in Jacksonville DPA in Miami DPA in St. Petersburg First-Time Buyer Guide: Florida Chenoa Fund Guide Eligibility Tool

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. Program availability changes frequently.

Down Payment Assistance in Orlando, Florida