Quick Answer
Yes, you can use down payment assistance with an FHA loan in Florida. FHA loans require only 3.5% down, and multiple DPA programs, including FL Hometown Heroes, FL Assist, Chenoa Fund, and dozens of local city and county programs, are designed to cover that amount. Some local programs offer $50,000 to $80,000 in assistance, far exceeding your minimum down payment.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for anyone buying a home in Florida with an FHA loan who wants help covering the down payment. That includes first-time buyers looking at Hometown Heroes or FL Assist, repeat buyers exploring Chenoa Fund, and anyone trying to figure out whether their city or county offers additional assistance that layers on top of FHA financing.
If you already know you want an FHA loan but are not sure which DPA programs work with it, or if you recently learned that Hometown Heroes changed its eligibility rules, this guide will walk you through every major option available statewide and locally.
How FHA Loans and DPA Programs Work Together in Florida
FHA loans were designed for buyers who do not have large down payments or perfect credit. DPA programs were built for the same people. In Florida, the combination is especially common because most state and local DPA administrators structure their programs around FHA guidelines.
Here is why the pairing makes sense:
Lower down payment threshold
FHA requires 3.5% down vs. 3-5% for conventional. On a $350,000 Florida home, that is $12,250. DPA does not have to stretch as far to cover it.
More flexible credit requirements
FHA accepts credit scores as low as 580. Most Florida DPA programs set their floors at 580-640, still more accessible than conventional loan requirements.
Higher DTI ratios allowed
FHA allows debt-to-income ratios up to 50% in some cases. That gives you more room to qualify even with a DPA second mortgage added to your payment.
Wide program compatibility
More Florida DPA programs accept FHA loans than any other loan type. Hometown Heroes, FL Assist, and Chenoa Fund all include FHA as a primary option.
The Math: FHA + DPA on a $350,000 Florida Home
Purchase price: $350,000
FHA down payment (3.5%): $12,250
DPA assistance (3.5%-5%): $12,250 to $17,500
Result: Your entire down payment is covered, with potential leftover for closing costs.
FHA-Compatible DPA Programs in Florida
These are the major statewide programs that work with FHA loans in Florida. Your city or county may have additional local programs that provide even more assistance. Use our free eligibility tool to see everything available in your area.
1. FL Hometown Heroes (FHFC)
Important: Hometown Heroes Changed in 2025-2026
Hometown Heroes previously allowed any employed Florida resident to apply. Starting with the 2025-2026 funding cycle, the program now requires borrowers to work in a qualifying occupation: law enforcement, firefighting, education, healthcare, childcare, or active military/veterans. If you do not work in one of these fields, you will need to look at FL Assist, Chenoa Fund, or local programs instead.
Best for: First-time buyers in qualifying occupations (teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, childcare workers, military) who want strong assistance with no monthly payments on the DPA portion. The 5% / $35,000 cap covers FHA's 3.5% down on homes up to $1M, though practical limits are set by FHA loan limits and FHFC income caps.
2. FL Assist (FHFC)
Best for: First-time buyers who do not work in a Hometown Heroes qualifying occupation. FL Assist is the FHFC's baseline DPA program. The $10,000 flat amount covers FHA's 3.5% on homes up to about $285,000. For higher-priced homes, you may need to combine FL Assist with personal savings or a local program to bridge the gap.
3. Chenoa Fund DPA
Best for: Repeat buyers, buyers with credit scores between 580 and 639, and anyone who does not meet Hometown Heroes occupation requirements. Chenoa Fund is nationally available and always funded. It does not run out like state-budget programs. The forgivable option means the DPA disappears entirely after 36 consecutive on-time payments on your first mortgage, roughly 3 years. No income limits and no first-time buyer requirement make this one of the most flexible FHA-compatible programs in Florida.
For more details, see our Chenoa Fund Florida program page.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Florida FHA-Compatible DPA Programs
| Program | Amount | Type | Min Credit | First-Time? | Income Limits? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hometown Heroes | Up to 5% (max $35K) | 0% deferred | 640 | Yes | Yes (FHFC) |
| FL Assist | Up to $10,000 | 0% deferred | 640 | Yes | Yes (FHFC) |
| Chenoa Fund | 3.5% | Forgivable (36 mo) | 580 | No | No |
| Orlando (Orange Co) | $10K - $70K | Varies by program | Varies | Varies | Yes |
| Jacksonville City | Up to $25K | Deferred/Forgivable | Varies | Varies | Yes |
| Miami (PHCD + MDEAT) | $35K + $28K | Deferred | Varies | Varies | Yes |
| Tampa (Dare to Own) | Up to $50K | Deferred | Varies | Varies | Yes |
| Broward County | Up to $80K | Deferred | Varies | Varies | Yes |
Eligibility: Which Program Fits Your Situation?
The right program depends on your occupation, credit score, whether you have owned a home before, and where in Florida you are buying. Here is a quick breakdown:
Work in a qualifying occupation (teacher, nurse, law enforcement, firefighter, childcare, military)?
Best option: Hometown Heroes. Up to 5% / $35,000 at 0% deferred. This is the most generous statewide program in Florida. You must also be a first-time buyer and meet FHFC income limits.
First-time buyer, 640+ credit, but NOT in a qualifying occupation?
Best option: FL Assist ($10,000 deferred) as a baseline. If you are in a metro area, check for local programs that layer on top. Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Broward County all have programs that can add $25,000 to $80,000 in additional assistance.
Repeat buyer or credit score between 580 and 639?
Best option: Chenoa Fund. No first-time requirement, no income limits, and 580 minimum credit. The 3.5% forgivable assistance covers your entire FHA down payment and is forgiven after 36 on-time mortgage payments.
Buying in a major Florida metro?
Check local programs first. Some of Florida's largest DPA amounts come from city and county programs. St. Petersburg offers $60,000 to $75,000. Broward County offers up to $80,000. Lee County offers up to $75,000. These are often deferred loans with no monthly payments and can be combined with state programs.
FHA Loan Limits in Florida
FHA loan limits vary by county in Florida. This determines the maximum home price you can finance with an FHA loan (and by extension, how much DPA you need). Here are some examples for 2026:
| County / Area | FHA Limit (1-Unit) | 3.5% Down Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Most FL counties (floor) | $472,030 | $16,521 |
| Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach | $557,750 | $19,521 |
| Monroe County (Florida Keys) | $667,000 | $23,345 |
Even in Monroe County at the FHA ceiling, Hometown Heroes ($35,000 max) and several local programs cover the full 3.5% down payment. In most Florida counties, $17,000 in DPA covers the FHA down payment on the maximum-priced home.
Local Programs: Where the Biggest Assistance Lives
Florida's most generous DPA programs are run by cities and counties, not the state. These local programs often provide far more assistance than Hometown Heroes or FL Assist, and many work with FHA loans. Here are the highlights:
Orlando / Orange County
$10K - $70KMultiple programs available through Orange County and the City of Orlando. Amounts range from $10,000 for closing cost help to $70,000 for income-qualifying buyers. See Orlando DPA programs
Miami-Dade County
$35K + $28KMiami's Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD) offers up to $35,000 in assistance. The MDEAT program adds up to $28,000. These can sometimes be stacked for over $60,000 total. See Miami DPA programs
Tampa / Hillsborough County
Up to $50KTampa's Dare to Own program offers up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for income-qualifying buyers. See Tampa DPA programs
Jacksonville / Duval County
Up to $25KThe City of Jacksonville offers up to $25,000 through its homebuyer assistance program. Income limits apply.
St. Petersburg
$60K - $75KSt. Petersburg's city program is one of the most generous in Florida, offering $60,000 to $75,000 in assistance depending on income tier and location within city limits.
Broward County
Up to $80KBroward County offers up to $80,000 in DPA for income-qualifying buyers. This is among the highest local DPA amounts in the state.
Lee County
Up to $75KLee County (Fort Myers area) offers up to $75,000 in homebuyer assistance. The program covers down payment, closing costs, and principal reduction for eligible buyers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming Hometown Heroes is still open to everyone
The occupation requirement is new. If you applied before and were told you qualified, check again. The rules changed for the 2025-2026 cycle. Non-qualifying workers need to look at FL Assist, Chenoa Fund, or local programs.
2. Not checking local programs
Florida's biggest DPA amounts come from cities and counties, not the state. Broward County ($80K), St. Pete ($75K), Lee County ($75K), and Orlando ($70K) all exceed what Hometown Heroes offers. Always check your local options.
3. Thinking FL Assist is enough for higher-priced homes
FL Assist caps at $10,000. On a $400,000 home, your FHA down payment is $14,000. That leaves a $4,000 gap. You either need savings, a local program, or a switch to Chenoa Fund (which covers the full 3.5% percentage).
4. Ignoring Chenoa Fund because it is "national"
Some buyers skip Chenoa Fund because it is not a Florida-specific program. That is a mistake. It works with FHA loans in every Florida county, has no income limits, accepts 580 credit scores, and the forgivable option means you owe nothing after 3 years of on-time payments.
5. Not using a DPA-approved lender
Each DPA program requires you to work with an approved lender. Hometown Heroes and FL Assist require FHFC-approved lenders. Chenoa Fund has its own lender network. Your regular bank or credit union may not participate. Ask about DPA participation before starting your application.
6. Forgetting about FHA mortgage insurance
FHA loans include mortgage insurance premium (MIP): 1.75% upfront (financeable) plus annual MIP in your monthly payment. This is separate from your down payment and is not covered by DPA. Budget for it when calculating your total monthly payment.
See Every FHA-Compatible DPA Program in Your Florida County
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use down payment assistance with an FHA loan in Florida?
Yes. Most Florida DPA programs are compatible with FHA loans. Hometown Heroes, FL Assist, Chenoa Fund, and dozens of local city and county programs all work with FHA financing. FHA loans require only 3.5% down, and DPA programs can cover that entire amount.
Can FHA down payment assistance cover my entire down payment?
Yes. FHA loans require 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. Programs like Hometown Heroes (up to 5%), Chenoa Fund (3.5%), and local programs ($25K to $80K) can cover your entire down payment with room left for closing costs.
What credit score do I need for FHA down payment assistance in Florida?
It depends on the program. Chenoa Fund accepts scores as low as 580. Hometown Heroes and FL Assist require 640 for FHA loans. The DPA program's credit requirement is usually the binding constraint since most set their floors above FHA's minimum of 580.
Did Hometown Heroes change its eligibility rules?
Yes. Starting with the 2025-2026 funding cycle, Hometown Heroes now requires borrowers to work in a qualifying occupation: law enforcement, fire, education, healthcare, childcare, or military. It was previously open to all employed Florida residents. Chenoa Fund and local programs fill the gap for buyers who no longer qualify.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
Not always. Hometown Heroes and FL Assist require first-time buyer status. However, Chenoa Fund is open to repeat buyers with no first-time requirement. Some local programs also serve repeat buyers.
Do I have to pay back FHA down payment assistance?
It depends. Hometown Heroes and FL Assist are 0% deferred loans repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer. Chenoa Fund's forgivable option is completely forgiven after 36 on-time payments. None of these require monthly payments on the DPA portion.
What are the FHA loan limits in Florida?
FHA limits in Florida range from $472,030 in most counties to $667,000 in Monroe County (the Keys). South Florida counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) have limits around $557,750. Your DPA covers the 3.5% down payment on whatever amount falls within your county's limit.
Can I stack multiple DPA programs in Florida?
Sometimes. Certain local programs can layer on top of FL Assist. Hometown Heroes typically cannot be combined with other FHFC products. Chenoa Fund works independently with its own first mortgage. Check with your lender about which combinations your county allows.
Are there income limits for FHA down payment assistance in Florida?
Some programs have limits and some do not. Hometown Heroes and FL Assist follow FHFC income limits that vary by county and household size. Chenoa Fund has no income limits, making it accessible to buyers at any income level. Local programs set their own limits.
Find Your Florida DPA Programs
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