Quick Answer
Florida Assist (FL Assist) — Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers 3 down payment assistance programs with up to $10,000 in assistance (via FL Assist Second Mortgage). Minimum credit score: 640. All Florida Assist programs are available statewide to Florida homebuyers.
Florida Assist (FL Assist) — Florida Housing Finance Corporation is one of the most widely used sources of down payment assistance in Florida, offering 3 programs with up to $10,000 in assistance. Florida Housing Finance Corporation's flagship statewide down payment assistance program, offering up to $10,000 at 0% interest as a deferred second mortgage paired with FL Housing first loans.
This guide covers every Florida Assist program currently available, including eligibility requirements, assistance amounts, repayment terms, and how Florida Assist compares to alternatives like Hometown Heroes and HFA Preferred Grant.
Florida Assist Program Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of all Florida Assist down payment assistance programs currently available in Florida.
| Program | Type | Max Amount | Min Credit | First-Time Buyer | Repayment | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL Assist Second Mortgage | Deferred Loan | $10,000 | 640 | Yes | 0% interest, no monthly payments, deferred second ... | Varies by county per FHFC guidelines |
| Florida Assist (FL Assist) for Bond | Deferred Loan | $10,000 | Varies | Yes | Deferred Payment – Repayable at sale or refinance | See program details |
| Florida Assist (FL Assist) for Non-Bond (TBA) | Deferred Loan | $10,000 | Varies | Yes | Deferred Payment – Repayable at sale or refinance | See program details |
Florida Assist Programs in Detail
FL Assist Second Mortgage
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC)
Assistance Amount
Up to $7,500 (most counties); up to $10,000 in Palm Beach County
Requirements: Cannot be combined with Hometown Heroes program; choose one or the other
Official Program PageFlorida Assist (FL Assist) for Bond
Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Assistance Amount
$10,000
Repayment: Deferred Payment – Repayable at sale or refinance
Official Program PageFlorida Assist (FL Assist) for Non-Bond (TBA)
Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Assistance Amount
$10,000
Repayment: Deferred Payment – Repayable at sale or refinance
Official Program PageWho Is Florida Assist Best For?
Florida Assist is ideal for:
- First-time Florida homebuyers with credit scores of 640+
- Buyers using FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgages through FL Housing
- Households who want the simplest deferred-payment DPA — no monthly payments until sale or refinance
- Buyers in any of Florida's 67 counties (statewide availability)
How to Apply for Florida Assist Down Payment Assistance
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1
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free eligibility tool to see which Florida Assist programs match your situation. Enter your county, income, and target home price.
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2
Find a Florida Assist-Approved Lender
Not every lender participates in Florida Assist programs. Work with a lender who is specifically approved by Florida Assist to originate their DPA products.
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3
Complete Homebuyer Education (If Required)
Many Florida Assist programs require an 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Online options through eHome America and Framework are accepted by most programs.
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4
Get Pre-Approved & Find a Home
Your lender will structure the Florida Assist DPA into your loan package. Some programs have purchase price limits and property type restrictions, so confirm eligibility before making offers.
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5
Close & Move In
The Florida Assist DPA funds are disbursed at closing alongside your first mortgage. No separate application process — your lender handles everything.
Florida Assist vs Alternatives
How does Florida Assist compare to other major DPA providers in Florida?
Florida Assist vs Hometown Heroes
FL Assist is open to all qualified first-time buyers. Hometown Heroes offers up to $35,000 but is restricted to frontline workers (teachers, law enforcement, healthcare, etc). You cannot combine the two programs — pick one.
Florida Assist vs HFA Preferred Grant
FL Assist is a deferred second mortgage repaid on sale. HFA Preferred is a true grant (no repayment) but smaller and paired only with the HFA Preferred conventional first loan. Use HFA Preferred for grant money on a conventional loan; use FL Assist for larger DPA on FHA/VA/USDA financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Florida Assist down payment assistance?
Florida Assist (FL Assist) — Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers 3 down payment assistance programs for Florida homebuyers. Florida Housing Finance Corporation's flagship statewide down payment assistance program, offering up to $10,000 at 0% interest as a deferred second mortgage paired with FL Housing first loans. Programs range from grants to forgivable loans, deferred loans, and more.
How much assistance can I get from Florida Assist?
Up to $10,000 through Florida Assist programs. Top programs by amount: FL Assist Second Mortgage ($10,000), Florida Assist (FL Assist) for Bond ($10,000), Florida Assist (FL Assist) for Non-Bond (TBA) ($10,000). Actual amounts depend on the specific program, your income, and purchase price.
What credit score do I need for Florida Assist?
As low as 640 (FL Assist Second Mortgage). Credit requirements vary by program — some require 660+, others accept lower scores.
What are the Florida Assist income limits?
Income limits for Florida Assist programs vary by program and county. Most use Area Median Income (AMI) thresholds — commonly 80%, 120%, or 150% AMI. Use our free eligibility tool to check specific limits for your county.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer for Florida Assist?
Most Florida Assist programs require first-time buyer status (not owned in past 3 years).
Do I have to repay Florida Assist assistance?
It depends on the program type. Deferred loans are repaid when you sell or move out, with no monthly payments. Florida Assist offers multiple assistance types to fit different situations.
How is Florida Assist different from Hometown Heroes?
FL Assist is open to all qualified first-time buyers. Hometown Heroes offers up to $35,000 but is restricted to frontline workers (teachers, law enforcement, healthcare, etc). You cannot combine the two programs — pick one.
How do I apply for Florida Assist down payment assistance?
Apply through a Florida Assist-approved lender — not directly with Florida Assist. Step 1: Check eligibility using our free tool. Step 2: Get pre-approved with an approved lender. Step 3: Complete homebuyer education if required. Step 4: Find a home and close. The DPA is built into your mortgage.
| Program Name | Type | Max Assistance | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL Assist Second Mortgage | Deferred Loan | $10,000 | Verify |
| Florida Assist (FL Assist) for Bond | Deferred Loan | $10,000 | Open |
| Florida Assist (FL Assist) for Non-Bond (TBA) | Deferred Loan | $10,000 | Open |
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