What down payment assistance is available in Florida for 2026?

Florida offers several DPA programs: SAIL (up to $35,000 at 0% interest), Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000 for community heroes), Florida Homeownership Loan Program (up to $10,000 forgivable over 15 years), and local SHIP programs. Most require 640+ credit and income limits apply.

How much down payment assistance can I get in Florida?

Florida DPA ranges from $10,000 to $35,000 depending on the program. SAIL offers up to $35,000 at 0% interest (deferred, no monthly payments). Hometown Heroes offers up to $35,000 for eligible community heroes. Florida HLP offers up to $10,000 forgivable over 15 years.

Who qualifies for Florida Hometown Heroes DPA?

Florida Hometown Heroes is for employed community heroes: teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, military veterans, EMTs, and other essential workers. You need 640+ credit, meet income limits, and complete homebuyer education. Up to $35,000 in DPA at 0% interest.

What are Florida HFA income limits for 2026?

Florida HFA income limits vary by county and household size. Most counties cap at 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), ranging from $58,000 to $97,000 depending on location. Some programs allow up to 120% AMI. Check FloridaHousing.org for your county limits.

Do I have to be a first-time home buyer for Florida DPA?

Most Florida HFA programs require first-time buyer status (no home ownership in past 3 years). However, Hometown Heroes is available to non-first-time buyers who are community heroes. Veterans and active military are also exempt from the first-time buyer requirement.

Florida Down Payment Assistance 2026: SAIL $35K + Hometown Heroes

Updated August 2, 2026 · 10 min read · By Sarah Mitchell, VA/FHA Specialist

TL;DR: Florida offers up to $35,000 in DPA through SAIL (0% interest, deferred) and Hometown Heroes (for community heroes). Florida HLP gives up to $10,000 forgivable over 15 years. Most programs require 640+ credit and income limits. Check if you qualify →

$35K

Max DPA (SAIL/Hometown Heroes)

Interest rate on SAIL DPA

640

Min credit score

DPA programs available

Florida DPA Programs for 2026

Florida Housing Finance Authority (Florida HFA) offers multiple down payment assistance programs. The flagship is SAIL (State Assistance for Loan Initiative) — up to $35,000 at 0% interest, deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the mortgage. Hometown Heroes offers the same $35,000 for community heroes. Check your DPA eligibility →

Program	DPA Amount	Type	Min Credit	Best For
SAIL	Up to $35,000	0% interest, deferred	640+	Largest DPA in Florida — $35K at 0% interest
Hometown Heroes	Up to $35,000	0% interest, deferred	640+	Teachers, nurses, first responders, veterans
Florida HLP	Up to $10,000	Forgiven over 15 years	640+	Forgivable — no repayment if you stay 15 years
Local SHIP Programs	Varies ($5K-$25K)	Varies by county	Varies	County-level programs — check your county

SAIL — Up to $35,000 at 0% Interest

SAIL (State Assistance for Loan Initiative) is Florida's most generous DPA program. It provides up to $35,000 as a deferred second mortgage at 0% interest. No monthly payments. You repay only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Combined with a Florida HFA first mortgage (FHA or conventional), this can cover your entire 3.5% FHA down payment plus closing costs. Get pre-approved with SAIL →

Hometown Heroes — $35K for Community Heroes

Hometown Heroes provides up to $35,000 in DPA for Florida's essential workers: teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, military veterans, and other community heroes. Same terms as SAIL — 0% interest, deferred. Available to non-first-time buyers who are community heroes. Compare Florida DPA lenders →

Get Up to $35,000 in Florida DPA

SAIL + Hometown Heroes. 0% interest, deferred. Most Floridians don't know this exists.

Check DPA Eligibility →

Florida DPA Income Limits

County	1-2 Person Household	3+ Person Household
Miami-Dade	$79,800	$92,100
Broward	$79,800	$92,100
Orange (Orlando)	$73,600	$84,640
Hillsborough (Tampa)	$79,800	$92,100
Duval (Jacksonville)	$73,600	$84,640
Palm Beach	$84,200	$96,830

Source: Florida Housing Finance Authority, 2026 income limits. Based on 80% AMI. Check FloridaHousing.org for current limits.

How to Apply for Florida DPA

1. Complete homebuyer education (online, ~4 hours, ~$75)
2. Find a Florida HFA-approved lender
3. Get pre-approved for a Florida HFA first mortgage (FHA or conventional)
4. Apply for SAIL or Hometown Heroes DPA simultaneously
5. Close with first mortgage + DPA second mortgage

FAQ

What down payment assistance is available in Florida?

SAIL (up to $35K at 0% interest), Hometown Heroes (up to $35K for community heroes), Florida HLP ($10K forgivable over 15 years), and local SHIP programs. Check eligibility →

How much DPA can I get in Florida?

Up to $35,000 through SAIL or Hometown Heroes. Up to $10,000 through Florida HLP. Local SHIP programs vary by county ($5K-$25K). Get pre-approved →

Who qualifies for Hometown Heroes?

Teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, military veterans, and other essential workers. 640+ credit, income limits apply. Compare lenders →

Ready to Buy in Florida with DPA?

Up to $35K at 0% interest. Most Floridians don't know this exists.