Florida down payment assistance

Earn $80k–$200k? You may still qualify for up to $35,000 in Florida.

Many Florida households assume they earn too much for help. Florida Hometown Heroes uses higher county income limits, so buyers in Miami-Dade, Broward and Central Florida may still be eligible.

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Florida Hometown Heroes

5% of the first mortgage amount, from $10,000 up to $35,000, as a deferred second mortgage with no monthly payment; repayment terms are set by Florida Housing.

Full-time employee of a Florida-based employer
640+ credit score
First-time homebuyer (veterans and active military may be exempt)
Homebuyer education course
Household income under the county limit

Florida Assist / Florida Housing programs

Florida Housing first-mortgage programs may pair with additional assistance. Availability and limits vary by county — we check what's possible for you.

First-time homebuyer
Generally 640+ credit
County income and purchase-price limits

Hometown Heroes seed income limits by county

County	Income limit
Miami-Dade	$204,300
Broward	$190,200
Palm Beach	We confirm locally
Monroe	We confirm locally
Orange	$172,350
Seminole	$172,350
Osceola	$172,350
Hillsborough	We confirm locally
Pinellas	We confirm locally
Duval	We confirm locally
Lee	We confirm locally
Collier	We confirm locally
Other Florida county	We confirm locally

As of October 1, 2026. Limits change — we verify before you apply.

Who qualifies

First-time homebuyer — no home owned in the last 3 years (veterans may be exempt)
Steady employment — most lenders look for a 2-year work history
Credit score in the program's range
Household income under the local limit

Florida down payment assistance FAQ

Can I earn $150k and still get Hometown Heroes?

Possibly. Limits are set by county; in Miami-Dade and Broward the seeded limits are above $190,000. We verify the current limit for your county before you apply.

Do I need to be a teacher, nurse or first responder?

Not anymore. Hometown Heroes now focuses on full-time employment with a Florida-based employer. Frontline occupations are still welcome.

Does the assistance have to be repaid?

Hometown Heroes is a deferred second mortgage with no monthly payment; repayment terms are set by Florida Housing and it is generally due when you sell, refinance, transfer or stop living in the home.

I work remotely for a company outside Florida. Do I qualify?

Hometown Heroes requires a Florida-based employer, so remote work for an out-of-state employer generally isn't eligible. We can review other options with you.

Is Lumos a lender?

No. Lumos Mortgage Group is a licensed mortgage broker. We compare participating lenders and programs to find a fit.

See which programs fit you in 45 seconds

Our free checker compares your answers with current program rules.

Check my eligibility

Lumos Mortgage Group is a licensed mortgage broker (NMLS #2598846), not a lender and not a government agency. Program availability, funding, income and purchase-price limits are set by Florida Housing Finance Corporation, TSAHC and TDHCA and change frequently. Results are estimates only and not an approval or commitment to lend. All loans subject to lender credit approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.