🏡 First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Florida You Should Know About
By RAM REAL ESTATE INC.
Buying your first home in Florida? Great news—there are several programs designed to make homeownership more accessible and affordable. From down payment assistance to favorable loan terms, here's a breakdown of key programs available to first-time buyers in the Sunshine State:
🌟 1. Florida Hometown Heroes Program
This program offers up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible frontline community workers, including educators, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, and active military personnel. Benefits include lower first mortgage interest rates and reduced upfront costs. NerdWallet: Finance smarter+1FHA+1Florida Home Loans
💰 2. Florida Assist (FL Assist)
Provides up to $10,000 as a deferred second mortgage to assist with down payment and closing costs. No monthly payments are required, and repayment is deferred until the home is sold, refinanced, or the mortgage is paid off. NerdWallet: Finance smarter+2Florida Home Loans+2LendingTree+2LendingTree
🏠 3. Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP)
Offers up to $10,000 in assistance as a second mortgage at a 3% interest rate over 15 years. This program is ideal for buyers who can manage a small additional monthly payment. Bankrate+1Florida Home Loans+1
🔁 4. FL PLUS Program
Provides a forgivable second mortgage for down payment and closing costs, forgiven after five years of continuous occupancy. This is a great option for buyers planning to stay in their home long-term. LendingTree+1NerdWallet: Finance smarter+1
🏡 5. City of Tampa’s “Dare to Own the Dream” Program
Offers up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to income-eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing within Tampa city limits. Assistance is provided as a deferred loan, fully forgiven after 10 years of owner occupancy. NerdWallet: Finance smarter
📍 6. Local Programs in Other Florida Counties
Miami-Dade County: Up to $28,500 in assistance through the Miami-Dade Advocacy Trust. Florida Home Loans+2NerdWallet: Finance smarter+2Florida Home Loans+2
Orange County: Assistance amounts vary based on income, offering up to $70,000 for very low-income buyers. Florida Housing+2Orange County Florida+2NerdWallet: Finance smarter+2
Pinellas County: First-time homebuyer program offering competitive interest rates and assistance options.
✅ General Eligibility Requirements
Must be a first-time homebuyer (not owned a home in the past three years).Florida Home Loans+4City of Garden Grove+4Pinellas County+4
Meet income and purchase price limits specific to the program and county.investopedia.com+6LendingTree+6en.wikipedia.org+6
Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course.Florida Housing+9Florida Home Loans+9LendingTree+9
Use the home as your primary residence.en.wikipedia.org+4Florida Home Loans+4NerdWallet: Finance smarter+4
📞 Ready to Take the Next Step?
Navigating these programs can be complex, but RAM REAL ESTATE INC. is here to help. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, ensuring you take full advantage of the assistance available.
Call us today at 813-992-9816 to start your journey toward homeownership in Florida!
Note: Program availability and terms are subject to change. Please consult with a housing counselor or mortgage professional for the most current information.
