South Florida Home Buyer Grants & Government
Assistance Directory
Most South Florida buyers are leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table — not because they don't qualify, but because nobody told them the programs exist. This directory covers every active government grant, down payment assistance program, and homebuyer incentive available across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Collier County in 2026. Researched and maintained by Roland Ruiz, Keller Williams Premier Properties.
Whether you're buying your first home, investing in multifamily properties, or exploring FHA financing options, schedule a free consultation with Roland Ruiz — the only Realtor in South Florida with 20+ years as a licensed General Contractor.
Available to eligible buyers in all 4 counties · Can be stacked with county programs
Up to $35,000
Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
Florida Housing Finance Corporation · Statewide
Most Popular
The most widely-used DPA program in Florida. Available to any first-time homebuyer employed full-time by a Florida-based employer — this includes virtually every working Floridian. Teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, office workers, retail employees — if you work in Florida, you likely qualify. Veterans are exempt from employment and first-time buyer requirements.
Amount: Up to 5% of first mortgage (max $35,000, min $10,000)
Structure: 0% interest deferred second mortgage — no monthly payments
Repayment: Due upon sale, refinance, or transfer only
Credit Score: Minimum 640 (580 for some FHA)
Income Limit: Up to 150% AMI — Miami-Dade ~$170,250 for family of 4
Who Qualifies: First-time buyers (no ownership in past 3 years) employed by FL employer. Veterans exempt.
New Construction: ✅ Eligible — including DR Horton homes
Stack With: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach county programs
A 0% interest deferred second mortgage of up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs. Works alongside a Florida Housing first mortgage and can be combined with Hometown Heroes and county-level programs for maximum total assistance.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Structure: 0% interest, no monthly payments — forgiven after 5 years if rules met
Credit Score: Minimum 640
Requirement: Must use Florida Housing first mortgage
Income Limit: County-specific — varies by household size
Paired with an HFA Preferred (Fannie Mae) or HFA Advantage (Freddie Mac) first mortgage, this grant provides 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount as a second mortgage that is forgiven at 20% per year — meaning after 5 years you owe nothing. This is the closest thing to a true grant in Florida's state program menu.
Amount: 3%, 4%, or 5% of first mortgage amount
Structure: 0% second mortgage forgiven 20%/year over 5 years
Credit Score: Minimum 640
Requirement: Must use HFA Preferred or HFA Advantage first mortgage
Income Limit: Florida Housing county-specific limits apply
Active duty military, veterans, and surviving spouses can purchase a home with zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance through the VA Loan program. This is the most powerful homebuyer benefit available in the United States — and it stacks with Hometown Heroes for veterans who want additional closing cost coverage.
Down Payment: $0 — 100% financing
PMI: None required
Rate: Typically below conventional market rates
Eligibility: Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, surviving spouses
Stack With: Hometown Heroes (no first-time buyer requirement for veterans)
Miami-Dade County's flagship homebuyer program provides up to $35,000 as a zero-interest deferred loan for down payment on your first home. No monthly payments required — the loan is due only upon sale, transfer, refinance, or death. Must be a Miami-Dade County resident purchasing within the county.
Amount: Up to $35,000
Structure: 0% interest deferred loan up to 30 years
Income Limits: Individual ≤$95,620 · Couple ≤$109,200 · Family of 3 ≤$122,920 · Family of 4 ≤$136,500
The Housing Finance Authority of Miami-Dade offers a 30-year fixed-rate low-interest first mortgage paired with up to $10,000 in down payment assistance as a deferred, zero-interest second mortgage. Available to first-time buyers meeting HFA income and purchase price limits.
Amount: Up to $10,000 DPA with HFA first mortgage
Structure: Deferred zero-interest second mortgage
Requirements: U.S. citizen or permanent resident · First-time buyer · Income and purchase price limits apply
The MDEAT Homeownership Assistance Program has helped over 7,500 Miami-Dade families since 1995. Layered assistance of up to $80,000 available through a combination of SHIP funds ($40,000 forgiven after 7 years) and HOME funds ($40,000 forgiven after 15 years). One of the most generous city-level programs in all of Miami-Dade County.
For very low to moderate income families, PHCD provides zero-interest deferred loans using SHIP, CDBG, HOME, and Surtax funding. Assistance can be stacked across multiple funding sources to bring out-of-pocket costs to an affordable level. Works with local mortgage lenders to provide second and third mortgage subsidies.
Amount: Up to $35,000 — multiple funding sources
Structure: Zero-interest deferred loans — various terms by funding source
Income: Very low to moderate income — CDBG/HOME/SHIP/Surtax guidelines
One of the most generous county-level DPA programs in all of Florida. Up to $80,000 countywide — and up to $120,000 in Weston — provided as a 0% interest deferred-payment second mortgage with a 15-year affordability period. If you remain in the home as your primary residence for the full 15 years, the assistance is forgiven.
Amount: Up to $80,000 countywide · Up to $120,000 in Weston
Structure: 0% interest, 15-year deferred — forgiven if owner-occupied full term
Requirements: Income-eligible · First-time buyer · 1% own funds · $750 transaction fee to HFA · HUD counseling required
Property: Single-family, condo, villa, townhome in Broward County. No mobile homes or co-ops.
Inspection: Comprehensive home inspection required
The City of Coral Springs offers up to $80,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for income-eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing within Coral Springs city limits. One of the highest city-level assistance amounts in Broward County.
Amount: Up to $80,000
Area: Coral Springs city limits only
Requirements: Income-eligible · First-time buyer (no ownership in past 3 years)
First-time homebuyers in Pembroke Pines can receive up to $75,000 through SHIP and HOME program funding. Must be purchasing within Pembroke Pines city limits. Uses Broward County HUD income chart. Requires pre-approval from participating lender before applying.
Amount: Up to $75,000
Price Cap: $679,324 for SHIP
Process: Get pre-approved → go under contract → lender submits to CRAFLA → income certification → funds reservation → HUD education course
Property: Existing homes only (no pre-construction)
A non-repayable grant (no first-time buyer requirement) of up to 5% of the home loan for down payment and closing costs. Unlike most DPA programs this is a true grant — it does not have to be repaid under any circumstances. Available to any income-qualified buyer purchasing in Broward County.
Amount: Up to 5% of first mortgage amount
Type: Non-repayable grant — never has to be paid back
First-Time Buyer: Not required — open to all qualified buyers
Credit Score: Minimum 640 · Income and purchase price limits apply
5 Active Programs · Brand New $50K Match Program for 2026
Max Available (City — Boca Raton)
Up to $175,000
Up to $100,000
Palm Beach County SHIP Purchase Assistance
PBC Department of Housing & Economic Development
Forgiven 30 Yrs
Palm Beach County's SHIP Purchase Assistance Program provides up to $100,000 to help income-eligible first-time buyers acquire their home — covering acquisition, down payment, closing costs, and even minor repairs. Provided as a 0% interest deferred loan secured by a recorded mortgage. The loan is fully forgiven at the end of the 30-year term. All applicants must have first mortgage approval before applying.
Amount: Up to $100,000
Structure: 0% interest deferred — fully forgiven at 30 years
Use: Down payment · closing costs · acquisition · minor repairs
Requirements: First mortgage approval required before applying · Mandatory virtual orientation · Income limits apply
Income Limits: SHIP: up to 140% AMI (~$114K for 1 person) · HOME: up to 80% AMI
Brand new for 2026 — Palm Beach County launched its first-ever homebuyer matching program, distributing $5 million to help working families purchase homes. The program matches your savings dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000. If you've saved $10,000 or more, the county doubles your investment. Phase 1 used a lottery system for 60 participants — Phase 2 funding availability should be confirmed directly with the county.
Amount: Up to $50,000 — dollar-for-dollar match of buyer savings
The City of Boca Raton offers the highest city-level homebuyer assistance in the entire South Florida region — up to $175,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for income-eligible first-time buyers purchasing within Boca Raton city limits. SHIP-funded program. Must not have owned a home in the last three years. Property must be within Boca Raton city limits.
Amount: Up to $175,000 — highest city-level program in South Florida
Area: Boca Raton city limits only
Requirements: Income-eligible · No homeownership in past 3 years · SHIP income guidelines
The PBC HFA offers two DPA products alongside a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. The Own a Home Opportunity Program provides up to $15,000 as a soft second mortgage at 0% interest due upon sale, refinancing, or in 30 years. The Own a Home Opportunity Grant Program offers a non-repayable grant with no first-time buyer requirement.
Own a Home Program: Up to $15,000 · 0% soft second · No first-time buyer req
Grant Program: Non-repayable grant · No first-time buyer requirement
Credit: Must meet FHA/VA/RD or Freddie Mac underwriting requirements
Process: Through participating lenders — see PBC HFA website for lender list
The Town of Jupiter offers up to $10,000 as an outright grant — no repayment required — funded through HUD Community Development Block Grant dollars. For first-time buyers purchasing within Jupiter town limits. One of the cleanest grant structures available in Palm Beach County with no strings attached after closing.
Amount: Up to $10,000 — true grant, no repayment
Area: Jupiter town limits only
Funding: HUD CDBG funds
Requirements: First-time buyer · HUD income limits · Primary residence
Naples · Marco Island · Ave Maria · Workforce Programs
Max Available (Stacked)
Up to $60,000
Up to $35,000
Hometown Heroes — Collier County
Florida Housing Finance Corporation · Collier County
Primary Program
Hometown Heroes is the primary DPA mechanism for Collier County buyers in 2026. The income limit for Collier County is approximately $170,400 — reflecting the high cost of living in the Naples area. This covers a large portion of the workforce in Collier County's healthcare, education, hospitality, and service industries.
Amount: Up to $35,000 (up to 5% of first mortgage)
Collier County administers limited SHIP-funded workforce housing assistance programs providing $10,000–$25,000 in select areas within the county. Programs are subject to funding availability and target income-qualified workforce buyers. Given Collier's high property values, these programs are particularly valuable for essential workers in Naples, Immokalee, and surrounding areas.
Amount: $10,000–$25,000 depending on area and funding
Funding: SHIP — State Housing Initiatives Partnership
Area: Select areas within Collier County
Status: Subject to funding availability — confirm current status
The Florida Assist second mortgage of up to $10,000 is available to Collier County buyers using a Florida Housing first mortgage. Can be stacked with Hometown Heroes for combined assistance approaching $45,000 for qualifying buyers — meaningful in Collier County's high-cost market.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Stack: Combine with Hometown Heroes for up to $45,000 total
Requirements: Florida Housing first mortgage required · Income limits apply
USDA Rural Development Loan — Select Collier Areas
U.S. Department of Agriculture · Federal
Rural Areas
Portions of Collier County — including Immokalee, Ave Maria, and other rural and suburban areas — qualify for USDA Rural Development loans, which offer 100% financing with no down payment required. Ave Maria in particular qualifies for USDA financing, making it one of the most accessible new construction markets in South Florida for buyers with limited down payment savings.
Down Payment: $0 — 100% financing
PMI: Lower cost guarantee fee vs. conventional PMI
Eligible Areas: Immokalee · Ave Maria · Rural Collier County areas
Income Limit: 115% of area median income
Stack: Can be combined with Hometown Heroes for closing cost coverage
Most buyers qualify for multiple programs simultaneously. Here's what maximum stacking looks like in each county.
Miami-Dade
Broward
Palm Beach
Collier
Florida Hometown Heroes
Statewide · 0% Deferred
$35,000
Florida Assist Second Mortgage
Statewide · 0% Deferred
$10,000
Miami-Dade County PHCD Program
County · 0% Interest
$35,000
Maximum Potential — Miami-Dade County
$80,000
Stacking eligibility depends on individual qualification for each program. Income limits, credit requirements, and program funding availability vary. Not all buyers will qualify for all programs simultaneously. Consult with a participating lender and Roland Ruiz to determine your specific maximum assistance.
Florida Hometown Heroes
Statewide · 0% Deferred
$35,000
Florida Assist Second Mortgage
Statewide · 0% Deferred
$10,000
Broward County Homebuyer Purchase Assistance
County · 0% Deferred 15 Yrs
$80,000
Maximum Potential — Broward County
$125,000
Broward stacking eligibility is subject to individual program income and purchase price limits. $80,000 county assistance is available countywide — up to $120,000 in Weston. Stacking with statewide programs depends on lender and program compatibility.
Florida Hometown Heroes
Statewide · 0% Deferred
$35,000
Palm Beach County SHIP Program
County · 0% Forgiven 30 Yrs
$100,000
PBC Homebuyer Match Pilot (if eligible)
County · Dollar-for-Dollar Match
$50,000
Maximum Potential — Palm Beach County
$185,000
Palm Beach County has the most generous combined assistance potential in South Florida in 2026. The Match Pilot Program had limited Phase 1 funding — confirm current availability with PBC Housing. SHIP and Hometown Heroes stacking depends on program compatibility and lender.
Florida Hometown Heroes
Statewide · 0% Deferred
$35,000
Florida Assist Second Mortgage
Statewide · 0% Deferred
$10,000
Collier County Workforce Housing
County · SHIP Funded
$25,000
Maximum Potential — Collier County
$70,000
Collier County has fewer local programs than other South Florida counties, but Hometown Heroes is highly effective here given the income limits (~$170,400). USDA financing in Ave Maria and rural areas eliminates the down payment entirely.
Quick Eligibility Estimator
Answer 4 questions and see which programs you likely qualify for. This is an estimate — Roland will verify your exact eligibility for free.
Programs You Likely Qualify For
Estimated Total Available Assistance
$0
This is an estimate based on your inputs. Actual eligibility depends on income documentation, purchase price, property location, and funding availability. Call Roland at 305.731.0387 for a free verified eligibility review — it takes 20 minutes and could mean $35,000–$175,000 toward your home purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance is available in South Florida in 2026?
Depending on your county and which programs you qualify for, South Florida homebuyers can access between $10,000 and $175,000 in combined down payment and closing cost assistance. Programs can be stacked — the statewide Hometown Heroes program can be combined with county-level SHIP, HOME, and HFA programs simultaneously.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to qualify?
Most programs define "first-time buyer" as not having owned a home in the past 3 years — not literally never having owned. If you owned a home more than 3 years ago you likely still qualify as a first-time buyer under program definitions. Veterans are exempt from the first-time buyer requirement entirely for most programs including Hometown Heroes.
Can I use these programs for a DR Horton new construction home?
Yes — the Florida Hometown Heroes program explicitly covers new construction. Most county-level programs also allow new construction purchases. This means buyers at DR Horton Homestead communities like Estrella Square, Palm Cay, and Vista Sol can potentially access $35,000 or more in down payment assistance at zero cost.
Do I have to pay the assistance back?
It depends on the specific program. Most DPA programs are structured as deferred second mortgages — you make no monthly payments but the balance is due when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home. Some programs, like HFA Preferred grants, are forgiven after 3–5 years. The Palm Beach County SHIP program is fully forgiven after 30 years of owner-occupancy. True grants (no repayment ever) are less common but do exist — the Broward HFA Grant and the Jupiter CDBG grant are examples.
What credit score do I need for these programs?
Most Florida DPA programs require a minimum 640 credit score. Some FHA-based programs accept as low as 580. For the best programs and maximum assistance, a score of 680+ opens the most options. If your score is below 640, call Roland — there are credit improvement strategies specific to South Florida buyers that can get you eligible within 60–90 days.
How do I apply for these programs?
Most programs require you to have a pre-approved first mortgage from a participating lender before applying. The general process is: (1) Get pre-approved with a lender who participates in DPA programs, (2) Go under contract on a property, (3) Your lender submits the DPA application on your behalf, (4) Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (usually 6–8 hours online), (5) Receive fund reservation and proceed to closing. Call Roland at 305.731.0387 — he coordinates this entire process as part of buyer representation at no cost to you.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
South Florida DPA: up to $185K in Boca Raton, $115K in Broward, $70K in Miami-Dade.
›Florida Hometown Heroes: up to $35K for Florida-employed first-time buyers (640+ credit)
›Miami-Dade PHCD: up to $35K · Broward HOME: up to $80K · Palm Beach SHIP: up to $100K
›City of Boca Raton: up to $175,000 — highest single DPA program in South Florida
›Programs stack: Hometown Heroes + county = $70K–$115K combined in most areas
›All programs require HUD homebuyer education course and owner-occupancy
Direct Answer
How much down payment assistance is available in South Florida in 2026?
South Florida buyers have access to up to $185,000 in stacked assistance. Miami-Dade buyers can stack Hometown Heroes ($35K) + PHCD ($35K) = $70,000. Broward: HOME ($80K) + Hometown Heroes ($35K) = $115,000. Palm Beach County SHIP: up to $100K. City of Boca Raton: up to $175,000.
How Down Payment Assistance Works in South Florida
Most South Florida buyers don't know they qualify for two or three programs simultaneously. The average first-time buyer in Miami-Dade left $31,400 in unclaimed assistance on the table in 2025 — not because the money wasn't available, but because their agent didn't know how to structure a stack.
Down payment assistance programs fall into three structures. A grant is free money — you keep it regardless of how long you own the home. A forgivable second mortgage converts to a grant after you stay in the home for a set period (typically 5–10 years). A deferred second mortgage carries no monthly payment and is only repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer the property — most DPA programs in South Florida use this structure at 0% interest.
Stacking means layering a state program (like Hometown Heroes) on top of a county program (like Miami-Dade PHCD) on top of an FHA first mortgage. Done correctly, a buyer purchasing a $415,000 duplex in Homestead can close with under $5,000 out of pocket. One of Roland's clients — Yolanda and Chris M. — did exactly that in 2025.
Key Requirement
Almost all DPA programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (typically 8 hours, available online for $25–$75). Complete this before you find a property — not after. Many programs also require you use a specific HFA-approved lender. Using the wrong lender is the most common reason DPA deals fall apart after contracts are signed.
The Timing Problem — Why Most Buyers Miss Their Window
DPA programs are funded by legislative appropriations. When funds run out for the cycle, the program closes until the next allocation — sometimes weeks, sometimes months. Broward County HOME has historically gone through its annual allocation in under 60 days. Palm Beach County SHIP waitlists fill in days when new funding opens.
The DPA application must also sync with your purchase contract timeline. A 45-day program approval window means your offer needs a 45-day closing period — sellers in competitive markets don't always agree. Roland manages both sides of this timing problem as part of every buyer transaction.
South Florida DPA Programs — Master Comparison 2026
All programs listed below can be stacked with an FHA first mortgage. Max assistance figures reflect 2026 program caps. Income limits reference 80–150% AMI depending on program; verify current thresholds before applying.
Program
County
Max Assistance
Structure
Min Credit
First-Time Only
Stacks With FHA
Florida Hometown Heroes
All 4 Counties
$35,000
0% deferred 2nd
640
✓ (Vets exempt)
✓
Florida Assist 2nd Mortgage
All 4 Counties
$10,000
0% deferred 2nd
620
✓
✓
Miami-Dade PHCD Affordable Homeownership
Miami-Dade
$35,000
0% deferred 2nd
620
✓
✓
Broward County HOME Purchase Assistance
Broward
$80,000
0% deferred 2nd
620
✓
✓
Palm Beach County SHIP
Palm Beach
$100,000
Deferred / forgiv.
620
✓
✓
City of Boca Raton First-Time Buyer
Palm Beach
$175,000
Deferred 2nd
620
✓
✓
Collier County SHIP
Collier
$40,000
Deferred 2nd
620
✓
✓
All figures current as of June 2026. Program availability subject to funding cycles. Contact Roland to verify current status before applying.
The Stack — Real Deal Examples at Three Price Points
Stacking means combining multiple programs on a single purchase. Every program below is a deferred second mortgage — no monthly payments — sitting behind a standard FHA first mortgage. You own the home. You build equity. The assistance program sits silently until you sell or refinance.
Scenario
Purchase Price
FHA 3.5% Down
Hometown Heroes
County DPA
Est. Out-of-Pocket
Miami-Dade First-Time Buyer
$350,000
$12,250
-$17,500
-$35,000 PHCD
~$2,800
Miami-Dade Duplex FHA House Hack
$415,000
$14,525
-$20,750
-$35,000 PHCD
~$4,200
Broward First-Time Buyer
$425,000
$14,875
-$21,250
-$80,000 HOME
~$0
Palm Beach / Boca Raton Buyer
$500,000
$17,500
-$25,000
-$175,000 Boca
~$0
Out-of-pocket estimates assume DPA covers down payment plus a portion of closing costs. Actual closing costs vary by lender, county, and transaction. Figures for illustration.
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in South Florida
The DPA application process has strict sequencing requirements. Skipping steps or doing them out of order is the most common reason buyers lose program funds they were eligible for.
01
Check Income Limits for Your County
Every DPA program uses Area Median Income (AMI) thresholds. Miami-Dade Hometown Heroes caps household income at approximately $170,250 for a family of four (150% AMI, 2026). Broward HOME caps at 80% AMI (~$86,400 family of four). Boca Raton has its own income schedules. Verify your county's current limits before taking any other steps.
02
Complete the HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Course
Required by virtually every DPA program. The course is 8 hours, available online at eHome America or Framework for $25–$99. You receive a certificate that must be dated before your purchase contract. Do this early — some programs require the course within 12 months of closing, others within 6 months.
03
Get Pre-Approved with an HFA-Approved Lender
Not every mortgage lender can process DPA second mortgages. You need a lender approved by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) for Hometown Heroes, and by the county HFA for county programs. Using an unapproved lender after signing a contract is the most expensive mistake in DPA transactions — it collapses the deal.
04
Submit DPA Applications — All Programs Simultaneously
Roland submits both the state and county applications in parallel on the same day a purchase contract is executed. The approval windows (typically 30–60 days) must align with your closing date. This is active coordination work — not something you do once and wait.
05
Close with the Second Mortgages Recorded
At closing, you sign the DPA second mortgage documents alongside your FHA first mortgage. The DPA funds are wired directly to the title company and applied to your down payment and closing costs. You leave the closing table with a deed, a first mortgage, and one or two silent second mortgages — all at 0% interest, no monthly payments.
GC Advantage
Most buyers chase the DPA and skip the property assessment. Then they get 30 days into the DPA process and discover the property has $40,000 in unpermitted work that will fail the FHA appraisal — and they lose the program funds, the earnest money timeline, and potentially the deal. Roland runs both processes in parallel: DPA applications and permit history pull happen on the same day the contract is executed.
Frequently Asked Questions — South Florida Down Payment Assistance
Can I use down payment assistance with an FHA loan in South Florida?
Yes — and this is exactly the combination Roland structures for most first-time buyers. The FHA first mortgage goes through an HFA-approved lender, and the DPA program funds the second mortgage covering all or most of the required 3.5% down payment. Closing costs can also be covered depending on which programs you stack. The key requirement is using an HFA-approved lender who can process the second mortgage simultaneously with the FHA first.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to use DPA in Florida?
Most programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is looser than most people think: you qualify as a first-time buyer if you have not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years. If you owned a home 4 years ago and sold it, you qualify again. Veterans are typically exempt from the first-time buyer requirement under the Hometown Heroes program, regardless of prior homeownership.
What is the income limit for Hometown Heroes in Miami-Dade County in 2026?
The 2026 Hometown Heroes income limit for Miami-Dade County is approximately $170,250 for a family of four (150% of Area Median Income). Limits vary by household size: 1–2 person households have a lower cap (~$136,200), while larger families may qualify at slightly higher thresholds. Income is based on gross household income across all borrowers on the loan.
Can I stack multiple DPA programs on the same property?
Yes — this is the single most important strategy in South Florida DPA. The Hometown Heroes statewide program is explicitly designed to stack with county-level programs. A Miami-Dade buyer can combine Hometown Heroes ($35,000) with Miami-Dade PHCD ($35,000) for $70,000 in combined assistance. A Broward buyer can stack Hometown Heroes with Broward HOME for up to $115,000. The programs must be coordinated through the same HFA-approved lender and the closing must be structured to accommodate both second mortgages.
What happens to the DPA money if I sell the home?
Most South Florida DPA programs use a deferred second mortgage structure. When you sell, refinance, or transfer the property, the principal amount of the second mortgage is repaid from the proceeds — but there is no interest, and no monthly payment while you own the home. Some programs include forgiveness provisions: if you stay in the home for 5–10 years, a portion or all of the second mortgage is forgiven. Check the specific program terms, as each county administers differently.
How long does DPA program approval take in South Florida?
Timelines vary by program and county. Hometown Heroes processes through the HFA-approved lender and typically adds 3–7 business days to a standard closing timeline. County programs like Miami-Dade PHCD and Broward HOME can take 30–60 days for county approval, which means your purchase contract needs a closing date that accommodates this. This is why Roland requires DPA applications to be submitted simultaneously with the purchase contract — not as an afterthought during the closing process.
Do DPA programs affect the seller?
Some DPA programs require a property inspection beyond the standard FHA appraisal — similar to a home inspection, but specifically confirming the property meets habitability standards. This is disclosed to the seller in the contract. More significantly, the longer closing timeline required for some county DPA programs (45–60 days instead of 30 days) can be a negotiating point in competitive markets. Roland structures the offer to make DPA transactions as clean as possible for sellers while protecting the buyer's program access.
City-Level Programs — Maximum Assistance Beyond County Programs
Beyond county-level programs, South Florida's largest cities administer their own homebuyer assistance programs. These city programs can be stacked on top of county and state assistance for total packages exceeding $100,000 in some municipalities.
City of Miami First-Time Homebuyer Program
The City of Miami (distinct from Miami-Dade County) operates its own SHIP and HOME-funded program for buyers purchasing within Miami city limits. In 2026, the program provides deferred forgivable loans of up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs. Key requirements: household income below 80% AMI, purchase price at or below FHA limits, and completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Properties must be within the City of Miami's incorporated boundaries — this excludes Homestead, Hialeah, Coral Gables, and other municipalities within Miami-Dade County.
City of Fort Lauderdale Homebuyer Assistance
Fort Lauderdale's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for qualified buyers purchasing within city limits. The program targets low-to-moderate income buyers (80% AMI or below) and requires the property to be the buyer's primary residence. Fort Lauderdale's program has limited annual funding — applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and funds can be exhausted mid-year. Early application coordination is critical.
City of Hollywood Homebuyer Assistance
Hollywood's program offers up to $35,000 in deferred second mortgage assistance. Income limits are 120% AMI (higher than many county programs, capturing more buyers). The City of Hollywood program can be stacked with Broward County HOME and Florida Hometown Heroes for a total potential package of $150,000 for eligible buyers purchasing in Hollywood — one of the highest total assistance packages in South Florida.
City of Pembroke Pines
Pembroke Pines operates a smaller program at up to $30,000, primarily targeting first-generation homebuyers and essential workers. Income limits are 80% AMI. The city has expanded program funding in 2025–2026 following state SHIP allocation increases.
South Florida DPA Programs — Master Reference Table 2026
South Florida DPA: up to $185,000 in Boca Raton, $115,000 in Broward, $70,000 in Miami-Dade.
South Florida homebuyers have access to multiple stackable down payment assistance programs in 2026, ranging from $35,000 statewide to $175,000 in specific municipalities.Florida Hometown Heroes provides up to $35,000 as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage for first-time buyers employed by a Florida employer.Broward County's HOME Investment Partnership Program offers up to $80,000 — the highest single county-level DPA in South Florida.The City of Boca Raton administers a deferred forgivable loan of up to $175,000 for qualified buyers purchasing within city limits.
Author: Roland Ruiz · FL RE License SL3289724 · Licensed General Contractor · Keller Williams Premier Properties
“Roland walked every inch of the property before we made an offer. He found two unpermitted additions the seller never disclosed. We negotiated $18,000 off the price before we even got to inspection. A regular agent would have missed all of it.”
Marcus & Priya T.
FHA Purchase — First-Time Buyer
Homestead, FL
★★★★★
“Having Roland at the pre-drywall inspection was a game changer. He caught framing issues in two bedrooms that DR Horton's own inspectors missed. They corrected everything before drywall went up. That's something you cannot fix after the fact.”
Desiree F.
DR Horton New Construction
Florida City, FL
★★★★★
“We stacked Hometown Heroes with Miami-Dade PHCD assistance and closed with $4,200 out of pocket on a $415,000 duplex. Roland structured the whole thing — the financing, the DPA applications, the GC assessment of the rental unit. We're already cash flowing.”
Yolanda & Chris M.
FHA + Hometown Heroes — Duplex Purchase
Homestead, FL
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About Roland Ruiz
Roland Ruiz
Florida Realtor · Licensed General Contractor
Financing readiness guidance. Roland helps buyers separate lender approval from a payment that is healthy for real life, including insurance, taxes, HOA, flood insurance, and cash needed to close.
Keller Williams Premier PropertiesLicensed General ContractorMiami-Dade · Broward · Palm Beach · Collier
How much grant money is available for first-time buyers in South Florida?
South Florida has the most generous buyer assistance programs in the country. Miami-Dade County offers up to $80,000 through its Affordable Homeownership Program. Broward County offers up to $120,000 through the SHIP program. Palm Beach County's programs reach up to $185,000 in some municipalities. Hometown Heroes provides up to $35,000 across all four counties and is eligible for new construction including DR Horton communities. These programs can be stacked with FHA loans and seller concessions to reduce your out-of-pocket to near zero.
Can I stack multiple grants when buying a home in Miami-Dade?
Yes — and this is where significant savings are created. A Miami-Dade first-time buyer can stack the county's Affordable Homeownership Program ($80K) with Hometown Heroes ($35K) and an FHA loan with seller concessions. The key is sequencing the applications correctly and working with a lender who understands program compatibility requirements. Not all grants are stackable with all loan types — Roland coordinates the grant application strategy as part of buyer representation.
What is the Hometown Heroes program and who qualifies?
Hometown Heroes is a Florida Housing Finance Corporation program providing up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to full-time workers in Florida. Eligible occupations include teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, military, and other frontline workers. The program is available statewide, works with FHA, VA, and conventional loans, and is eligible for new construction including DR Horton communities in Homestead. Income limits apply by county — contact Roland to verify eligibility for your specific situation.
Do these grants need to be repaid?
It depends on the program. Miami-Dade's down payment assistance is typically structured as a deferred second mortgage — no monthly payments, but the grant is repaid when you sell, refinance, or the home is no longer your primary residence. The repayment amount is often just the original grant amount with no interest, meaning you keep all the appreciation. Some programs are fully forgivable after a set period (typically 5-10 years) if you maintain the property as your primary residence. Roland explains the specific repayment terms for each program you qualify for before you commit.
