The idea that you need 20% down to buy a home is the most persistent myth in real estate. In Florida, especially with the programs available right now, many buyers end up putting zero down. Let me show you the four main ways to do it.
1. VA Loans: Zero Down for Veterans and Military
If you're a veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse, a VA loan is hands-down your best option. Here's what you get:
- Zero down payment — no cash required upfront
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI) — saves you hundreds per month
- Competitive interest rates — often lower than conventional loans
- Flexible credit requirements — no official minimum credit score
- No prepayment penalty
The VA loan is a benefit you've earned through service. There's a one-time VA funding fee (typically 2.15% to 3.3% of the loan amount), but it can be rolled into the loan so you pay nothing out of pocket. Learn more about VA loans on our financing page.
2. USDA Loans: Zero Down in Qualified Areas
USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and offer zero down payment for homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. Parts of western Palm Beach County and Broward County qualify.
- Zero down payment
- Below-market interest rates
- Reduced mortgage insurance costs compared to FHA
- Income limits apply — but they're generous for the area
USDA loans are for primary residences only, and the property must be in an eligible area. About 97% of the U.S. land mass is USDA-eligible, including many suburban communities. Learn more about USDA loans.
3. Hometown Heroes: Up to $35,000 in Down Payment Help
Florida's Hometown Heroes program is a game-changer for affordable buyers. It provides up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. The exact amount is 5% of your first mortgage loan amount (up to the $35,000 cap, with a $10,000 minimum), so it may cover part or all of your down payment depending on your loan size. You don't pay anything toward it until you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.
To qualify, you need to work full-time for a Florida employer in an eligible occupation: health care workers, school staff, first responders (police, fire, EMT), public safety and court employees, child care workers, military, and more. You also need a minimum credit score of 640 and must complete an 8-hour homebuyer education course.
The 2026-2027 cycle opened with $50 million in funding, and roughly half remained as of late 2026. Funding is limited and first-come, first-served. Check your eligibility for Hometown Heroes.
4. FL Assist: $10,000 for First-Time Buyers
FL Assist provides $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time buyers. Like Hometown Heroes, it's a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. You can even combine it with an FHA or conventional loan.
If you're a first-time buyer (meaning you haven't owned a primary residence in the past 3 years) and Hometown Heroes isn't an option, FL Assist is an excellent fallback. Learn more about FL Assist.
What About FHA and Conventional Loans?
FHA loans require 3.5% down (not zero), and conventional loans require 3% to 5% down. You can pair either one with Hometown Heroes or FL Assist, and the assistance can cover part or all of that down payment depending on your loan size and the program's funding at the time you apply. It is not guaranteed to cover your full down payment plus closing costs, so plan for some cash at closing. Not sure which loan fits? Our FHA vs conventional comparison breaks down the trade-offs with real 2026 numbers.
Real Example: How Two Buyers Did It With Little Down
A teacher I worked with bought a $310,000 townhome in Boynton Beach using the Hometown Heroes program. Her assistance (5% of her loan amount, about $14,950) covered her 3.5% FHA down payment ($10,850) plus part of her closing costs, and she still brought a few thousand dollars to closing. Your amount will depend on your loan size, and funding availability varies, so treat examples like this as a guide, not a guarantee.
A veteran client bought a $280,000 home in Pompano Beach with a VA loan. Zero down, no PMI, and the seller paid most of the closing costs. His monthly payment was actually less than what he'd been paying in rent. Want to see what zero-down buying looks like for your budget? Run your numbers in our affordability calculator.
Want to Know if You Qualify?
The best way to find out is to talk to someone who knows these programs inside and out. Visit our full financing page for details on every program, or call or text Ryan or Austin for a free consultation. We'll look at your situation and find the path that gets you in with the least money down.
Program details, funding availability, and terms are current as of October 2026 and change frequently. Confirm current program details, availability, and terms with your lender at the time you apply.