Money Matters
Programs That Help You Buy Sooner
Most buyers don't realize how many programs exist to help them. From down payment assistance to special loan types, Florida has some of the best homebuyer support in the country. Here's everything you need to know. Contact Austin Edwards at 561-426-8238 to find out if you qualify.
Hometown Heroes
Up to $35,000 toward your home
Florida's Hometown Heroes program is one of the biggest opportunities for affordable homebuyers. It offers up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. (Amounts are current as of this writing but may change based on program updates and available funding.)
The program relaunched on July 13, 2026 with $50 million in funding. Last year, funding was fully committed within six months, serving over 3,000 families. If you're eligible, don't wait.
Who Qualifies
- First-time buyers (no primary residence ownership in past 3 years)
- 50+ eligible occupations: teachers, nurses, firefighters, police, EMTs, childcare workers, military, and more
- Must work full-time (35+ hrs/week) for a Florida employer
- Complete an 8-hour homebuyer education course
- Minimum credit score of 640
- Income must be \u2264150% of Area Median Income (varies by county, typically $143K\u2013$195K)
"This program helped us put 5% down on our first home. We had no idea it existed." \u2014 Past buyer client
Other Programs That Can Help
Hometown Heroes isn't the only option. Here are the other major programs that help affordable buyers get into a home. If you are looking for the most affordable communities, check out our price comparison of the cheapest beach towns and guide to affordable condos near the beach.
FL Assist
$10,000 Assistance
FL Assist provides $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a deferred second mortgage. It's available to first-time buyers and can be combined with other programs. Income limits apply. (Program amounts are current as of this writing and may change.)
0% interest, deferred until sale, refinance, or payoff of first mortgage.
FHA Loans
3.5% Down Payment
FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and require as little as 3.5% down. They're the most popular loan type for first-time buyers because of more lenient credit requirements.
Compare FHA vs conventional loans to see which option is better for your situation.
Minimum credit score: 580 for 3.5% down. 500 for 10% down.
VA Loans
Zero Down Payment
VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses. They offer zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates.
VA funding fee applies but can be rolled into the loan.
USDA Loans
Zero Down Payment
USDA loans offer zero down payment for properties in eligible rural and suburban areas. Parts of western Palm Beach and Broward County qualify.
Use the USDA eligibility map to check if an area qualifies.
HFA Preferred
Reduced Mortgage Insurance
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation's HFA Preferred program offers below-market interest rates and reduced mortgage insurance costs for qualifying first-time buyers.
Available through Florida Housing-approved lenders only.
3% Down Payment
Fannie Mae's Conventional 97 program allows qualified buyers to purchase with just 3% down. Credit score requirements are higher than FHA, but you avoid the upfront and annual FHA mortgage insurance premiums.
Minimum credit score: 620. Loan limit applies.
Your Lending Partner
Austin Edwards
Ocean Blue Lending
I work closely with Austin Edwards because he shares my values: honest guidance, clear communication, and no surprises. Austin specializes in helping first-time buyers navigate the programs above and find the best financing option for their situation.
Whether it's Hometown Heroes, FHA, VA, or any other program, Austin will walk you through your options, explain the numbers, and help you get pre-approved so you know exactly what you can afford.
For comprehensive real estate education covering buying, selling, owning, and investing, visit RyanParkerHomeGuide.com
Not sure which program you qualify for?
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Not Sure Where to Start?
Contact Austin Edwards at Ocean Blue Lending at 561-426-8238 to find out which programs you may qualify for. Many buyers in your situation find these programs more accessible than expected.