Think you can't afford a down payment? Or that your credit score is keeping you from buying your first home?
That's completely normal — those are the worries almost every first-time homebuyer has. And in most cases, those worries are based on myths, not facts.
Here's the truth: there are more down payment and closing cost assistance programs available in Orlando and Florida right now than most people realize. Some offer tens of thousands of dollars in help. Many are designed specifically for first-time buyers. And a lot of people who qualify never apply — because they don't know these programs exist.
We help more people into their dream home. Part of that means making sure you know what's available. Let's break down every program that could help you buy a home in Orlando.
First: What Counts as a "First-Time Homebuyer"?
You might qualify as a first-time homebuyer even if you've owned a home before. Most programs define "first-time" as anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the past three years.
So if you sold your last home in 2022 or earlier, you may still qualify for first-time homebuyer programs in 2026. Don't count yourself out — check.
The Programs Available to Orlando Homebuyers
1. City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program
Up to $45,000 toward your down payment and closing costs.
This is one of the most generous local programs in Florida — and it's specific to homes inside Orlando city limits.
| Income Level | Maximum Assistance |
|---|---|
| Very low-income buyers | Up to $70,000 |
| Low-income buyers | Up to $40,000 |
| Moderate-income buyers | Up to $10,000–$45,000 |
How it works:
- The assistance is a 0% interest, forgivable loan — you don't make monthly payments on it
- The loan is forgiven over a set period (typically 10–20 years) as long as you live in the home
- You must complete a homebuyer education course
- You must contribute at least $1,000 of your own funds toward the purchase
- The home must be within Orlando city limits
Important note: The City of Orlando periodically pauses new applications when funding cycles reset. Check the City of Orlando Housing Assistance page for current availability, or ask your loan officer — we track this for you.
2. Orange County SHIP Down Payment Assistance
Up to $70,000 for eligible buyers in Orange County (including areas outside Orlando city limits).
Orange County's State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program provides down payment and closing cost assistance based on income level:
| Income Level | Maximum Assistance |
|---|---|
| Very low-income (≤50% AMI) | Up to $70,000 |
| Low-income (≤80% AMI) | Up to $40,000 |
| Moderate-income (≤120% AMI) | Up to $10,000 |
How it works:
- Forgivable second mortgage — no monthly payments
- Income limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI) for Orange County
- Must be a first-time homebuyer (or not owned a home in 3 years)
- Homebuyer education course required
Good to know: SHIP funds are allocated annually and can run out. Apply early in the funding cycle — your loan officer can help time it right.
3. Florida Assist (FL Assist) — Statewide Program
Up to $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
This is Florida Housing Finance Corporation's flagship assistance program, available statewide — including all Orlando-area counties.
How it works:
- 0% interest, deferred second mortgage — no monthly payments
- The loan is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage, or at the end of the 30-year term
- Can be used with conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans
- Available through approved lenders (CrossCountry Mortgage is one)
Who it's for: Anyone who meets the income limits and is using an eligible loan program. This stacks well with other programs in some cases.
4. Florida Hometown Heroes Program
Up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
Hometown Heroes is designed for Florida's community workforce — teachers, nurses, first responders, law enforcement, military veterans, and dozens of other eligible professions.
| Loan Amount | Assistance (5% of loan) |
|---|---|
| $200,000 or less | $10,000 (minimum) |
| $250,000 | $12,500 |
| $500,000 | $25,000 |
| $700,000 | $35,000 (maximum) |
How it works:
- Assistance = 5% of your total first mortgage loan amount, capped at $35,000
- 0% interest, deferred second mortgage — no monthly payments
- Income limit for Orange/Osceola/Seminole counties: ~$158,100 for a 1–4 person household (2026)
- Must work at least 35 hours/week in an eligible profession
- $0 origination fee
Who it's for: If you work in an essential profession — healthcare, education, public safety, military, social services, and many others — this is one of the most powerful programs available. Check the full eligible occupation list or ask us.
5. Osceola County Purchase Assistance (For South Orlando/Kissimmee Area)
If you're looking south of Orlando toward Kissimmee/St. Cloud, Osceola County offers its own SHIP-funded purchase assistance:
- Income limit: up to 120% of area median income
- Down payment and closing cost assistance
- Contact Osceola County Housing: 407-742-8400
How These Programs Stack Together
One of the most common questions we hear: Can I combine programs?
The answer is: sometimes, yes. Here's the general picture:
- City of Orlando DPA or Orange County SHIP can often be used as your primary assistance
- FL Assist ($10,000) can sometimes be layered on top
- Hometown Heroes can sometimes replace or supplement FL Assist
- VA and FHA loans are compatible with most assistance programs
The exact combinations depend on your income, the home's location, loan type, and current program guidelines. This is where a loan officer earns their keep — they'll map out every program you qualify for and tell you which combination gets you the most help.
Common Myths — Busted
Myth: "I make too much to qualify for assistance."
Fact: Income limits are more generous than you think. Orange County SHIP goes up to 120% of area median income. Hometown Heroes goes up to ~$158,100 for a 1–4 person household. If you're earning $70K–$140K, you may still qualify.
Myth: "Assistance is only for low-income buyers."
Fact: Programs have different tiers. The City of Orlando offers $10,000–$45,000 for moderate-income buyers — not just very low-income. Hometown Heroes has no income-based tiering beyond the cap — you either qualify or you don't.
Myth: "It's a grant — I'll have to pay it back."
Fact: Most Orlando and Florida assistance programs are deferred, forgivable loans — not grants, but not traditional loans either. You don't make monthly payments. The loan is forgiven over time (typically 10–30 years) as long as you live in the home. You only repay if you sell, refinance, or move out early.
Myth: "The paperwork is too complicated."
Fact: There's paperwork — but that's what we're here for. Your loan officer handles the lender side. The homebuyer education course (often online, ~6–8 hours) is the main requirement on your end. We walk you through the rest.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Whether or not you're applying for assistance, here's what you'll need to start the pre-approval process:
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs (30 days), W-2s (2 years), tax returns if self-employed
- Bank statements — 2 months of statements for all accounts
- ID — driver's license or government-issued ID
- Employment verification — contact info for current employer
- For Hometown Heroes — proof you work 35+ hours/week in an eligible profession
That's it to start. Your loan officer will tell you if anything else is needed based on your situation.
Your Next Step
You don't have to figure out which programs you qualify for on your own. That's our job.
Our Orlando loan officers will:
- Review your income, credit, and savings
- Identify every program you're eligible for
- Tell you which combination gets you the most assistance
- Handle the paperwork and coordination with program agencies
- Get you pre-approved so you can start house hunting with confidence
Get PreApproved · Find a Loan Officer in Orlando · Explore Your Options
Go from never — to now. Your first home might be closer than you think.
Sources & Notes
Sources & Notes
- City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance: orlando.gov
- Orange County SHIP: orangecountyfl.net
- Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FL Assist, Hometown Heroes): floridahousing.org
- Income limits and program details: Florida Housing, Make Florida Your Home, and county housing authority publications, 2026