Down Payment Assistance in Orlando: 2026 Programs and Eligibility

Updated July 2026: Florida Hometown Heroes has reopened with a new $50 million allocation, while several Orlando-area local programs have changed their funding or application status.

Florida Hometown Heroes reopened on July 13, 2026, with a new $50 million allocation. Eligible buyers may receive 5% of their first mortgage amount, from $10,000 to $35,000, while funding remains available.

Start by determining where the home is located and which programs your lender can actually use. A large advertised award does not automatically produce the lowest payment or the best long-term financing structure.

Hometown Heroes Is Back for 2026–2027

The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is again accepting applications after receiving $50 million in Florida’s FY 2026–2027 budget.

The program provides:

• 5% of the first mortgage amount
• A minimum award of $10,000
• A maximum award of $35,000
• Assistance for down payment and closing costs
• No monthly payment on the assistance

The money is provided as a 0% deferred second mortgage. The balance generally becomes due if the buyer sells, refinances, transfers the property, pays off the first mortgage or stops occupying the home as a primary residence.

Eligible employment categories include qualifying Florida-based healthcare providers, K–12 schools, fire departments, ambulance services, law-enforcement and correctional agencies, courts, childcare facilities and military service. The exact employer and employment documentation matter—not merely a familiar job title.

Funding is first-come, first-served. A buyer should not treat Hometown Heroes as part of the closing budget until a participating lender has confirmed eligibility and reserved the funds.

Orlando Down Payment Assistance Programs at a Glance

Program status and underwriting rules can change. Verify them before relying on assistance in an offer.

Orange County Down Payment Assistance

Orange County currently has one of the strongest generally available local programs in Central Florida.

The published assistance levels are:

• $70,000 for eligible very-low-income buyers
• $40,000 for eligible low-income buyers
• $10,000 for eligible moderate-income buyers

Eligibility depends on total household income and household size. Buyers must complete an approved pre-purchase homebuyer education program and qualify for a first mortgage.

For 2026, Orange County uses an area median family income of $97,600. As one example, the maximum income for a two-person household is $46,000 in the very-low tier, $73,550 in the low-income tier and $110,400 in the moderate-income tier. The limits became effective May 1, 2026.

See the current Orange County program information and income limits.

City of Orlando Assistance Is Currently Closed

The City of Orlando’s general down payment assistance program can help with down payment and closing costs for a home located inside Orlando city limits.

However, the city currently states that it is not accepting new applications.

When funded, the program offers up to $45,000 based on income and demonstrated need. The assistance is secured by a ten-year mortgage and may be forgiven if the buyer remains in the home and follows the occupancy and ownership requirements.

A City of Orlando mailing address does not prove that a property is inside the municipal boundary. Many homes with “Orlando” in the postal address are in unincorporated Orange County.

The city may also create property-specific affordable-homeownership initiatives. Those limited opportunities should not be confused with a general citywide program available for any qualifying property.

Check the City of Orlando program page for its current application status.

Seminole County Offers More—but the List Is Closed

Seminole County’s Purchase Assistance Program can provide up to $145,000 for an eligible existing home, depending on household income and demonstrated need.

The program is designed for first-time buyers with income at or below 120% of area median income. Buyers must qualify through an approved lender, purchase a primary residence in Seminole County and remain in the home through the applicable affordability period.

The waiting list is currently closed, and Seminole County says there is no anticipated reopening date while prior applicants are processed.

That makes it a program worth monitoring—not money a buyer should currently build into an offer.

Review the Seminole County program status.

Florida Assist

Florida Assist provides up to $10,000 when paired with an eligible Florida Housing first mortgage.

It is:

• A 0% second mortgage
• Deferred
• Non-amortizing
• Non-forgivable
• Available with qualifying FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans

There is no regular monthly payment, but the balance becomes due after events such as a sale, refinance, transfer, payoff of the first mortgage or the home no longer being the borrower’s primary residence.

Florida Homeownership Loan Program

The Florida Homeownership Loan Program, commonly called FL HLP, provides up to $12,500.

Unlike Florida Assist, FL HLP is an amortizing second mortgage carrying a 3% interest rate over 30 years. It creates a monthly payment that must be included in the buyer’s debt-to-income and affordability calculations.

That is why comparing programs solely by the amount of assistance can be misleading. A smaller deferred loan may fit a buyer better than a larger loan with a required payment—or vice versa.

Review the Florida Housing homebuyer program overview.

Are These Grants or Loans?

Most Orlando down payment assistance is not free money with no strings attached.

Common structures include:

• Deferred second mortgages
• Forgivable loans
• Amortizing second mortgages
• Property-specific subsidies
• Occasional true grants

Before accepting assistance, determine:

1. Whether monthly payments are required
2. When repayment is triggered
3. Whether the loan is forgiven over time
4. What happens if you refinance
5. What happens if you move or rent the property
6. Whether appreciation or resale restrictions apply
7. Whether the assistance affects the first-mortgage rate

Can Down Payment Assistance Programs Be Combined?

Sometimes, but stacking is not automatic.

The first-mortgage lender and every program administrator must approve the combination. The lender must also account for subordinate liens, combined loan-to-value limits, repayment requirements and closing deadlines.

Before writing an offer, get written answers to these questions:

• Which program is currently funded?
• Has eligibility been reviewed?
• Can it be combined with another program?
• Has the money been reserved?
• How long will approval take?
• What is the complete monthly payment?
• How much cash will remain after closing?

The Assistance Amount Is Not the Affordability Test

Down payment assistance is most helpful when a buyer can reasonably manage the ongoing cost of homeownership but needs help overcoming the cash-to-close hurdle.

It does not turn an unsustainable monthly payment into a sustainable one.

A buyer still needs room for:

• Principal and interest
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Mortgage insurance
• HOA or CDD fees
• Repairs and maintenance
• Emergency savings

A $35,000 second mortgage may help someone reach the closing table. It does not make the roof, air conditioner or insurance renewal suddenly develop manners.

How to Get Started

1. Identify the city and county where you expect to buy.
2. Check current program status and income limits.
3. Complete approved homebuyer education early.
4. Speak with a participating lender.
5. Compare the full payment, not merely the assistance amount.
6. Obtain written confirmation of eligibility and available funds.
7. Search for homes that fit the program and the actual household budget.