Access $10,000 in down payment or closing cost assistance with 0% interest and no monthly payments. Backed by Florida Housing, available with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans.
Verify Your Florida Assist Second Mortgage Eligibility
The Florida Assist (FL Assist) Second Mortgage Program is a state-backed initiative that helps eligible homebuyers in Florida afford the upfront costs of purchasing a home.
It provides up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through a second mortgage with 0% interest and no monthly payments.
Unlike traditional second loans, repayment is deferred and only becomes due when the home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or no longer used as a primary residence.
This makes FL Assist a powerful tool for easing the financial burden of buying your first home in Florida.
Homebuyers using the Florida Assist Second Mortgage Program gain access to a number of valuable advantages:
Up to $10,000 in financial assistance for your down payment or closing costs.
0% interest over the life of the second mortgage.
No required monthly payments, helping reduce your overall monthly housing expenses.
Deferred repayment, only due when you sell, refinance, or move out.
Can be combined with other Florida Housing programs for greater affordability.
Available statewide through approved participating lenders.
Helps buyers increase purchasing power and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
These features make FL Assist one of the most flexible and affordable down payment assistance programs in Florida.
The Florida Assist program is designed to support low- to moderate-income homebuyers who need help covering upfront costs. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
Be a first-time homebuyer, a qualified military veteran, or purchase in a Florida targeted area.
Use an eligible Florida Housing first mortgage.
Meet income limits and purchase price caps based on your county and household size.
Occupy the home as your primary residence.
Complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing.
Additional criteria may apply based on lender, loan type, and local program guidelines.
The FL Assist Second Mortgage Program works in combination with the following Florida Housing first mortgage loan types:
FHA Loans
VA Loans
USDA Loans
Conventional Loans (Freddie Mac HFA Advantage or Fannie Mae HFA Preferred)
These loans must be originated through lenders approved by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Each loan type has its own guidelines for credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and other underwriting criteria, which your lender will review during the process.
Getting started with the Florida Assist Second Mortgage Program is straightforward, but it requires working with a participating lender and following Florida Housing’s process. Here’s how it typically works:
Check your eligibility online based on location, income, and loan type.
Work with a Florida Housing-approved lender who can offer the FL Assist loan.
Complete a homebuyer education course before final approval.
Submit all required financial documentation with your loan application.
Close on your home with up to $10,000 in down payment assistance applied at closing.
By following these steps, qualified buyers can reduce the upfront financial burden and achieve homeownership faster.
Get clear answers to the most common questions about Florida’s $10,000 down payment assistance program, optimized to help you make confident homebuying decisions.
The Florida Assist Second Mortgage Program provides up to $10,000 in down payment or closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, deferred-payment second mortgage for eligible homebuyers in Florida.
FL Assist works by offering a second mortgage with no monthly payments and 0% interest, which is only repaid when you sell, refinance, move, or transfer ownership of the home.
No, the Florida Assist loan is not forgivable — the full $10,000 must be repaid when a repayment-triggering event occurs, such as selling or refinancing.
First-time homebuyers, veterans, or buyers purchasing in designated targeted areas who meet income, credit, and property requirements may qualify for FL Assist.
Yes, repayment is required, but it is deferred with no interest or monthly payments until you sell, refinance, move out, or reach loan maturity.
Income limits vary by county, household size, and loan type, and are set by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation based on affordable housing guidelines.
Yes, FL Assist can be layered with other Florida Housing programs, including first mortgage loans and additional second mortgage options for greater affordability.
To apply, you must work with a Florida Housing-approved lender, complete a homebuyer education course, and submit all required documentation for review and approval.
The required credit score depends on the paired first mortgage loan type, but most FL Assist-approved loans require a minimum score between 620 and 660.
FL Assist is compatible with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans, as long as they are offered through Florida Housing-approved lenders.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make — and navigating assistance programs like FL Assist can be complex.
That’s why Florida homebuyers turn to our team for reliable, up-to-date guidance.
We specialize in Florida Housing programs and have helped thousands of first-time buyers access funding, understand eligibility requirements, and close with confidence.
With deep program knowledge, licensed professionals, and a focus on transparency, we make the process clear and approachable from start to finish.
