One of the biggest myths in real estate is that you need 20% down. In Florida, a range of down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs can shrink your upfront cash dramatically — sometimes to almost nothing. Here's a plain-English look at what's out there in 2026 and how to find out what you qualify for.
- You likely need far less than 20% down — many loans start at 3% or 3.5%.
- Florida Housing programs pair low-down loans with down-payment/closing-cost assistance.
- Hometown Heroes (when funded) helps eligible Florida workers with larger assistance.
- Programs have income, price, and credit limits and funding runs out — check eligibility early.
First, the 20%-Down Myth
You don't need 20% to buy in Florida. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% down, FHA around 3.5%, and VA (veterans) and USDA (eligible rural/suburban areas) can be 0% down. Less down means less cash up front — and assistance programs can cover part of even that.
Florida Housing Assistance Programs
The state's housing finance agency pairs affordable first mortgages with down payment and closing-cost assistance, often structured as a second mortgage (some deferred, some forgivable over time). Amounts and terms change, so the key is to work with a lender who offers these programs and can confirm current options and funding.
Hometown Heroes & Special Programs
Florida's Hometown Heroes program has helped eligible frontline and essential workers (and, in expanded years, many Florida workers) with sizable down-payment assistance. Availability and funding vary year to year, so confirm whether it's active and funded for 2026 before counting on it.
Want to Know What You Qualify For?
Tell us a little about your goals and a Divito Real Estate agent will connect you with a program-savvy lender and homes that fit your budget and any assistance limits.
Local County & City Help
Beyond state programs, many counties and cities — including on the Treasure Coast — run their own down-payment assistance and first-time buyer programs, sometimes with grants. These are easy to miss because they're local. A good lender and agent will know which apply where you're buying.
How to Find Out What You Qualify For
Programs come with income caps, purchase-price limits, credit minimums, and homebuyer-education requirements, and funding can run out mid-year. The fastest path: get with a program-savvy lender to confirm eligibility, then let us line up homes that fit the program's price limits. Estimate your payment first with our mortgage calculator.
Don't rule yourself out
Plenty of would-be buyers assume they can't afford it and never ask. Between low-down loans and assistance programs, the real number is often far lower than 20% down — sometimes close to zero. The only way to know is to check your eligibility.
The Bottom Line
You may be much closer to owning a Florida home than you think. Low-down loans and down-payment assistance can shrink the cash you need up front — but programs have limits and funding windows, so timing matters. Let's find out what you qualify for and put a plan together.
See What You Can Afford
Get connected with a program-savvy lender and a plan to buy with less cash down — free and no pressure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Conventional loans can start at 3% down, FHA around 3.5%, and VA and USDA can be zero down for eligible buyers. Down payment assistance programs can cover part of even that.
Florida Housing offers programs pairing affordable first mortgages with down-payment and closing-cost assistance (often a second mortgage), the Hometown Heroes program helps eligible workers when funded, and many counties and cities run their own local assistance and grant programs.
Eligibility typically depends on income limits, purchase-price limits, credit score, and completing a homebuyer education course. 'First-time buyer' often means you haven't owned a home in the last three years. Requirements vary by program and change over time.
Hometown Heroes has helped eligible Florida workers in prior years, but funding and availability change annually and can run out. Confirm whether it's active and funded for 2026 with a participating lender before relying on it.