A Guide to Homebuyer Grant Programs in Florida: Opportunities and Fun Facts

Buying a home in Florida is a dream for many, with its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture. To help make this dream a reality, several homebuyer grant programs are available across the state, offering financial assistance to those looking to purchase their first home. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key grant programs available in Florida and share some fun facts about the Sunshine State.

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Homebuyer Grant Programs in Florida

1. Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) Programs
   • Florida Assist Second Mortgage Program (FL Assist): This program provides up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a deferred, no-interest second mortgage. Repayment is only required when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.
   • 3% HFA Preferred Grant: The FHFC offers a grant that covers up to 3% of the purchase price for down payment and closing costs. This grant does not require repayment and can be combined with other programs.
2. State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program
   • The SHIP program provides funding to local governments in Florida to create affordable housing initiatives, including down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible homebuyers. The amount and availability of assistance vary by county, so it’s important to check with your local SHIP office.
3. City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program
   • The City of Orlando offers a Down Payment Assistance Program that provides up to $40,000 for low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers. The assistance comes in the form of a deferred payment loan with 0% interest, forgiven after 10 years of occupancy.
4. Hillsborough County Homebuyer Program
   • For homebuyers in Hillsborough County, this program offers up to $20,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs. The assistance is provided as a deferred payment loan that is forgiven after 10 years, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to settle in the Tampa Bay area.
5. Miami-Dade County Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD)
   • Miami-Dade County offers a homebuyer assistance program that provides up to $7,250 for first-time homebuyers. The program is available to those who meet income eligibility requirements and plan to purchase within the county.

Fun Facts About Florida

While you’re considering the financial benefits of buying a home in Florida, here are some fun facts about the state that might make you even more excited about your new home:

• Sunshine State: Florida is known as the Sunshine State, with an average of 230 days of sunshine per year, making it a popular destination for tourists and new residents alike.
• Beaches Galore: Florida has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, with 825 miles of beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
• Theme Park Capital of the World: Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and several other world-renowned theme parks, attracting millions of visitors each year.
• Diverse Wildlife: Florida is the only place in the world where you can find both alligators and crocodiles living together in the wild, particularly in the Everglades National Park.
• Space Coast: The Kennedy Space Center in Florida is the launch site for many of NASA’s most famous space missions, including the Apollo moon landings.

Florida is more than just a great place to live—it’s a state full of opportunities and excitement. With these homebuyer grant programs, you can make your move to Florida more affordable and start enjoying all the Sunshine State has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to the beaches, the theme parks, or the warm climate, Florida has something for everyone.

Find out what Florida Homebuyer Grants are Available Now (888) 882-1058