Resources for Florida Homeowners and Home Buyers

Florida Homebuyer & Homeowner Resources

Buying a home, especially your first one, can feel overwhelming. If you are dealing with financial pressure, behind on payments, or considering a distressed property, it can feel even heavier.

You are not alone. Florida offers legitimate state, county, and federal programs designed to help first-time buyers, homeowners facing hardship, and families working to stabilize their housing situation.

Below is a list of official resources. These programs may offer:

• Down payment and closing cost assistance
• First-time homebuyer education
• Foreclosure prevention counseling
• Mortgage assistance programs
• Federal loan information

If you are unsure where to start, review the options and reach out directly to the program administrator. If you would rather talk it through first, contact us. We will point you in the right direction.

Important Note

Program guidelines, funding availability, and website links change regularly. While we do our best to keep this page updated, we recommend confirming details directly with the agency before making decisions based on eligibility or deadlines.

Florida Housing Foreclosure Prevention Resources >

Links to foreclosure counseling, Florida Hardest-Hit Fund programs, and other state foreclosure help.

SHIP Foreclosure Prevention Programs >

Local county SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) funds can cover delinquent mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and counseling to prevent foreclosure.

Mortgage Foreclosure Intervention (Local Programs) >

Some municipalities, like Gainesville and Jacksonville, offer foreclosure intervention with financial help or counseling to avoid foreclosure when behind on payments.

HUD Foreclosure Avoidance Resources >

Federal resource with national guidance on avoiding foreclosure, loss mitigation options, and lender negotiation tips.

HOPE NOW Alliance Hotline >

National alliance offering free mortgage counseling to homeowners at risk of foreclosure; includes a 24/7 hotline (1-888-995-HOPE).

City/County First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Many Florida cities/counties provide local assistance (down payment/closing cost help):

• Boca Raton First-Time Homebuyers Program >
• Clearwater First-Time Homebuyers Program >
• Coral Springs Purchase Assistance >
• Daytona Beach First-Time Homebuyers Program >
• Jacksonville Head Start to Homeownership (H2H) >
• Gainesville First-Time Homebuyers Program >
• Orlando Down Payment Assistance >
• West Palm Beach First-Time Homebuyers Program >

(Note: Cities update amounts and eligibility frequently; link to each city program for details.)

Pinellas County First-Time Homebuyer Program >

Down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time buyers with additional requirements (education class, lender approval).

Orange County Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance >

Offers up to $70,000 for very low-income qualified buyers, with education class and mortgage prerequisites.

Miami-Dade Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance >

Interest-free loans up to $35,000 to eligible income qualifying first-time buyers.

Pinellas Recovers Homebuyer Assistance Program >

Forgivable assistance up to $80,000 tied to primary residence occupancy for five years.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation – Homebuyer Program

Official state program offering 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage loans for eligible first-time homebuyers. Down payment and closing cost assistance is available through second mortgage options like Florida Assist.

Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program

Assistance for first-time, income-qualified homebuyers including certain workforce categories (healthcare, public safety, educators, veterans). Offers down payment and closing cost help plus competitive mortgage terms.

Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)

Federal/state program providing housing counseling and mortgage assistance to homeowners at risk of distress or foreclosure, including workshops on credit, mortgage options, and servicer negotiations.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

Connect buyers and homeowners with certified counselors who provide education on budgeting, credit, buying process, and foreclosure prevention. (Links generally available through HUD or state housing sites.)

Federal and National First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Information on federal loan programs like FHA, VA, USDA that benefit first-time or low-income buyers nationwide.