Florida Assist (FL Assist)

What is Florida Assist (FL Assist)?

Florida Assist (FL Assist) is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Florida.

• Florida Housing Finance Corporation program offering $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments. Repayment is deferred until sale, refinance, transfer, or payoff of the first mortgage. Available statewide to eligible first-time homebuyers, qualified veterans, and buyers in targeted areas.
• $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
• 0% interest with no monthly payments.
• deferred repayment until sale, refinance, or end of first mortgage.
• available with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans statewide.
• no forgiveness — full repayment required at triggering event.
• Funding comes from State.

How much assistance does it provide?

Florida Assist (FL Assist) offers up to $10,000 in assistance.

• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Florida Assist (FL Assist) is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale, Refinance, and Transfer of Title.
• The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Florida Assist (FL Assist) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Florida Assist (FL Assist) limits household income to 115% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Income limits vary by county and household size, set by Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Generally up to 80%-120% AMI depending on county. Eligible veterans and buyers in targeted areas may have higher limits. Check current limits at floridahousing.org.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Florida Assist (FL Assist) caps the purchase price as follows: Purchase price limits vary by county; set by Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Check current limits at floridahousing.org.

• Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, 2-4 Unit, and New Construction.

Where does it apply?

Florida Assist (FL Assist) serves buyers purchasing anywhere in Florida.

• The program targets specific areas: Federally designated targeted areas throughout Florida where income and purchase price limits may be higher and FTHB requirement may be waived. Check floridahousing.org for targeted area census tracts.

How do you apply?

Applications for Florida Assist (FL Assist) go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program before funds are reserved.

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through First-Come-First-Served, and are subject to availability.

3. 3

   Work with a lender who handles the program

   Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.