Florida's Premier First-Time Homebuyer Resource
See every program and grant you qualify for. No credit pull. No obligation. Real savings for Florida buyers.
Alexandra Miller
Very professional and informative. Goes the extra mile to help unlike a lot of brokers who just want the sale. I am excited to work with Phil!
Amanda Peters
Ryan and Phil made my mortgage process simple. They walked me through each step, and had great communication throughout. I would absolutely recommend them!
Seth Jacobs
Phil made a deal happen that nobody else could do, because of my self-employment. He was always available for a phone call or text. He is the hardest working guy in the mortgage industry. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Joseph
Ryan was unbelievable from start to finish, answering any questions or emails along the way at all hours of the day or night. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a mortgage.
Annie Cardley
We had a great experience working with Phil. He was very helpful, always responsive and available, and got us a great rate! He was so quick ensuring a fast and smooth closing.
Shelby Kaubris
Ryan was always available to answer questions we had, was knowledgeable and attentive to details, and made the process from pre-approval to closing very smooth!
Michael Rojewski
Phil is the best mortgage guy you could ever work with. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always 3 steps ahead! He truly loves what he does and it shows.
Chris Schmitt
Ryan was nothing short of perfect for us through the entire process. He's extremely personable and knowledgeable. He's our go-to guy from here on out.
Anthony Abbruscato
Phil and his team are an absolute pleasure to work with. We were first-time home buyers, and it was so helpful to work with a team so knowledgeable. The process was seamless and stress free!
Hannah
Ryan was very helpful and made the process of finding the right mortgage easy! Highly recommend working with him!
Felicity Young
Phil and his team were incredibly helpful from start to finish. Phil is always available to answer questions and works efficiently. He has helped us with two mortgages — I recommend him to everyone!
Jordan Yorks
Ryan went above and beyond helping us not only get the mortgage we needed but assisting with the entire process of buying our first home. Made an otherwise stressful process seamless!
Nick Dassatti
We couldn't have been happier working with Phil. He stayed on top of mortgage rates and made sure we got the best rate possible. Much less stressful than we anticipated!
Devlin Passway
Working with Phil was fantastic. He is very detailed and knowledgeable, always willing to answer any questions no matter the time or day.
Alexandra Miller
Very professional and informative. Goes the extra mile to help unlike a lot of brokers who just want the sale. I am excited to work with Phil!
Amanda Peters
Ryan and Phil made my mortgage process simple. They walked me through each step, and had great communication throughout. I would absolutely recommend them!
Seth Jacobs
Phil made a deal happen that nobody else could do, because of my self-employment. He was always available for a phone call or text. He is the hardest working guy in the mortgage industry. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Joseph
Ryan was unbelievable from start to finish, answering any questions or emails along the way at all hours of the day or night. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a mortgage.
Annie Cardley
We had a great experience working with Phil. He was very helpful, always responsive and available, and got us a great rate! He was so quick ensuring a fast and smooth closing.
Shelby Kaubris
Ryan was always available to answer questions we had, was knowledgeable and attentive to details, and made the process from pre-approval to closing very smooth!
Michael Rojewski
Phil is the best mortgage guy you could ever work with. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always 3 steps ahead! He truly loves what he does and it shows.
Chris Schmitt
Ryan was nothing short of perfect for us through the entire process. He's extremely personable and knowledgeable. He's our go-to guy from here on out.
Anthony Abbruscato
Phil and his team are an absolute pleasure to work with. We were first-time home buyers, and it was so helpful to work with a team so knowledgeable. The process was seamless and stress free!
Hannah
Ryan was very helpful and made the process of finding the right mortgage easy! Highly recommend working with him!
Felicity Young
Phil and his team were incredibly helpful from start to finish. Phil is always available to answer questions and works efficiently. He has helped us with two mortgages — I recommend him to everyone!
Jordan Yorks
Ryan went above and beyond helping us not only get the mortgage we needed but assisting with the entire process of buying our first home. Made an otherwise stressful process seamless!
Nick Dassatti
We couldn't have been happier working with Phil. He stayed on top of mortgage rates and made sure we got the best rate possible. Much less stressful than we anticipated!
Devlin Passway
Working with Phil was fantastic. He is very detailed and knowledgeable, always willing to answer any questions no matter the time or day.
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Interactive Tool
105 Programs. 48 Counties.
One Map.
Florida has one of the most generous down payment assistance landscapes in the country — but every county is different. Our interactive map lets you instantly see which grants, forgivable loans, and deferred programs are available exactly where you're buying.
Programs available per county — click the map to explore all 48
Florida Buyer Programs
Confidence Comes With
Knowing Your Options
Explore programs designed to help Florida buyers save thousands
Getting StartedFirst-Time Homebuyer Guide
Everything you need to know before buying your first home in Florida.
Learn More
Save ThousandsDown Payment Assistance
See how much help you can get and which programs you qualify for.
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Up to $35KHometown Heroes
Check if your job makes you eligible for Florida's top buyer benefit.
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Low Down PaymentFHA Loans
Understand low down payment options and flexible credit guidelines.
Learn MoreFind Out Which Program Fits You Best
Takes less than 2 minutes — no credit pull required
Why Thousands of Floridians Trust Make Florida Your Home
Proudly helping first-time buyers in every Florida county — from Miami-Dade to Duval, Hillsborough to Orange.
Florida Mortgage Expert
Expertise
Our team specializes in Florida's first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs. We know which options stack and how to structure your loan for the biggest savings.
Savings
From state grants to local SHIP funds and Hometown Heroes, we help you uncover every dollar of assistance you qualify for—often saving buyers $25,000 – $100,000 at closing.
Local Guidance
We're Florida-based, working county by countyto match you with programs actually available where you're buying—plus local lenders who know how to close them fast.
Talk to a Florida Mortgage Expert
Free consultation — no obligation, no credit pull
From Our Experts
Discover our most trusted guides and expert-written resources to help you buy a home in Florida with confidence.
01105 Florida First-Time Home Buyer Grants & Programs (2026 Guide)
Explore 105 Florida first-time homebuyer grants and assistance programs for 2026. Learn eligibility, benefits, and how to qualify statewide and locally.
Read Guide
17 Florida Rent-to-Own Programs: Buy With No Down Payment
Explore 17 Florida rent-to-own programs for 2026. Learn how buyers may purchase with little or no down payment, plus risks, rules, and alternatives.
Read Guide
Florida Housing Income & Purchase Price Limits (2026) | County-by-County Guide
See 2026 Florida Housing income limits and purchase price caps by county. Learn who qualifies for Florida Housing loans, grants, and down payment assistance.
Read Guide
What Are the Requirements to Buy a House in Florida? 7 Rules for First-Time Buyers
Learn the key requirements to buy a house in Florida, including credit, down payment, and loan options. These 7 rules help first-time buyers understand what it takes to qualify.
Read GuideStay Current on Florida's 2026 Grants
See Latest UpdatesWhat Does Make Florida Your Home Do?
We guide first-time buyers through every step — from finding programs to closing day.
Make Florida Your Home is your trusted guide to buying your first home in Florida.
We don't sell homes—we help you unlock every dollar of down payment assistance, find the best loan for your situation, and connect with local experts who know your county programs inside and out.
Our mission: simplify the process, save you money, and turn first-time buyers into Florida homeowners.
See What You Qualify For
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Grants, loans, and assistance designed for new Florida buyers
Learn MoreDown Payment Assistance
Programs that cover part or all of your down payment
Learn MoreHometown Heroes Program
Up to $35,000 in aid for qualifying Florida professionals
Learn MoreHome Loan Programs
Compare FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loan options
Learn MoreAffordability Calculator
Estimate your budget and monthly payments in minutes
Learn MoreCounty Program Guides
Find assistance specific to your Florida county
Learn MoreLocal Expert Support
Connect with mortgage specialists who know your area
Learn MoreStep-by-Step Buying Guides
Clear guides from pre-approval to closing day
Learn MoreIncome & Price Limit Lookups
Check income caps and purchase price limits by county
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions Florida homebuyers ask us most. Can't find what you're looking for?
Talk to an ExpertMost Florida down payment assistance programs require a minimum credit score of 640. However, some FHA-based programs accept scores as low as 580. Your credit score also affects your interest rate and the amount of assistance you can receive. We can help you find programs that match your current score.
Pre-approval typically takes 1–3 business days once you submit your documents. The full process from application to closing usually takes 30–45 days. Programs like Hometown Heroes and Florida Housing may add a few extra days for layered approvals, but our team keeps things moving so there are no unnecessary delays.
Florida buyers can receive anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000 in combined assistance depending on the programs they qualify for. Florida Housing offers up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost help. Hometown Heroes provides up to $35,000. Many counties offer additional SHIP funds on top of state programs — and yes, these can often be stacked.
Hometown Heroes is Florida's largest down payment assistance program, offering up to $35,000 as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. It's available to full-time W-2 employees in over 50 eligible professions — including teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, and childcare workers. You must be a first-time buyer, meet income limits, and use a Florida Housing first mortgage.
Not always. While many programs target first-time buyers, Florida defines "first-time" as anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years. Some programs — like certain county SHIP funds and VA-backed options — don't require first-time status at all. We'll help you identify every program you're eligible for, regardless of your homeownership history.
Ready to Buy Your First
Florida Home?
One call with a Florida mortgage expert could save you thousands at closing.
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