By Phil Ganz
Edited by Ryan Skerritt
Buying a home in Jacksonville can be a challenge, especially with rising housing costs.
The City of Jacksonville Down Payment Assistance Home Ownership Pilot Program helps first-time homebuyers by providing up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
This local initiative is designed for buyers who do not qualify for federal assistance but need financial support to transition from renting to homeownership.
How Does the Program Work?
The City of Jacksonville offers this program as a subsidy for eligible buyers, covering up to 75% of required down payment and closing costs, with a maximum assistance cap of $25,000.
The funding is provided through the city’s general revenue and is available only to buyers purchasing homes within Jacksonville/Duval County.
Repayment Terms
- If the home is sold within 36 months, the full assistance amount must be repaid to the city.
- If the home is sold after 36 months, 10% of the proceeds (after costs) must be repaid to Jacksonville’s Down Payment Assistance Fund.
- The financial subsidy is based on household size and income level, with amounts determined during the eligibility review.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
Benefits of the Program
- Up to $25,000 in Down Payment Assistance
- No monthly payments unless repayment is triggered
- Makes homeownership more accessible to Jacksonville renters
- Helps bridge the gap for buyers who do not qualify for federal aid
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Jacksonville Down Payment Assistance Program, you must meet the following requirements:
✅ First-Time Homebuyer: You must not have owned a home within the past three years.
✅ Duval County Residency: Applicants must have lived in Duval County for at least 24 consecutive months.
✅ Credit & Mortgage Readiness: Applicants must meet mortgage lender requirements.
✅ Minimum Buyer Contribution: A minimum $500 down payment is required.
✅ Homebuyer Education: Participation in a homeownership education course is mandatory.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
Income & Purchase Price Limits
To be eligible, household income must not exceed 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI):
| Family Size | Max Gross Income (120% AMI) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $74,400 |
| 2 | $84,960 |
| 3 | $95,640 |
| 4 | $106,200 |
| 5 | $114,720 |
| 6 | $123,240 |
| 7 | $131,760 |
| 8 | $140,280 |
Income limits are adjusted annually by HUD.\
The home purchase price cannot exceed $335,000, ensuring affordability for first-time buyers in Jacksonville.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
What Types of Homes Qualify?
The program is available for:
✅ Single-family homes (new or existing)
✅ Townhomes and patio homes
✅ Condominiums
🚫 Mobile homes and manufactured housing are not eligible.
Additionally, homes cannot be tenant-occupied unless the tenant is the buyer. The home must also meet the minimum occupancy standards set by Jacksonville’s local building code.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet residency, income, and credit requirements.
- Find a Participating Lender: Visit the City of Jacksonville Housing Services website for a list of approved lenders.
- Complete Homebuyer Education: Enroll in an approved homeownership education course.
- Secure a Mortgage & Assistance: Work with an approved lender to obtain a mortgage and down payment aid.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
Final Thoughts
For Jacksonville residents looking to buy their first home, this Down Payment Assistance Program provides substantial financial support to ease the transition from renting to homeownership.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, this program can help make your dream of owning a home a reality.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.
About Author - Phil Ganz
Phil Ganz has over 20+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over a billion dollars of funded loans, Phil helps homebuyers configure the perfect mortgage plan. Whether it's your first home, a complex multiple-property purchase, or anything in between, Phil has the experience to help you achieve your goals.
About Editor - Ryan Skerritt
Ryan Skerritt has over 10+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over two hundred and fifty million of funded loan volume, Ryan has the skill set to help any homebuyer configure the perfect mortgage plan.
