First-Time Buyer loan snapshot for Florida
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Minimum down payment | 0%–3.5% |
| Minimum credit score | 580–620 |
| Typical FL home value | $325,000 |
| 3.5% down on typical home | $11,375 |
| 20% down on typical home | $65,000 |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.79%/yr (~$213/mo) |
| Income for typical home (31% rule) | $101,000 |
Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.
Which Florida programs pair with First-Time Buyer loans?
- Florida Assist: A 0% deferred second mortgage for down payment and closing costs, repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the first loan.
- HFA Preferred/Advantage PLUS: A first mortgage paired with a forgivable second mortgage based on a percentage of the loan.
- Hometown Heroes: When funded, assistance for eligible full-time workers in Florida-based occupations.
Details and current limits: Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Compare first-time buyer loan options
| Loan | Min. down | Min. credit | Mortgage insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | 3.5% | 580 | 1.75% upfront + annual MIP |
| Conventional 97 / HomeReady / Home Possible | 3% | 620 | PMI, removable |
| VA | 0% | Lender-set (~580–620) | None (funding fee) |
| USDA | 0% | ~640 | 1% upfront + 0.35% annual |
Who counts as a first-time home buyer?
Under HUD and most agency definitions, you're a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a principal residence in the last three years. Single parents and displaced homemakers who only owned with a former spouse may also qualify.
First-Time Buyer loans in Florida cities
First-Time Buyer in JacksonvilleFirst-Time Buyer in MiamiFirst-Time Buyer in TampaFirst-Time Buyer in OrlandoFirst-Time Buyer in St. PetersburgFirst-Time Buyer in HialeahFirst-Time Buyer in Port St. LucieFirst-Time Buyer in Cape CoralFirst-Time Buyer in TallahasseeFirst-Time Buyer in Fort LauderdaleFirst-Time Buyer in Pembroke PinesFirst-Time Buyer in HollywoodFirst-Time Buyer in GainesvilleFirst-Time Buyer in MiramarFirst-Time Buyer in Coral SpringsFirst-Time Buyer in Lehigh AcresFirst-Time Buyer in Palm BayFirst-Time Buyer in West Palm BeachFirst-Time Buyer in Spring HillFirst-Time Buyer in ClearwaterFirst-Time Buyer in LakelandFirst-Time Buyer in BrandonFirst-Time Buyer in Pompano BeachFirst-Time Buyer in Miami GardensFirst-Time Buyer in RiverviewFirst-Time Buyer in DavieFirst-Time Buyer in Boca RatonFirst-Time Buyer in SunriseFirst-Time Buyer in DeltonaFirst-Time Buyer in Palm CoastFirst-Time Buyer in PlantationFirst-Time Buyer in Fort MyersFirst-Time Buyer in AlafayaFirst-Time Buyer in Deerfield BeachFirst-Time Buyer in Town 'n' CountryFirst-Time Buyer in MelbourneFirst-Time Buyer in LargoFirst-Time Buyer in Pine HillsFirst-Time Buyer in The VillagesFirst-Time Buyer in Miami BeachFirst-Time Buyer in HomesteadFirst-Time Buyer in Boynton BeachFirst-Time Buyer in North PortFirst-Time Buyer in KissimmeeFirst-Time Buyer in KendallFirst-Time Buyer in DoralFirst-Time Buyer in Daytona BeachFirst-Time Buyer in LauderhillFirst-Time Buyer in Wesley ChapelFirst-Time Buyer in TamaracFirst-Time Buyer in PoincianaFirst-Time Buyer in WestonFirst-Time Buyer in Delray BeachFirst-Time Buyer in Port CharlotteFirst-Time Buyer in OcalaFirst-Time Buyer in Port OrangeFirst-Time Buyer in SanfordFirst-Time Buyer in Horizon WestFirst-Time Buyer in St. CloudFirst-Time Buyer in Wellington
Frequently asked questions
Yes. First-Time Buyer loans are available statewide in Florida through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.
Often yes. Florida Housing Finance Corporation and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.
Answer a few questions on Purchase Mortgage Loan and we'll match you with lenders and loan officers in our network who serve Florida.
Get matched with First-Time Buyer lenders in Florida
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Get My MatchesFigures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.