Down Payment Assistance — Jacksonville & Florida
Yes — real programs exist that can cover part or all of your down payment in Jacksonville and across Florida. Here are the ones that actually exist, what they offer, and which ones to ask Douglas about.
The down payment is the biggest cash hurdle for most first-time buyers, and it stops people who could otherwise afford the monthly payment. Florida and the City of Jacksonville both run assistance programs — but each has its own rules, limits and paperwork, and none of them is automatic. Douglas checks your eligibility against the current program rules before you shop.
Programs that actually exist
Florida Hometown Heroes
Down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, with a maximum of $35,000 and a minimum of $10,000, as a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage.
For full-time Florida employees in healthcare, education, first responders, public safety and court staff, childcare workers — plus active-duty servicemembers and veterans employed full-time by a Florida employer.
Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation, floridahousing.org — Hometown Heroes Program.
Florida Assist Second Mortgage
Up to $10,000 in down payment assistance as a 0%, non-amortizing, deferred second mortgage. It is not forgivable — it is repaid when the home is sold, refinanced or the first mortgage is paid off.
Available with FHA, VA, USDA and conventional first mortgages through Florida Housing's homebuyer programs.
Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation, floridahousing.org — Homebuyer overview.
HFA Preferred / HFA Advantage Plus
Down payment assistance of 3%, 4% or 5% of the total loan amount, as a second mortgage, paired with a Florida Housing first mortgage.
Florida Housing's homebuyer programs generally require a minimum credit score of 640, first-time buyer status (no owned and occupied primary residence in the last three years), income and purchase price within county limits, and an approved homebuyer education course.
Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation, floridahousing.org — Homebuyer overview.
City of Jacksonville — Headstart to HOME
The City of Jacksonville's down payment assistance program for first-time buyers purchasing in Jacksonville, administered through the city's housing division. Because program terms and funding availability change, Douglas confirms the current terms and whether funds are available before you rely on them.
Source: City of Jacksonville, coj.net (program amount not stated here because it could not be verified against the city's current published terms at build time).
Eligibility checker — a starting point, not a qualification
A starting point, not a qualification — Douglas confirms eligibility on review.
Programs to ask Douglas about
Answer the questions and press the button.
Keep exploring
First-Time Homebuyers
The full first-time buyer guide — steps, costs and timelines.
Calculators
Payments, affordability and more — run your numbers before you shop.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a first-time buyer for all assistance?
Most Florida Housing programs use a three-year rule: you count as a first-time buyer if you have not owned and occupied a primary residence in the last three years. Hometown Heroes instead keys on your job, not just first-time status.
Is the assistance a grant or a loan?
It depends on the program. Florida Assist and Hometown Heroes are deferred second mortgages at 0% — repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the first mortgage, not monthly. Check the current terms for the program you use.
Can I combine programs?
Sometimes, but stacking rules vary by program and lender. Douglas checks which combinations are allowed for your loan type before you count on both.
What credit score do I need?
Florida Housing's homebuyer programs generally require a minimum score of 640. Other options may exist below that, but they will not be the same programs or terms.
Do income limits apply?
Yes — Florida Housing programs have county income limits and purchase price limits. The checker above is directional only; Douglas confirms your household against the current limits.
Does assistance cover closing costs too?
Hometown Heroes can be used for down payment and closing costs. Other programs are primarily down payment assistance — ask Douglas to map both buckets for your purchase.
“You work directly with Douglas — no call center, no hand-offs.”
“Douglas did an excellent job from start to finish! I was buying my first home and didn't know the process, but Douglas made it easy and explained everything. He's quick to answer any questions and kept me up to date every step of the way. I would highly recommend Douglas to anyone looking to buy a home!” — Jason Haglund, July 31, 2026
Equal Housing Opportunity. Mortgage services are provided by Douglas Wilkerson, Branch Manager and Mortgage Broker with Edge Home Finance Corporation. Loan programs, rates, eligibility, underwriting guidelines and availability are subject to change. All applications are subject to credit review, verification, property eligibility, applicable underwriting requirements and final approval. This website does not constitute a commitment to lend or a guarantee of financing.