Down Payment Assistance in Miami: 2026 Programs for Miami-Dade and Broward Buyers

Yes, Miami buyers can still get down payment help in 2026, mostly as 0% deferred second mortgages rather than free grants. The main sources are Florida Housing (Hometown Heroes up to $35,000 and FL Assist up to $10,000), the Housing Finance Authority of Miami-Dade County (up to $15,000), Miami-Dade's Homeownership Assistance Program (up to $28,000), and city and Broward County programs when they have funds. You apply through a participating lender, not directly.

The programs at a glance

Florida Housing: Hometown Heroes, FL Assist and PLUS

Hometown Heroes. The state budget that took effect July 1, 2026 put $50 million into the program, and it reopened on July 13, 2026. It pays 5% of the first mortgage (minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000) as a 0% second mortgage with no monthly payment, due when you sell, refinance, pay off the first loan or move out. Since July 2025 it has been limited to full-time workers in eligible occupations, such as teachers and school staff, health care workers, first responders, court staff, child care workers, and military members and veterans. In the 2025 cycle the money was fully committed in about six months, and lenders reported more than half of this year's $50 million still available in late September. Ask a lender today whether funds remain.

FL Assist gives up to $10,000 at 0% with no payments, repaid on sale, refinance or move-out. It pairs with Florida Housing first mortgages (FHA, VA, USDA or conventional). FL HLP offers $12,500 at 3% with a small monthly payment. The PLUS option gives 3% to 5% of the loan on conventional HFA loans and is forgiven over five years.

Florida Housing loans generally require a 640 credit score, homebuyer education, and household income and price within county limits. In Miami-Dade, the 2026 income limits for the standard programs run roughly $136,000 to $164,000 depending on household size and loan type. One trade-off: these first mortgages are often priced above the best market rate. In early November 2026, program rates were running roughly 7% to 8.5%, while the national average 30-year rate was 7.24%.

Miami-Dade County programs

• Housing Finance Authority (HFA) of Miami-Dade County: up to $15,000 as a 0%, 30-year deferred second mortgage, paired with an HFA first mortgage. Covers all of Miami-Dade, with no purchase price limit since February 2026 (FHA loan limit $667,000; conventional and VA $832,750). Minimum credit scores run 640 to 680 depending on loan type and debt ratio, and you need 6 to 8 hours of homebuyer education.
• Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP), run by the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust: up to $28,000 for households at or below 80% of area median income and up to $14,000 between 80% and 140%. There is no HAP price cap, and any licensed Florida lender can submit the application. HAP can be combined with other programs. Phone: 305-375-5661.
• Housing and Community Development (HCD) surtax and SHIP funds: low-interest second mortgages offered through participating lenders when a funding round is open. Call 786-469-2100 for current status.

City of Miami and Broward County programs

City of Miami: 0% deferred loans for first-time buyers at or below 80% of area median income, for homes inside city limits (the folio starts with 01). You must put in at least $500 of your own money and complete homebuyer counseling, and the home must pass a HUD inspection. The city's page listed a $494,000 price cap effective December 1, 2025, but also showed an older figure, so confirm with Housing and Community Development at 305-416-2080. If you sell early, you repay the assistance and the city shares in the gain.

Other cities, including Miami Beach, North Miami and Miami Gardens, run their own programs when funded. Ask us about Hialeah and other areas.

Broward County: the Homebuyer Purchase Assistance program pays $50,000 to $75,000 where funds exist, with a $679,324 maximum price and income limits at 80% or 120% of area median income. As of mid-2026, the county's list showed money in only two communities and "no funds" in most others. Call 954-357-4943 before you count on it.

Who qualifies and how to apply

1. Confirm you are a first-time buyer. Most programs mean no ownership interest in a primary home in the past three years. Veterans and buyers in targeted census tracts may be exempt.
2. Check income and price limits for the specific program and household size.
3. Find a participating lender. Florida Housing, HFA, HAP and city funds all go through approved lenders. Ask which programs they can stack.
4. Take homebuyer education from a HUD-approved agency and keep the certificate.
5. Sign a contract with realistic timelines. Funds are reserved only after you have a fully signed contract, and county or city reviews can add time.
6. Close and live in the home. All of these programs require it to be your primary residence.

Also budget for the costs assistance may not cover. Our buyer closing costs guide and first-time buyer guide walk through them.

Trade-offs to understand

• It is usually a loan. Most help is a lien repaid when you sell or refinance. Only some pieces, like PLUS, are forgiven.
• Your rate may be higher. Compare the total monthly payment with and without assistance.
• Condos need extra review. The building must meet the lender's and program's requirements. See our condo guide.
• Sellers will see your timeline. Strong pre-approval letters help your offer compete.

How we can help

We work with Miami-Dade and Broward buyers using Hometown Heroes, HFA, HAP and city funds, and we write offers with timelines these programs can meet. We will connect you with participating lenders, help you find homes under the price limits, and keep the file moving to closing. Contact us at (786) 545-9222 for a free consult.

Frequently asked questions