Buying your first home in Florida is an exciting milestone — but for many buyers, the biggest challenge is saving for a down payment. That’s where down payment assistance Northeast Florida programs come in.

At North Star Mortgage Network, we help buyers across Jacksonville, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, and Duval Counties access programs that can cover a portion — or even all — of their down payment and closing costs. Whether it’s through the Florida Bond Program, Hometown Heroes, or a standard down payment assistance (DPA) option, there are real opportunities to make homeownership affordable.

Understanding Down Payment Assistance in Northeast Florida

Down payment assistance programs are designed to bridge the gap between what buyers have saved and what’s required to purchase a home. These funds can come as grants, forgivable loans, or repayable second mortgages depending on the program.

For many first-time buyers, these programs make it possible to purchase a home years earlier than expected. If you live or work in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, or Orange Park, you likely qualify for one or more of these options.

Florida Bond Program – Statewide Support for First-Time Buyers

The Florida Bond Program provides qualified borrowers with affordable mortgage financing and assistance toward their down payment and closing costs. It’s available statewide and offers special terms for first-time buyers.

Key Features:

  • Up to 5% of the loan amount toward down payment and closing costs.
  • Offered as a 0% deferred second mortgage (repaid only if you sell, refinance, or pay off your first loan).
  • Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans.
  • Income and purchase price limits apply (varies by county).

Borrowers in Duval, Clay, and St. Johns Counties often qualify for full program benefits. Our team can help you confirm eligibility and guide you through the application process.

Florida Hometown Heroes Program – Rewarding Florida’s Workforce

The Hometown Heroes program was created to help Florida’s essential workers achieve homeownership. It provides significant down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible borrowers who work in critical fields such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, emergency response, and active-duty military.

Program Highlights:

  • Up to 5% of the loan amount (maximum $35,000) in assistance.
  • Can be used toward down payment and closing costs.
  • Available for FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans.
  • Income limits based on 150% of area median income (AMI).

This program is ideal for homebuyers in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Fleming Island, Green Cove Springs, and the surrounding Northeast Florida communities who serve their communities daily.

Regular Down Payment Assistance Options

If you don’t meet the criteria for the Hometown Heroes program, don’t worry — there are other down payment assistance Northeast Florida options available.

These include:

  • Local city and county programs that provide forgivable grants or low-interest second mortgages.
  • Private nonprofit assistance programs for low-to-moderate-income buyers.
  • Lender-sponsored DPA programs, where funds are built directly into the mortgage terms.

Each option has unique eligibility rules, such as income caps, credit score minimums, or location requirements.

At North Star Mortgage Network, we review every available DPA program to find the one that best fits your profile.

Who Qualifies for Down Payment Assistance Northeast Florida

Eligibility depends on several factors, but most programs share the following requirements:

  • You must be a first-time homebuyer (no ownership in the last three years).
  • You plan to occupy the home as your primary residence.
  • You meet income and purchase price limits for your county.
  • You complete an approved homebuyer education course.

For example, income limits for Duval and St. Johns Counties often exceed $100,000 for a household of two — meaning many working professionals still qualify.

Benefits of Using Down Payment Assistance

Using down payment assistance Northeast Florida programs can make a huge difference in your financial readiness to buy.

Advantages include:

  • Lower upfront costs at closing.
  • Reduced need to drain savings or retirement accounts.
  • Access to competitive interest rates.
  • Faster path to homeownership.
  • Potential forgiveness of assistance after a set period.

By combining DPA with favorable loan programs like FHA or Conventional 3%, many buyers can purchase homes with little to no money out of pocket.

Local Focus – Why Northeast Florida Buyers Benefit Most

Northeast Florida’s growing housing market makes these programs especially valuable. From downtown Jacksonville to Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Green Cove Springs, Middleburg, and Yulee, demand continues to rise — but so do prices.

By using DPA funds strategically, local buyers can secure homes in desirable neighborhoods without waiting years to save for a large down payment.

Check Current Mortgage Rates Before You Apply

Before applying for any down payment assistance program, it’s smart to compare mortgage offers. Even a small rate difference can significantly impact your long-term costs.

Visit our Today’s Rates page to double-check your mortgage options. Our team updates this page daily to help Northeast Florida buyers find the best rates, terms, and service available.

Start Your Journey to Homeownership Today

If you’re ready to explore down payment assistance Northeast Florida programs like Hometown Heroes or the Florida Bond Program, the team at North Star Mortgage Network can help you qualify.

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