How to Buy a House With No Money Down in Florida (2026 Guide)

Quick answer: In Florida, the main ways to buy a home with no money down are a VA loan (for eligible veterans and service members), a USDA loan (for eligible homes in rural and suburban areas), or a low-down-payment loan such as FHA or conventional paired with down payment assistance. Seller credits and gift funds can cover much of the rest. Available for qualified borrowers; program guidelines apply.

I’m Nathan Young, a Florida mortgage broker since April 2000. “Can I buy with nothing down?” is one of the questions I hear most in Jacksonville. Often the answer is yes. The trick is matching your situation to the right program, and then planning for the costs a down payment program does not cover.

1. VA Loans: True 0% Down for Veterans and Service Members

For eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses, a VA loan is usually the strongest no-down-payment option. There is no monthly mortgage insurance. Borrowers with full entitlement have no VA loan limit, though the lender still has to approve the payment. Northeast Florida has one of the largest military communities in the country (NAS Jacksonville, Mayport, Kings Bay and Camp Blanding), so VA is a big part of what I do.

• You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (I can usually pull it for you).
• A one-time VA funding fee applies unless you’re exempt, for example with a service-connected disability rating. It can usually be financed.
• Learn more: VA loans in Jacksonville and VA loans in Clay County.

2. USDA Loans: 100% Financing Outside the City Core

USDA Rural Development guaranteed loans offer 100% financing on homes in eligible areas. In Northeast Florida that covers more ground than most people think: parts of Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, Baker and outer Duval often qualify. There are household income limits, and the home must be your primary residence.

• Eligibility is set by address and by total household income, not just yours.
• An upfront guarantee fee and a modest annual fee apply.
• Learn more: USDA loans in Northeast Florida.

3. Down Payment Assistance (DPA) With FHA or Conventional

If you aren’t eligible for VA or USDA, you can often get close to zero out of pocket with a low-down-payment first mortgage plus assistance:

• FHA: 3.5% minimum down for qualified borrowers.
• Conventional: as little as 3% down on some first-time buyer programs.
• Florida and local assistance: state programs like Florida Hometown Heroes and FL Assist, plus county and city programs. These are typically deferred or forgivable second loans that can cover the down payment and sometimes closing costs. Funding comes and goes, so timing matters.

Compare the options: Florida down payment assistance compared, Hometown Heroes in Jacksonville, and down payment assistance in Jacksonville.

4. “No Money Down” Still Means Closing Costs

Zero down payment is not the same as zero cash to close. You will still have closing costs and prepaid items: escrow for taxes and homeowners insurance, an appraisal and an inspection. In Florida those can add up. The good news is there are several ways to cover them:

• Seller credits. Negotiate for the seller to pay part of your closing costs. See Florida closing costs and seller credits.
• Gift funds. Family members can often gift money toward your costs with a signed gift letter.
• Lender credits. A slightly higher rate can reduce your upfront costs. I’ll show you the trade-off side by side.
• DPA that covers closing costs. Some programs allow it.

5. What You’ll Need to Qualify

1. Credit: minimums vary by program and by lender. Because I compare many wholesale lenders, a score one lender turns down may work with another.
2. Income and job history: generally two years of steady income, with documentation that fits the program.
3. Debt-to-income ratio: your total monthly debts compared with your income.
4. A primary residence: VA, USDA, FHA and most DPA programs are for homes you will live in.
5. Homebuyer education: required by many assistance programs. It’s usually online and takes a few hours.

Not sure where you stand? Start with how much house can I afford in Jacksonville or our first-time home buyer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a first-time buyer in Florida really buy with $0 down?
Often, yes, through VA or USDA, or through FHA or conventional plus down payment assistance and seller credits. Whether it works for you depends on eligibility, income, credit and the home itself.

Is a no-down-payment loan more expensive?
Not always. VA loans have no monthly mortgage insurance, and USDA’s annual fee is modest. Borrowing more does raise your payment, though, so we’ll compare the options with real numbers. Any rate or payment I show you is an estimate based on the information provided.

Do I have to pay down payment assistance back?
It depends on the program. Many Florida programs are deferred second loans that are repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the home. Others are forgivable over time. I’ll walk you through the terms before you commit.

Will my Realtor or the seller know I’m using assistance?
Your Realtor will, because it affects contract timing and terms. Experienced Jacksonville agents work with these programs all the time.

Program guidelines may change, and lender overlays may be stricter than agency minimums. Down payment assistance is subject to funding availability and program eligibility. Rates and terms are subject to change. All loans subject to credit approval.

More answers: this is one of more than 500 articles in my Florida Mortgage Resource Library — searchable, and organized by topic.