Help to buy a home already exists, in every Florida county.
More than 100 local plans, one for each county and each large city, plus the state's own programs. Most families who qualify never use them, mostly because no one told them. This is how they work.
Those who bought before help those who buy next.
In Florida, part of the tax paid on every home sale funds the local homebuyer programs of each county and city (the Sadowski Act and SHIP). It isn't a gift and it isn't charity: it's how a community helps its next homeowners get started.
What this help really is
Most of it is a second loan, with no monthly payment
It helps with your down payment and closing costs. Usually you pay nothing while you live in the home, and the balance is due when you sell or refinance. Many plans forgive it after a number of years.
We never call it free money
Each plan has its own terms: how many years, whether it is forgiven, what happens if you sell. We explain them in plain words before you decide.
Who can qualify
Each plan sets its own rules, and they change with your county, your city and your household. These are the ones that come up most:
Your household income
Measured against your county's median and your household size. Many plans reach families with moderate incomes, not only low ones.
A first home
Many plans ask that you haven't owned a home in the last three years.
A homebuyer course
A short course, often online. Many plans ask for it; the app tells you which of yours do.
The home and its price
Each plan sets a price limit and some ask for a home in a certain area. The app checks it for the home you want.
Funds open and close
Most plans get a budget once a year and give it out in order, until it runs out. We don't tell you money is there if we don't know it: the app estimates the funds for the month you'll be ready to buy, and tells you how likely they are.
Help at little or no cost, even if you never use us
These organizations exist to help people buy a home. We have no agreement with them and they don't endorse us: they're here because they're useful.
Housing counseling approved by HUD
Independent advice on your budget, your credit and your loan, often at little or no cost to you.
Find a counselor (HUD)A homebuyer course
Many assistance plans ask for one. HUD-approved counseling agencies teach it; ask them when you call.
Find a counselor (CFPB)Your county's housing office
The office that runs your county's assistance can tell you what's open and how to apply.
Find your county's office (Florida Housing)Source for “little or no cost”: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Find a housing counselor.
Find your county
67 counties, each with its plans, the kind of help they give and the link to the official document. Amounts for your household are calculated in the app.
Don't see your county? We're still writing its page. The app already works for it.
The plans are public. Finding yours is the hard part.
We follow every plan in Florida, a person checks each one against its official document, and the app tells you which ones fit your household and your month.