County HFA vs. Florida Housing: Which DPA in Your Florida County?
Florida is unusual: on top of the statewide Florida Housing program, many counties run their own housing finance authority with separate down payment help. Here is how to tell which one fits your county and purchase.
Two layers of help
Most states have one down payment assistance program. Florida effectively has two layers. The statewide Florida Housing program works everywhere and brings the three DPA options plus Hometown Heroes. On top of that, a number of Florida counties run their own housing finance authorities with separate assistance and mortgage-credit-certificate programs. That is good news, more options, but it also means the right answer depends on where you are buying.
The county programs
The county HFAs each serve their own area with their own rules and funding. Orange County (OCHFA) covers metro Orlando. The Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County runs Home Sweet Home in the Tampa area. The City of Jacksonville HFA covers Duval County. The Lee County HFA (OAHO) covers Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Pinellas, Manatee, Escambia, and Osceola counties have their own as well. Each sets its own income and price limits, targeted areas, and funding cycles.
How to choose
Because the statewide and county programs are separate and usually cannot be stacked, the choice comes down to fit. If your county has an active HFA program with better terms for your situation, that may be the move; if not, or if you want Hometown Heroes, the statewide program is the path. Funding availability matters on both sides. This is exactly the kind of comparison a lender who works with both should run for you, against your address, income, and target price. See the statewide options on our Florida Housing page.
Common questions
What is the difference between a county HFA and Florida Housing?
Florida Housing (FHFC) is the statewide program, offering FL Assist, FL PLUS, and Hometown Heroes everywhere in the state. County HFAs (Orange/OCHFA, Hillsborough/Home Sweet Home, Jacksonville, Lee/OAHO, Pinellas, and others) are separate local programs with their own DPA, MCC, income limits, and funding.
Can I combine a county HFA program with Florida Housing?
Generally no. The statewide and county programs are separate and usually not stacked. You use the one that fits your county and situation. A lender who works with both can compare them for you.
Which Florida counties have their own HFA program?
Several, including Orange (OCHFA), Hillsborough, Jacksonville/Duval, Lee (OAHO), Pinellas, Manatee, Escambia, and Osceola. Each runs its own down payment assistance and mortgage credit certificate with its own rules.
Which Florida program fits your county? Ask Mike
Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your Florida path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.