Fort Myers & Lee County Down Payment Assistance
Southwest Florida has grown fast, and down payment assistance helps buyers keep up. Lee County buyers have the statewide Florida Housing programs plus the Lee County HFA's own assistance. Here is how they work across Lee County.
How down payment assistance works in Lee County
Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the rest of Lee County have been among the fastest-growing markets in Florida, and prices have climbed with the growth. That makes down payment assistance more valuable, because the cash hurdle has grown. Statewide Florida Housing brings FL Assist, FL PLUS, and Hometown Heroes, and the Lee County Housing Finance Authority (which operates as OAHO) runs its own local assistance and MCC. A 640 credit score qualifies for the statewide programs.
Buying across Lee County
Lee County gives first-time buyers a real map. Cape Coral, the largest city, has a deep supply of homes across a range of prices, and Lehigh Acres to the east is one of the most affordable submarkets in the region. Inside Fort Myers, the older neighborhoods and the areas toward Buckingham and North Fort Myers carry affordable homes, while the south county toward Estero and Bonita Springs runs higher. Neighboring Collier County (Naples) is pricier and has its own programs.
The Lee County HFA (OAHO)
The Lee County Housing Finance Authority, operating as OAHO, runs a local down payment assistance and mortgage-credit-certificate program for Lee County buyers, separate from statewide Florida Housing. It has its own income and price limits and funding cycles. As with the other county programs, it generally is not stacked with the statewide option. We compare both to find your best fit. See the statewide options on our Florida Housing page.
Florida Housing income and purchase-price limits vary by county and are current per Florida Housing; Hometown Heroes amounts and funding also change. Confirm your county figure before relying on one. See our eligibility page.
Common questions
What down payment assistance is available in Fort Myers?
Lee County buyers can use the three statewide Florida Housing options, FL Assist ($10,000 repayable), FL PLUS (3-5% forgivable), and Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000), plus the Lee County HFA (OAHO) local assistance and MCC program.
What is the Lee County HFA?
The Lee County Housing Finance Authority, operating as OAHO, is a local down payment assistance and mortgage-credit-certificate program for Lee County buyers, separate from statewide Florida Housing, with its own income and price limits and funding.
What credit score do I need for down payment assistance in Fort Myers?
Florida Housing requires a 640 minimum credit score (660 for manual underwriting). The Lee County HFA program has its own requirements. Both pair with standard first mortgages.
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