City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program
Funding status: Waitlist
How much assistance
Up to $45,000 (Forgivable Loan)
Zero percent interest forgivable loan. Fully forgiven after 10 years of continuous owner-occupancy as primary residence. Repayment required if property is sold, rented, conveyed, or refinanced with cash out during the 10-year lien period.
Eligibility
- Income limits: Household income up to 140% of area median income. 4-person household limit: $147,560. Lower limits for smaller households.
- Purchase price limit: $544,233
- First-time buyer required: Yes — Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years.
- Geographic restrictions: Property must be within City of Orlando limits. Applicants must have lived in Central Florida for at least 12 months.
- Homebuyer education required: Yes
How to Apply for City of Orlando Down Payment Assistance Program
Step 1: Complete a HUD-approved pre-purchase homebuyer education course. Secure a first mortgage from a certified lender. Must contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase ($500 if low or very low income). Contact 407-246-4077 for current availability.
Notes
Program opens and closes based on SHIP funding availability. No credit score minimum. As of early 2026, temporarily closed pending new funding.