A first-time buyer household of three earning $85,000 and buying a $380,000 home in Orange County screens into three programs as of November 2026: Florida Hometown Heroes (about $18,335, which is 5% of a $366,700 loan), Florida Assist (up to $10,000) and Orange County's moderate-income tier (up to $10,000). Each has its own rules, the two state programs are generally not combined, and funding runs out.
The three programs this tool screens
Florida Hometown Heroes. 5% of the first mortgage amount, with a $10,000 minimum and a $35,000 maximum, as a 0% second mortgage with no monthly payment. It comes due when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed or stop living in the home. You must be a first-time buyer working full-time for a Florida-based employer, and the Orange County income limit is $172,350 ($119,850 with a USDA loan). The rate sheet shows a 640 minimum credit score.
Funding status. The current round opened July 13, 2026 with $50 million. More than $25 million remained on September 21 and more than $15 million on November 11, 2026. It is first come, first served, so funds run out; ask a participating lender what is left before you count on it.
Florida Assist. Up to $10,000 as a 0% deferred second mortgage through Florida Housing, repaid when you sell, refinance or move out. Program summaries say it cannot be combined with Hometown Heroes. We could not load Florida Housing's own page for this program on November 11, 2026, so treat the terms as reported by lenders and confirm them.
Orange County Down Payment Assistance. Up to $70,000 for very-low-income households, $40,000 for low-income and $10,000 for moderate-income, by household size. For three people the 2026 limits are $51,750, $82,750 and $124,200. It requires first-time buyer status, a homebuyer education class before you buy and a home in Orange County. The county page does not state a maximum price, the repayment terms or whether homes inside Apopka city limits qualify, so confirm those with Orange County Housing.
How the tool estimates amounts
For Hometown Heroes it assumes a loan of 96.5% of the price, which is an FHA-style 3.5% down payment, and takes 5% of that. A different down payment changes the figure slightly. For the other two it shows the program maximum for your tier. Results are a screen, not an approval.
What assistance does not change
You still have to qualify for the first mortgage, and program loans carry their own interest rates. On November 11, 2026 the program's rate sheet showed Hometown Heroes first mortgages at 7.000% to 7.125%; these change daily. A deferred second mortgage is a lien on the home that you repay from the sale, so it lowers what you keep later.
We did not find a City of Apopka down payment program in a November 11, 2026 search. That is not proof none exists; Apopka buyers generally use the state and county programs above.
Next: see cash to close, check what you can afford and the monthly payment, or read the guides and neighborhood pages. To talk through which program fits a specific home, contact Robert or call 352-504-6371.
Where the numbers come from
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hometown Heroes amount | 5% of the loan; $10,000 to $35,000 | Florida Housing Finance Corporation |
| Hometown Heroes income limit, Orange County | $172,350; $119,850 USDA (effective May 6, 2026, revised July 13, 2026) | Florida Housing limits sheet |
| Hometown Heroes funding | $50 million opened July 13, 2026; over $15 million left November 11, 2026 | Florida Housing Finance Corporation |
| Program mortgage rates | 7.000% to 7.125% (as displayed November 11, 2026) | eHousingPlus rate sheet |
| Florida Assist | Up to $10,000 (2026, lender-reported) | eHousingPlus program highlights |
| Orange County assistance and 2026 income limits | $70,000 / $40,000 / $10,000 by income tier | Orange County Government |
Questions people ask
Is Florida Hometown Heroes still available in November 2026?
Yes, as of November 11, 2026, with more than $15 million left from the $50 million round that opened July 13, 2026. More than $25 million remained on September 21, so it has been drawing down quickly. Funds are first come, first served and can run out before you close.
How much down payment assistance can I get in Orange County, Florida?
Hometown Heroes lends 5% of the loan, between $10,000 and $35,000. Florida Assist lends up to $10,000. Orange County's program lends up to $70,000, $40,000 or $10,000 depending on whether your household is very-low, low or moderate income for its size. You generally use one state program, and each has its own income limit.
What is the income limit for Hometown Heroes in Orange County?
$172,350 for FHA, VA and conventional loans and $119,850 for USDA loans, under the limits sheet effective May 6, 2026. Loan limits also apply: $541,287 for FHA and $832,750 for conventional and VA in Orange County for 2026.
Do I have to pay down payment assistance back?
For the two state programs here, yes, but not monthly. They are 0% second mortgages with no payment, due when you sell, refinance or stop living in the home. Orange County's repayment terms are not stated on its program page, so ask the county before applying.
Does Apopka have its own down payment assistance?
We did not find a City of Apopka program in a search on November 11, 2026, which is not proof that none exists. Apopka buyers generally apply for the Florida Housing and Orange County programs. Confirm with Orange County Housing whether a home inside the city limits qualifies for the county program.
