Florida Housing Assistance Programs
Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers down payment assistance, SAIL rental subsidies, and homeless prevention programs. Local housing authorities administer Section 8 vouchers across the state.
Florida Assist (Second Mortgage Program)
Florida Assist pairs with HFA Preferred, FHA, and other Florida Housing first mortgage products statewide.
What it provides: Deferred second mortgage for down payment and closing costs
Assistance: Up to $10,000 deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments.
Eligibility: Loan amount up to $10,000; 0% interest deferred until sale, refinance, or payoff.
Who may qualify:
- First-time homebuyers in Florida
- Borrowers using Florida Housing first mortgage products
- Income within program limits by county
Requirements:
- Homebuyer education course
- Participating lender
- Minimum credit score per program
How to apply: Apply through a Florida Housing participating lender when obtaining your first mortgage.
Official source: Florida Assist
State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program
SAIL has financed tens of thousands of affordable rental units across Florida since its inception.
What it provides: Financing for affordable rental housing development serving low-income tenants
Assistance: Below-market rents in newly constructed or rehabilitated apartment communities.
Eligibility: Renters apply at individual SAIL properties; developers receive low-interest construction loans.
Who may qualify:
- Low-income renters in SAIL-funded properties
- Households at or below 60% area median income
- Families, seniors, and special needs populations
Requirements:
- Income verification at property level
- Application to property management
- Background check per property policy
How to apply: Search available SAIL properties on Florida Housing's rental search portal.
Official source: Florida SAIL
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (Florida PHAs)
Florida has over 60 PHAs; Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, and Orange County operate among the largest voucher programs.
What it provides: Federal rental subsidies administered by local housing authorities
Assistance: Tenant pays ~30% of income toward rent; voucher covers remainder up to payment standard.
Eligibility: Income at or below 50% AMI; most vouchers serve households at or below 30% AMI.
Who may qualify:
- Very low-income Florida households
- Families, seniors, and people with disabilities
- U.S. citizens and eligible immigrants
Requirements:
- Application to local Public Housing Authority
- Waiting list placement
- Landlord willing to accept voucher
How to apply: Apply to your local PHA; many Florida PHAs open waiting lists periodically—monitor announcements.
Official source: Florida Housing Section 8