State Buyer Programs

First-Time Home Buyer
Programs in Florida

Down payment assistance, transfer tax rates, and what to expect at closing when buying your first home in Florida.

Florida First-Time Buyer Overview

State Housing Agency
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) →

Your state's HFA is the primary source for below-market mortgages and down payment assistance programs.

Down Payment Assistance Programs
Florida First Program
Below-market 30-year fixed rate; combined with DPA programs

Income limits vary by county; check Florida Housing's income limit tables.

Learn more →
Florida HLP Second Mortgage
Up to $10,000 at 3% interest for down payment / closing costs

Must qualify for Florida First or Salute Our Soldiers first mortgage.

Learn more →
Transfer Tax Rate
0.7% (most counties) / up to 1.05% (Miami-Dade)

Florida Documentary Stamp Tax is $0.70 per $100 (0.7%) in most counties. Miami-Dade County charges $1.05 per $100 (1.05%) for single-family homes.

Attorney Required at Closing?
No — title company state

Florida is a title company state. Attorneys are not legally required at closing, though buyers may choose to hire one.

Tools for Buying Your First Home in Florida

Pre-approval, inspection, insurance, and moving — the same trusted tools, relevant wherever you're buying in Florida.

Get Pre-Approved

Our Pick
Better Mortgage
Online pre-approval in minutes

Get a real pre-approval letter in about 3 minutes with no origination fee and no commission-hungry loan officer. Fully online — you won't get pressured into a bigger loan.

Get Pre-Approved →
Credible
Compare rates from multiple lenders

See real mortgage rates from multiple lenders side by side without your credit score taking a hit. Takes 3 minutes and you don't have to commit to anything.

Compare Rates →

Home Inspection

Inspectify
Book a licensed inspector online

Never skip the inspection. Inspectify lets you book a certified home inspector in your area in seconds. Digital reports, same-day availability in most markets.

Book an Inspection →

Home Insurance

Lemonade
Instant homeowners insurance quotes

Get a homeowners insurance quote in 90 seconds. Lemonade uses AI to underwrite policies faster than any traditional insurer — and claims are often paid in minutes.

Get a Quote →

Home Warranty

American Home Shield
Coverage for systems and appliances

When the HVAC dies three weeks after closing, you'll be glad you have a home warranty. AHS covers major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical — plus appliances.

View Plans →

Moving

Moving.com
Compare moving company quotes

Get quotes from licensed movers in your area. Moving.com vets companies for licensing and insurance so you're not handing your stuff to a random guy with a truck.

Get Moving Quotes →

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