One of the biggest barriers to homeownership in Palm Beach County is the down payment. With median home prices hovering around $550,000–$650,000, even a 3.5% FHA down payment requires $19,000–$22,750 in cash — before closing costs. The good news: there are several legitimate down payment assistance (DPA) programs available to Palm Beach County buyers in 2026 that can significantly reduce or eliminate this barrier.

This guide covers every major program available, who qualifies, how much assistance is available, and how to apply.

The Palm Beach County Housing Assistance Program (HAP) is administered by the Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability. It provides deferred-payment loans to income-eligible first-time home buyers purchasing in Palm Beach County.

• Assistance amount: Up to $60,000 for very low-income buyers; up to $45,000 for low-income buyers; up to $30,000 for moderate-income buyers
• Loan type: Deferred second mortgage — no monthly payments required
• Repayment: Due when you sell, refinance, or no longer occupy the home as your primary residence
• Income limits: Based on Area Median Income (AMI) for Palm Beach County; limits are updated annually
• Property types: Single-family homes, townhomes, and condos in Palm Beach County
• First-time buyer requirement: Yes — must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

HAP requires you to work with a participating lender and complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Contact Palm Beach County Housing at (561) 233-3600 or visit the county's housing website to check current funding availability — HAP funds are allocated annually and can run out.

The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program is Florida's primary down payment assistance vehicle, funded by the state and administered locally by each county. Palm Beach County receives SHIP funds annually and distributes them through its local housing program.

• Assistance amount: Varies by year and available funding; typically $5,000–$20,000
• Loan type: Deferred or forgivable second mortgage depending on the funding cycle
• Income limits: Must be at or below 120% of AMI for Palm Beach County
• Property types: Primary residence only; must be in Palm Beach County
• Homebuyer education: Required — must complete a HUD-approved course

SHIP funds are first-come, first-served and often run out mid-year. If you're planning to use SHIP assistance, start the process early — ideally 60–90 days before you plan to make an offer.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers statewide programs that can be layered with local assistance. Their programs are available through participating lenders.

One of the most significant DPA programs in Florida, Hometown Heroes provides up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (maximum $35,000) as a 0%, non-amortizing second mortgage to eligible workers in community-based occupations.

• Who qualifies: Teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, military veterans, and many other community workforce occupations
• Income limit: Must not exceed 150% of AMI for the county
• First-time buyer: Not required — this program is open to repeat buyers who are in qualifying occupations
• Loan types: Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans

Florida Housing also offers the Florida First program (for FHA, VA, and USDA loans) and HFA Preferred (for Conventional loans), which provide below-market interest rates and can be paired with down payment assistance second mortgages of $10,000.

FHA loans allow 100% of the down payment to come from gift funds — meaning a family member, employer, or approved nonprofit can gift you the entire 3.5% down payment. This is one of the most flexible and commonly used strategies for first-time buyers in Palm Beach County.

Approved gift fund sources include:

• Family members (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.)
• Employers
• Labor unions
• Charitable organizations
• Government agencies

If you're a veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse, a VA loan requires zero down payment — no assistance program needed. VA loans also have no private mortgage insurance (PMI), which saves hundreds of dollars per month compared to FHA or conventional loans with less than 20% down.

Palm Beach County has a significant veteran population, and VA loans are one of the most powerful home-buying tools available. If you served, this should be your first conversation with a mortgage broker.

One of the most powerful strategies is combining programs. For example:

• FHA loan (3.5% down) + HAP assistance ($30,000) = potentially zero out-of-pocket down payment
• Florida Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000) + Florida First below-market rate = lower payment AND reduced upfront costs
• Conventional loan + SHIP assistance + seller concessions = minimal cash to close

Stacking programs requires careful coordination between your lender and the assistance program administrators. Not all programs can be combined, and income limits must be met for each. An experienced local mortgage broker can help you identify the best combination for your situation.

Most DPA programs use HUD's Area Median Income (AMI) figures for Palm Beach County. For 2026, approximate income limits are:

• 1-person household: 80% AMI ≈ $62,400 | 120% AMI ≈ $93,600
• 2-person household: 80% AMI ≈ $71,300 | 120% AMI ≈ $107,000
• 3-person household: 80% AMI ≈ $80,200 | 120% AMI ≈ $120,300
• 4-person household: 80% AMI ≈ $89,100 | 120% AMI ≈ $133,650

Note: These are estimates. Actual limits are published annually by HUD and may differ. Contact us for current figures.

1. Get pre-approved first. Most DPA programs require a pre-approval letter from a participating lender. This also tells you exactly how much home you can afford and which programs you qualify for.
2. Complete homebuyer education. Most programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. These are available online and typically take 6–8 hours.
3. Apply for assistance early. SHIP and HAP funds are limited. Apply as soon as you're serious about buying — don't wait until you have a contract.
4. Work with a lender who knows these programs. Not all lenders participate in DPA programs. CFGC Loans works with Palm Beach County HAP, SHIP, and Florida Housing programs regularly.
5. Find your home and close. Once assistance is approved and you have a contract, your lender coordinates the closing with the assistance program.

Down payment assistance programs change frequently — funding runs out, income limits are updated, and new programs are introduced. The best way to know what you qualify for right now is to speak with a local mortgage broker who works with these programs daily.

CFGC Loans is based in Jupiter, FL and serves all of Palm Beach County. We'll help you identify every program you qualify for and structure your loan to minimize your cash to close. Call us at 561-677-2340 or apply online to get started.