First-Time Buyer Programs Available in Broward County

Key Takeaways - Broward County has several programs specifically for first-time buyers - Down payment assistance of up to $80,000 is available for eligible buyers through certain programs - Income limits and purchase price limits apply to all assistance programs - You must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course to access most programs - Working with a lender familiar with these programs is essential — not all lenders are approved Broward County includes Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Miramar, and dozens of communities in between. Home prices here have risen substantially since 2020, but first-time buyers are not without resources. Several programs specifically target buyers in this county. Broward County Housing Finance Division programs The Broward County Housing Finance Division operates its own down payment assistance programs funded by federal HOME Investment Partnerships and Community Development Block Grant money. The purchase assistance programs provide deferred payment loans (zero monthly payment, repaid when you sell or refinance) of up to $80,000 for qualifying buyers. Eligibility requirements include income limits set at 80% of the area median income, the property must be in unincorporated Broward County or a participating municipality, and the buyer must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. The property must be a primary residence and meet condition standards. Condos in high-rises are typically excluded. Florida Housing programs layered in Broward The state-level Florida Assist ($10,000 deferred second mortgage) and Florida HLP programs are available throughout Broward County and can be combined with county programs in some cases. Additionally, Broward County participates in the Florida Bond program, which pairs below-market-rate first mortgages with down payment assistance. These loans use Florida Housing Finance Corporation funds and must be originated by approved lenders — not every mortgage company qualifies. KP Funding works with Florida Housing programs and can determine which combination of state and local assistance you may qualify for in a single pre-approval review. City-specific programs Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines operate their own housing assistance programs with separate funding and eligibility rules. These can sometimes be layered with county programs for buyers who qualify. The homebuyer education requirement Virtually all down payment assistance programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before you can receive funds. These courses are available online and in person and typically take four to eight hours. Completing the course before you apply puts you in a stronger position because the certificate has an expiration date and you do not want to be rushed into a decision to meet a program deadline. How to find out what you qualify for The fastest path is to start with a mortgage lender who works with these programs regularly. At KP Funding, we will review your income, purchase price target, and credit situation and tell you specifically which programs apply to your situation — including the current availability of funds, which can fluctuate as programs are depleted and replenished. KP Funding Corporation | NMLS #2442789 | Equal Housing Lender | Licensed in Florida | Not a commitment to lend. Rates subject to change.