REMAX Gold balloon logoPete & KateReal Estate · REMAX Gold
    Contact
    Sunlit homes and palm trees beside docks on a blue Treasure Coast river

    Homebuyer Assistance Programs on the Treasure Coast

    Many Florida buyers qualify for help and never find out. Here is what is available right now.

    This program applies to homes purchased in Florida.

    Last updated: October 2026

    Maximum Hometown Heroes help
    $35,000
    Maximum FL Assist help
    $10,000
    Interest on most programs
    0%
    Parents and a child sitting on the steps of a light Florida home with a sage front door and palms

    A few things to know

    • Most help is a second mortgage, not a grant
    • Many have no monthly payment and are repaid when you sell or refinance
    • Some programs can be combined, so ask before you pick a lender

    Statewide programs

    Coastal home with a welcoming front porch and landscaped palm trees
    Open

    Florida Hometown Heroes

    Up to $35,000 (5% of loan)

    0%, no monthly payment. For full-time Florida workers.

    Front door of a coastal home framed by columns and palms
    Open

    Florida Assist (FL Assist)

    Up to $10,000

    0%, no monthly payment.

    Bright furnished living room with large windows and an open kitchen
    Open

    Florida Homeownership Loan Program

    FL HLP

    Up to $10,000

    Low interest with a small monthly payment.

    FL Assist vs. FL HLP

    Program FL Assist FL HLP
    Amount Up to $10,000 Up to $10,000
    Interest 0% 3%
    Monthly payment None About $69
    Forgiven? No No

    Monthly payments shown are for the assistance loan only, principal and interest. Property taxes and insurance are not included.

    You can use only one Florida Housing program per purchase. Local county or city help can sometimes be added on top.

    Local programs by area

    2 programs open now

    • Open

      City of Fort Pierce Home Purchase Assistance

      St. Lucie County

      0% deferred second mortgage. Home must be inside Fort Pierce city limits. Mandatory orientation required.

      Opened October 1, 2026. First come, first served.

      772-467-3161
    • Open

      Indian River County SHIP Purchase Assistance

      Indian River County

      Deferred loan, no monthly payment, for income-eligible households.

      Open through June 30, 2027 or until funds run out. Appointments only.

    • Check Status

      City of Port St. Lucie SHIP Purchase Assistance

      St. Lucie County

      No open round right now. Call Neighborhood Services for the next opening.

      772-344-4084
    • Check Status

      Martin County SHIP

      Martin County

      Currently focused on home repairs and rental help, not purchase assistance.

    • Closed

      St. Lucie County (unincorporated areas)

      St. Lucie County

      Not currently accepting applications.

    Program status changes often. Call to confirm before applying.

    Light-colored Florida home shaded by mature oak trees

    Habitat for Humanity

    For income-eligible households. Buyers help build homes (sweat equity), take homeownership classes and receive an affordable mortgage. Affiliates serve St. Lucie, Indian River and Martin counties.

    Sunlit Florida neighborhood homes and palms around a calm lake

    Ask about combining assistance

    Hometown Heroes plus local help can cover most of your down payment.

    Hometown Heroes plus a local program can cover most or all of the down payment and closing costs on a moderately priced home. Ask your lender if you qualify for both.

    A couple receiving house keys outside a pale blue Florida home entrance

    How to get started

    1. Talk to Pete & Kate about your goals and area
    2. Get pre-approved with a Florida Housing participating lender
    3. Take a homebuyer education class if your program requires one
    4. Find your home and get under contract
    5. Your lender reserves the funds and you close

    Frequently asked questions

    Avoid scams

    There is no fee to apply for these programs. Anyone charging you for access is not legitimate.

    Questions about buying on the Treasure Coast? Call Pete or Kate

    Not sure which program fits you?
    We will help you sort it out.

    Talk to Peter and Kate.

    REMAX Gold

    By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Pete & Kate Real Estate by phone, text, or email. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. See our Privacy Policy.

    Program terms, funding and availability change often and are set by each agency. Pete & Kate are Realtors, not lenders. Confirm current details with the program or a participating lender.

    Call Us