Stop renting. Start owning. Eligible homebuyers can receive up to $75,000 in 0% interest down payment assistance.
Non-repayable terms available for qualified buyers.
Use funds for down payment, closing costs, or principal reduction to lower your monthly mortgage payment.
No monthly payments on the assistance loan. It sits silently as a second mortgage at 0% interest.
If you live in the home as your primary residence for the required term, the loan is often fully forgiven.
Why Buying Beats Renting in 2025
With Fort Lauderdale rents averaging over $2,600/month, homeownership offers stability and wealth building.
Path to Homeownership
Securing your $75,000 grant is a structured process. Here is how it works.
Complete the form below to verify your income and credit potential matches program limits.
Attend a HUD-approved class and get pre-approved by a participating lender.
Shop for a home within Fort Lauderdale city limits under the $636,806 price cap.
The city provides the funds at closing directly to the title company. You get the keys.
The City of Fort Lauderdale Purchase Assistance Program targets low-to-moderate income households. To ensure funds go to those who need them most, strict criteria apply.
Your total household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of 4, this is currently $92,200.
You must buy a Single-Family Home, Townhome, Condo, or Villa. The property must be located within Fort Lauderdale city limits (not just have a Fort Lauderdale address—municipal boundaries matter).
You need to contribute at least 3% of the purchase price. At least 1% must come from your own funds; the other 2% can be a gift.
Effective April 2025 (80% AMI)
| 1 Person | $64,550 |
| 2 Person | $73,800 |
| 3 Person | $83,000 |
| 4 Person | $92,200 |
| 5 Person | $99,600 |
| 6 Person | $107,000 |
| 7 Person | $114,350 |
| 8 Person | $121,750 |
Limits subject to change by HUD/SHIP annually. Figures represent Gross Annual Income.
The Fort Lauderdale Purchase Assistance Program acts as "gap financing." It covers the difference between what you can afford (your first mortgage) and the purchase price of the home.
If you qualify for a $300,000 mortgage but the home costs $375,000, this program can provide the $75,000 difference so you can close the deal without a massive down payment.
To qualify, the property must be within the corporate city limits of Fort Lauderdale. This includes vibrant neighborhoods offering diverse housing options from single-family homes to modern condos.
*Note: Unincorporated Broward County areas with a "Fort Lauderdale" mailing address (but outside city limits) are not eligible for this specific program.
Official program funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-qualified basis. Be prepared to move quickly by gathering these key documents early.
The City of Fort Lauderdale leverages multiple federal and state funding streams to make homeownership affordable. Your assistance package may combine funds from:
State Housing Initiatives Partnership (Florida)
HOME Investment Partnerships (Federal/HUD)
Answer a few simple questions to see if your income and credit profile match the program guidelines.
This form is for pre-qualification purposes only. Official approval is granted by the City of Fort Lauderdale.
No. The Fort Lauderdale Purchase Assistance Program is specifically for properties located within the municipal boundaries of the City of Fort Lauderdale. If you are looking in other areas like Sunrise, Plantation, or unincorporated Broward, you would need to apply for the county-wide program instead.
The assistance is structured as a deferred payment, 0% interest second mortgage. If you occupy the home as your primary residence for the entire affordability period (typically 15 years), the loan is forgiven. If you sell, refinance, or rent out the home before that period ends, the loan must be repaid.
The program typically requires a minimum credit score of 660. However, completion of a homebuyer education course is mandatory, which can help you understand how to improve your credit profile before applying.