Happy family in front of a home in Osceola County, Florida

2026 Program Guidelines Active

Osceola County Down Payment Assistance Program

First-time homebuyers in Osceola County could receive up to $100,000 in funding for down payment and closing costs. Don't let upfront costs stop you from owning a home.

Check Eligibility How It Works

Making Homeownership Affordable

The Osceola County SHIP Purchase Assistance program removes the biggest barrier to buying a home: the cash needed for closing.

Up to $100,000 Assistance

Qualified buyers may receive significant funds based on income tier. Amounts range from $50,000 up to $100,000 for very low and low-income households.

Deferred Payment Loan

0% interest. The assistance is structured as a deferred loan. No monthly payments are required on the assistance amount while you live in the home.

Closing Cost & Down Payment

Funds can be used to cover your down payment and closing costs, drastically reducing the money you need to bring to the table.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the 2026 funding cycle, applicants generally must meet the following criteria set by Osceola County:

First-Time Homebuyer: You have not owned a home in the last 3 years.
Income Limits: Household income must be at or below 120% of the area median income (AMI).
Property Location: The home must be located within Osceola County (specific rules for unincorporated areas apply).
Purchase Price: Maximum sales price is capped at $360,000 for single-family homes, townhomes, or condos.
Minimum Contribution: You must contribute at least $1,000 of your own funds toward the purchase.

Beautiful affordable single-family home in Osceola County, Florida with modern architecture

Max Purchase Price

$360,000

Income Limits & Funding Amounts

The exact amount of down payment assistance you can receive depends on your household size and income tier (Very Low, Low, or Moderate). Below are the 120% AMI limits for reference.

Household Size: 1

$81,120

Max Income (120%)

Household Size: 4

$115,800

Max Income (120%)

Household Size: 6

$134,300

Max Income (120%)

Household Size: 8

$152,880

Max Income (120%)

*Figures based on HUD 2025 limits and subject to change. Funding amounts (up to $100k) vary by tier: Very Low Income (50% AMI), Low Income (80% AMI), and Moderate Income (120% AMI).

How the Application Process Works

Osceola County utilizes a "closing-ready" system. You cannot apply without a property and a loan approval. Follow these steps to prepare:

Check Your Initial Eligibility

Use the eligibility form to connect with a specialist. We will help determine if you meet the basic income and credit requirements for the program.

Get Pre-Approved & Complete Education

Obtain a loan approval letter from a participating lender. You must also complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education class and attend the county's pre-purchase orientation.

Find a Home & Submit Application

Once you have a contract on an eligible home in Osceola County, your lender will email the SHIP office to initiate your application. Applications are processed first-come, first-ready.

Eligible Property Types & Locations

To qualify for Osceola County down payment assistance, the property must meet specific location and condition requirements.

Unincorporated Osceola County Only

A critical requirement often missed by applicants is the "Tax District 300" rule. Your award letter is typically only valid for properties located in unincorporated Osceola County.

This generally means properties within the city limits of Kissimmee or St. Cloud may have different funding rules or programs. You can verify a property's tax district using the Property Appraiser website.

Allowed Property Types

Single-Family Homes
Townhomes
Condominiums

Note: The property must have a "useful life" matching the term of your first mortgage (minimum 15 years).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay back the down payment assistance?

The assistance is structured as a 0% interest deferred payment loan. You generally do not make monthly payments on this loan. However, if you sell the home, refinance, transfer the title, or stop living in the home as your primary residence, repayment of the loan may be required.

Is there a purchase price limit for the home?

Yes. For the current program cycle, the maximum sales price for an eligible property is $360,000. This applies to single-family homes, townhomes, and condos within the eligible areas of Osceola County.

Can I use any lender for my mortgage?

No. You must obtain a loan approval letter from a participating lender who is registered with the Osceola County SHIP program. Using a non-participating lender may disqualify you from receiving assistance.

How much money do I need to save?

While the program covers a significant portion of costs, you are required to contribute at least $1,000 of your own funds towards the purchase transaction.