First-Time Homebuyer Guide (Jacksonville)

Jacksonville's Head Start to Homeownership program offers up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for first time buyers purchasing in Duval County, structured as a 0% interest second mortgage.

Teachers, nurses, first responders, and other frontline workers in Jacksonville can receive up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through this statewide program, at 0% interest with no monthly payments.

Ameris Bank offers up to $7,500 in down payment assistance for qualified first time buyers purchasing within specific areas of metro Jacksonville, a program that first launched in this market.

Jacksonville's H2H program caps household income at 80% of the area median, around $57,400 for a single person in 2026, while the City Pilot program allows up to 120% AMI for buyers who need more room.

Most Jacksonville down payment assistance programs, including H2H and Hometown Heroes, require an approved homebuyer education course before closing, typically a short online class costing around $30.

FHA loans remain one of the most common paths into homeownership for first time buyers in Duval County, generally requiring lower down payments than conventional financing.

Veterans buying in Jacksonville can combine a zero down VA loan with Hometown Heroes assistance to cover closing costs, sometimes resulting in little to no out of pocket cost at closing.

Most Jacksonville assistance programs define a first time buyer as someone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years, not necessarily someone who has never owned one at all.

Not every lender participates in Jacksonville's local and state assistance programs, so it's worth confirming upfront that your lender is approved for H2H, Hometown Heroes, or Ameris Choice before you start house hunting.