Orange County Down Payment Assistance: Eligibility, Education And The November Reopening
Orange County runs a homebuyer assistance program for eligible first-time buyers. New applications are paused until about November 16, 2026, which makes this the time to get your financing ready.
What Orange County’s Program Offers And When It Reopens
Orange County’s Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance program helps eligible first-time buyers purchase a new or existing home in Orange County. The county says assistance is based on household income and size, from up to $70,000 for very low-income households, to $40,000 for low-income households and $10,000 for moderate-income households.
According to the county, new applications are temporarily closed from September 6, 2026 and are expected to reopen on or about November 16, 2026. Complete applications submitted before the closure are still processed, and applications remain open for new homes on county-donated lots and other nonprofit-developed properties.
Buyers must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education workshop and secure a first mortgage. Dates and funding can change, so confirm everything on the Orange County program page.
County Income Tiers (Effective May 1, 2026)
Household of 1
Very low up to $40,250. Low up to $64,350. Moderate up to $96,600.
Household of 2
Very low up to $46,000. Low up to $73,550. Moderate up to $110,400.
Household of 4
Very low up to $57,450. Low up to $91,900. Moderate up to $137,880.
What To Line Up Before The Program Reopens
- Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education workshop. The county lists HEA USA, Habitat for Humanity Orlando and CDC as providers.
- Check your household size and income against the county tiers above.
- Talk with a lender early so your first mortgage and the assistance can line up.
- Gather income, asset and ID documents so you can apply quickly when the portal reopens.
Questions To Ask The County And Your Lender
- Is the program open, or is there a waiting period right now?
- Does this home qualify, and is it new, existing or on a donated lot?
- How does the assistance work with my first mortgage?
- Which lenders have closed loans with the program?
Orange County Assistance Questions
Is Orange County down payment assistance open right now?
The county says new applications are paused from September 6, 2026 and expected to reopen around November 16, 2026, with exceptions for homes on county-donated lots and some nonprofit-developed properties.
Who qualifies for Orange County assistance?
Eligible first-time buyers who complete a HUD-approved education workshop, secure a first mortgage and meet the county income limits for their household size.
How do I apply?
Applications go through the county’s online portal. Contact the Housing and Community Development Division at (407) 836-5171 or housing@ocfl.net with questions.
Planning To Apply When The Program Reopens?
Talk with William Willis about getting your first mortgage ready ahead of time.
This page summarizes information published by Orange County as of the date reviewed and is general information, not a loan offer, a commitment to lend or a guarantee of assistance. Program funding, dates and rules are set by the county and can change, so confirm details with Orange County Housing and Community Development. Loans are subject to credit approval and property eligibility. Mortgage services are provided by William Willis, NMLS #1514031. Verify licensing at the NMLS Consumer Access portal.