Homeownership can feel out of reach, especially if you have never purchased a home and aren’t sure whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage. That’s why the Florida Housing Finance Corp., known as Florida Housing, offers several programs to help Floridians buy a home. But the good news doesn’t stop there.

National mortgage programs can also help you overcome obstacles to homeownership, especially if you have a low credit score or aren’t able to save a big down payment. Learn more about all of your options for buying a home in the Sunshine State below.

Florida Housing highlights and eligibility

Highlights

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages for first-time home buyers, veterans and active-duty military members.

• Available in all of Florida’s 67 counties.

• Loans can be combined with down payment or closing cost assistance programs.

• Mortgage interest tax credit available.

Eligibility

• Property must be in Florida and be a primary residence.

• Borrowers must meet income, credit and purchase price requirements.

• Home buyer education course required.

Florida Housing first-time home buyer loan programs

If you’re a first-time home buyer — typically someone who hasn’t owned a home in the past three years — Florida Housing programs may provide an affordable path to owning a home. Qualified veterans and anyone considering a home purchase in one of the federally designated target areas listed online by Florida Housing may also be able to take advantage of the programs. Designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a targeted area is a neighborhood, street or block where at least 51% of households earn 80% or less of the state median income.