First-Time Buyer in Brevard? Here's the Help You May Qualify For
Buying your first home on the Space Coast is harder with rates above 7%, but down payment help can close the gap.
Florida Housing programs available in Brevard
| Program | Amount | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Hometown Heroes | Up to $35,000 | 0% second mortgage, no monthly payment, repaid when you sell or refinance |
| Florida Assist (FL Assist) | Up to $10,000 | 0%, no monthly payment, repaid when you sell or refinance |
| FL HLP Second Mortgage | Up to $12,500 | 3% with a monthly payment |
| HFA Preferred / Advantage PLUS | 3% to 5% of the loan | 0%, forgiven 20% per year over 5 years |
A new $50 million Hometown Heroes allocation opened July 13, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis through participating lenders. Funds can run out, so ask a lender to confirm availability.
Brevard limits (reservations on or after May 6, 2026)
- Purchase price cap: $566,354
- Bond program income limit: $101,414 for 1–2 people, $116,627 for 3 or more
Hometown Heroes generally requires working for a Florida employer at a physical Florida location. Fully remote workers usually don't qualify. Confirm all limits with a participating lender, since they change.
Brevard County and some cities also run SHIP-funded local programs. Check with the county's Housing and Human Services office for current funding.
Where first-time buyers are finding homes
- Titusville: Q3 2026 median around $305,000, and close to KSC jobs
- Palm Bay: Q3 2026 median around $325,000, with the most new construction and builder incentives
- Cocoa and Port St. John: Older homes with solid value, and newer builds in Port St. John
- Condos and townhomes: The Brevard condo median was $280,000 in Q3 2026. Check the building's reserves first (see Buying or Selling a Brevard Condo Under Florida's New Condo Laws).
First-time buyer checklist
- Talk to a lender that offers Florida Housing programs before you shop.
- Get your full payment estimate, including taxes, insurance and HOA.
- Get pre-approved so sellers take your offer seriously.
- Ask about seller concessions or builder incentives on every home.
Ready to start? Call or text Emily Garry, Realtor®, at 321-368-7680 and she'll introduce you to lenders who use these programs.
FAQ
How much is Florida Hometown Heroes in 2026? Up to $35,000 as a 0% second mortgage with no monthly payment. A new $50 million allocation opened July 13, 2026.
What is the income limit for down payment help in Brevard County? For Florida Housing bond programs, $101,414 for 1–2 people and $116,627 for 3 or more, for reservations on or after May 6, 2026.
What is the cheapest area to buy a first home in Brevard? Titusville and Palm Bay had some of the lowest Q3 2026 medians, around $305,000 and $325,000.
About the author: Emily Garry is a Realtor® with The Garry Team (The G Home Collective at Real Broker), based on Merritt Island. She has about 10 years of experience helping buyers and sellers across Brevard County, from Titusville to Melbourne and the beaches. Call or text 321-368-7680 or email emily@emilygarry.com.
Categories
Recent Posts
