Secure up to $25,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs. Available for first-time buyers in Duval County.
See If You QualifyFunds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Multiple funding sources are available depending on your household income and occupation. We help match you to the correct fund.
Leveraging the Headstart to Homeownership (H2H) or City Pilot programs allows buyers to preserve their personal savings for emergencies while entering the Duval County real estate market immediately.
With 0% interest rates on these second mortgages, your monthly payments remain affordable compared to private financing options. By locking in a home price now, you avoid future rent hikes and begin building equity through the principal reduction features offered by the City of Jacksonville.
| Household Size |
80% AMI H2H Program (Apr 1, 2026) |
120% AMI Pilot Program (Jun 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $57,400 | $74,400 |
| 2 People | $65,600 | $84,960 |
| 3 People | $73,800 | $95,640 |
| 4 People | $82,000 | $106,200 |
| 5 People | $88,600 | $114,720 |
| 6 People | $95,150 | $123,240 |
| 7 People | $101,700 | $131,760 |
| 8 People | $108,250 | $140,280 |
*Income limits are subject to change based on HUD annual adjustments. Figures above reflect 2026 projections based on current flyers.
To qualify for the $25,000 maximum assistance, the property must be located within the consolidated limits of Duval County.
Strict compliance is required for both the borrower's history and the property's condition.
Do not sign a sales contract yet. You must start with an approved lender and submit your H2H application through them before making offers.
The home must generally meet Section 8 Housing Quality Standards (HQS). You must cover the cost of a general home inspection.
Completion of an 8-hour homebuyer education course from an approved provider list is mandatory for closing.
Common questions about Jacksonville homebuyer assistance programs.
To qualify for H2H, you must be a first-time homebuyer purchasing a primary residence in Duval County. Your household income must be at or below 80% AMI (e.g., $57,400 for a single person in 2026), and you must contribute at least $500 toward the transaction.
Income limits depend on the program. For the H2H program (80% AMI), the limit is $57,400 for a 1-person household. For the City Pilot Program (120% AMI), the limit is $74,400. Limits increase with household size, up to $108,250 for an 8-person family under H2H.
Most programs, like H2H and the City Pilot, provide assistance as a 0% interest second mortgage, not a grant. The H2H balance reduces annually over 10 years. The Pilot program requires repayment if sold within 3 years or shared appreciation after 3 years.
Qualified buyers can receive up to $25,000 through the City of Jacksonville’s H2H or Pilot programs. The JHFA "Home Sweet Home" program offers up to $15,000. Florida Hometown Heroes can offer up to $35,000 for eligible occupations.
Yes. Funds from the H2H and Pilot programs can be applied towards your down payment, closing costs, or principal reduction. This helps reduce the total cash you need to bring to the closing table to as little as $500.
Yes. While specific lender requirements may vary, the Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority (JHFA) program typically requires a minimum mid-FICO score of 640. You must also work with a participating lender to verify your credit eligibility.
No. Mobile and manufactured homes are not eligible for the City of Jacksonville H2H or Pilot programs. Eligible properties include new or existing single-family homes, townhomes, patio homes, and condominiums located in Duval County.
For the H2H program, if you sell or move out before 10 years, you must repay the remaining prorated balance. For the Pilot program, selling within 36 months requires full repayment; after 36 months, you pay 10% of net proceeds.
Generally, yes. The H2H and JHFA programs target first-time buyers (defined as not owning a home in the last 3 years). The City Pilot program also requires that you have not owned a home in the previous 3 years.
Yes. As of 2026 projections, the maximum purchase price is $304,000 for the H2H program and $335,000 for the City Pilot program. The JHFA program has a higher limit of $350,000.
Funds for the 2026 program year are limited. Check your eligibility today and take the first step toward homeownership in Duval County.
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