Income limits for Orange County SHIP down payment assistance in 2026 are based on Area Median Income (AMI) for the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford MSA. Most programs serve buyers at 80% AMI (very low income) to 120% AMI (moderate income). For 2026, 80% AMI for a family of 4 in Orange County is approximately $63,700, and 120% AMI is approximately $95,550. Single buyers have different income limits than families. These figures change annually — call Orange County Housing and Community Development for current exact limits or contact me and I’ll run the pre-qualification numbers for your household size.

In some cases, yes — DPA program layering (combining multiple sources of down payment assistance) is permitted in Florida. For example, a buyer might combine a Florida Housing Florida Assist second mortgage with an Orange County SHIP grant, or combine Hometown Heroes with a local program. However, layering has specific rules: the combined loan-to-value (LTV) of first mortgage + all subordinate liens cannot exceed 105% in most programs, and each program has its own rules about layering with other sources. A licensed mortgage professional who is approved for multiple DPA programs can identify the optimal combination for your specific situation and the home’s purchase price.

Purchase price limits for Florida DPA programs in 2026 vary by program and county. Florida Housing programs (Florida Assist, HHF DPA, Hometown Heroes) typically have purchase price limits in the $400,000–$450,000 range for Orange and Seminole County, with the exact limit depending on whether the home is in a targeted area or non-targeted area. Orange County SHIP and Seminole County programs have their own limits, typically in a similar range. With the Orlando metro median home price at approximately $402,000–$415,000 as of mid-2026, the purchase price caps are workable for many first-time buyers — though homes at the upper end of the price range may exceed program limits. Verify current limits before beginning your property search.

The DPA process in Central Florida typically adds 45–60 days to a home purchase compared to a conventional transaction without assistance. The additional steps include: HUD-approved homebuyer education completion (required for most programs — typically an online 8-hour course or in-person class), DPA program application and approval review, income documentation verification, and subordinate lien recording at closing. Buyers who complete the homebuyer education course and gather income documentation before going under contract can significantly shorten the additional timeline. Starting the DPA application process before you make an offer — not after — is the correct sequence.