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Homebuyer Assistance 2026

Franklin County Down Payment Assistance Program

Get up to $15,000 toward down payment and closing costs on your first home in Franklin County. Assistance is a 0% deferred loan with 10% forgiven each year over ten years.

Eligibility, property approval, and available funding required.

Up to $15,000 Maximum Purchase Assistance
Down Payment & Closing Costs
10-Year Loan 10% Annual Forgiveness

Program Guidelines & Assistance Levels

Franklin County purchase assistance helps eligible households cover the cost of buying a home. Assistance is funded through Florida's State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP).

Available Assistance

  • Very-Low-Income Buyers

    Up to $15,000 in purchase assistance.

  • Low-Income Buyers

    Up to $12,500 in purchase assistance.

  • Moderate-Income Buyers

    Up to $10,000 in purchase assistance.

Core Requirements

  • Qualify as a first-time homebuyer under the program's ownership rules.
  • Meet the income limit for your household size.
  • Purchase an eligible home in Franklin County as your primary residence.
  • Have first-mortgage approval and a purchase contract for the assistance review.

Path to Homeownership: 4 Key Steps

Get your financing, documents, and program application ready for a home in Franklin County.

1

Review Your Mortgage

Discuss your financing and monthly payment with a lender before choosing a home.

2

Prepare Your Documents

Gather income and asset records and review the county's first-time buyer requirements.

3

Review the Application

Contact the county's SHIP office for application requirements and review the documents needed for your purchase.

4

Complete County Approval

The county reviews your application and purchase documents and must approve assistance before closing.

Why Utilize Down Payment Assistance?

Your down payment is only part of the cost of buying a home. Franklin County purchase assistance can help with eligible upfront costs so you can plan your next move.

  • Reduce Your Cash to Close

    Use approved assistance toward your down payment and closing costs, while meeting your lender's and the program's cash requirements.

  • Buy a Home of Your Own

    Bring your mortgage and purchase assistance together for an eligible primary residence in Franklin County.

  • Earn Loan Forgiveness

    Meet the program's loan and occupancy conditions to have 10% of your assistance forgiven each year over ten years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about buying a home with Franklin County purchase assistance.

What is Franklin County down payment assistance?

The county's purchase-assistance program helps eligible first-time buyers cover down payment and closing costs on a primary residence in Franklin County. Awards vary with household income.

How much assistance can I receive?

Maximum awards are $15,000 for very-low-income households, $12,500 for low-income households, and $10,000 for moderate-income households. Approval and available funding determine the final award.

What are the 2026 income limits?

For a four-person household, the very-low-income limit is $41,150, the low-income limit is $65,850, and the moderate-income limit is $98,760. Different limits apply to other household sizes.

Is this a grant or a loan?

It is a 0% deferred loan secured by the home, with a ten-year term and 10% annual forgiveness. The unpaid balance can become due if you sell or fail to meet the loan's occupancy and other requirements.

Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?

Yes. You must meet the program's first-time buyer definition, generally meaning you have not owned a principal residence in the previous three years. The county determines whether an exception applies.

What homes are eligible?

Eligible new or existing homes in Franklin County must become your primary residence. The purchase strategy excludes mobile homes and attached homes; qualifying community-land-trust purchases may be eligible.

How do I apply for purchase assistance?

Contact Franklin County's SHIP office for the purchase-assistance application and required documents. The county reviews your household, financing, and proposed home before approving an award.

How should I prepare to buy a home?

Review your mortgage qualifications and budget, gather income and asset records, and confirm that your planned home meets the program's property requirements. County approval is separate from mortgage approval.

Who approves purchase assistance?

Franklin County's SHIP office reviews the assistance application, household eligibility, financing, and purchase documents. The office can be reached at 850-653-5851.

Does checking eligibility here submit a county application?

No. This is a mortgage inquiry with Next Wave Mortgage. It does not submit a county assistance application, add you to a county waiting list, or guarantee an award.

Plan Your Franklin County Home Purchase

Bring your mortgage budget, household income, and purchase plans together. Review the assistance requirements and repayment terms before choosing your next home in Franklin County.

Check Your Eligibility