We want to provide advance notice of a temporary Down Payment Assistance Program application closure effective September 6, 2026. Complete applications submitted on or before September 6, 2026, will continue to be reviewed and processed in accordance with program requirements and available funding. Applications remain open for new homes constructed on County donated lots and other properties developed by non-profit organizations.

The program will remain closed to new applications through November 15, 2026, with applications anticipated to reopen on or about November 16, 2026. This temporary pause will allow Orange County to manage current program demand and available funding. We understand that changes to program availability can have a direct impact on clients and transactions, and we appreciate your patience and partnership as we work through this period.

As we prepare for the program’s reopening, additional program updates and training opportunities are anticipated on or about October 13, 2026. These updates will provide our buyers, lenders, real estate professionals, housing counselors, and community partners with important information regarding program changes, requirements, and expectations that will be in place when applications resume.

Additional information regarding the training and registration process will be shared as the date approaches. We recognize the important role the DPA Program plays in helping individuals and families achieve homeownership, and we are committed to keeping our partners informed throughout this process.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to helping Orange County residents achieve homeownership. We look forward to working with you as we prepare for the program’s reopening.

For additional information please contact Dorenda Christian at 407-836-5172 or Marcia Owens at 407-836-5192.

A summary of the 2026 Annual Report will be available upon request beginning September 10, 2026, at 701 E. South Street, Orlando, Florida, or by emailing Dorenda.Christian@ocfl.net.

The Down Payment Assistance Program provides funding to eligible first-time homebuyers to purchase a new or existing home in Orange County. The amount of assistance provided will be determined based on household income and size. The amount of assistance available is $70,000 for eligible very low-income buyers, $40,000 for low-income buyers, or $10,000 for eligible moderate-income buyers. All applicants must complete a pre-purchase homebuyer's education program and secure a first mortgage.

Ready to get started?
Choose a HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Workshop below and click the registration link to enroll. (You only need to complete one of the courses)

• http://www.heausa.org/first-time-home-buyer-classes/
• https://www.habitatorlando.org/counseling/
• https://helpcdc.org/upcoming-events/

Housing and Community Development Division
525 East South Street,
Orlando, Florida 32801-2891

Email: housing@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 836-5171

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.