Florida is famous for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and world-class attractions, but there’s a lot more to love than vacation spots. Whether you’re drawn to a bustling city, a quiet suburb, or a laid-back beach town, the Sunshine State has something for everyone. With no state income tax, it’s easy to see why so many people are moving here. That said, buying a house in Florida can feel like a big step.
But once you understand the process and the costs involved, it will be less overwhelming, and you’ll be in a much better position to make smart decisions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy with confidence. We spoke with top agent Maria Raymer, who works with 67% more single-family homes than the average agent in Jacksonville, Florida, to get expert insight into the steps required for buying a home in Florida.
Steps to buying a home in Florida
Buying a home in Florida is exciting, but the process can feel a little overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. The good news is that breaking it down step by step makes it much easier to navigate. Here’s what you can expect as you go from house hunting to getting the keys to your new Florida home.
1. Evaluate if you’re ready to buy
Before looking for homes in Florida, you want to determine if you’re ready to purchase one. Consider factors such as how long you plan to be in the area, if you have steady employment, and if you have enough money saved for not just the down payment, but for closing costs, maintenance, property taxes, and more. Homebuyers in Florida pay an average of 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs.
During this time, review your credit score and determine if it’s considered excellent, good, fair, or poor. Typically, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be, which saves you money over the life of the loan. You may want to pay off any collections accounts, dispute errors on your credit report, and pay down your credit card balances before you start shopping for a home.
»Learn more: Ready to find out what kind of home fits your budget? Use our Home Affordability Calculator to estimate what you can comfortably spend and take the first step toward finding a place you’ll love.
2. Save for your down payment
The median home price in Florida is $399,000 as of July 2026. So, expect to spend somewhere around that number depending on what part of Florida you’re purchasing in, the home’s age and condition, and the size of the property, among other factors.
Different loan programs will require different down payment amounts, but you don’t always need to put 20% down when buying a home. A survey completed by the National Association of Realtors found that first-time homebuyers put just 10% down on average in 2025.
Raymer says that for her clients, especially first-time buyers, she suggests an FHA loan, which only requires 3.5% down. “FHA is really one of the best options,” she advises. She adds that Florida also has numerous down payment assistance programs, many of which are tied to state bond money.
“The programs can come and go, but buyers can Google current programs and see what they qualify for,” she says.
Consider the following down payment assistance programs in Florida:
- Florida Assist (FL Assist): The Florida Assist program will loan up to $10,000 in closing costs on approved FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional mortgage loans. The loan is repaid as a 0% interest second mortgage, which is deferred until the homeowner either sells, refinances, or no longer occupies the property.
- HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS Second Mortgage: As part of their first-time homebuyer program, eligible Florida buyers can receive between 3% and 5% of the total loan amount in a forgivable second mortgage. The second mortgage is forgiven at 20% per year, over a 5-year term. Buyers must obtain a conventional first mortgage through Florida Housing, and must meet certain income and credit requirements.
- Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program: For buyers who work the front lines of public safety or healthcare, including military members, the Florida Hometown Heroes program offers lower-than-market first mortgage interest rates on standard mortgage loans. You can also get up to 5% of the mortgage loan amount as down payment and closing cost assistance. Buyers must meet specific income and purchase price limits, and must be currently employed in one of the approved occupations.
