
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) is a public corporation established by the Florida Legislature over 40 years ago to address affordable housing needs across the state. It operates independently within the Department of Community Affairs and is governed by a nine-member board of directors. FHFC’s mission is to increase the availability of safe and affordable housing for low- to moderate-income individuals and families by leveraging federal and state resources, stimulating private investment, and fostering public-private partnerships[1][3][9].
Vision: The vision of Florida Housing is to be recognized as an outstanding provider of innovative, measurable, data-driven, and fiscally sustainable solutions that address the state’s affordable housing challenges.
Programs:
- Homebuyer Programs: They offer 30-year fixed rate first mortgage loans to first-time homebuyers, along with second mortgage programs for down payment assistance and closing costs. [1]
- Special Needs Housing: The organization provides resources and funding programs for individuals with special needs, including the elderly, physically disabled, those at risk of homelessness, or with low incomes.
- Investor Information: Annual audited financial statements and details about the Guarantee program are available for those interested in investing or understanding the financial aspects of Florida Housing’s operations.
- Multifamily Mortgage Revenue Bonds: Finances the construction or rehabilitation of rental properties for low-income families via below-market-rate loans. [1]
- State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL): Offers low-interest loans for affordable rental housing development.[1]
- SHIP Program: Allocates funds to local governments for affordable housing initiatives. [7]
- Hardest Hit Fund Program: Assists homeowners facing financial hardships, such as unemployment, with mortgage payments. [5]
Services:
- Rental Assistance: Through FloridaHousingSearch.org, they offer a free, online service to locate affordable rental housing across Florida, with real-time information on vacancies, features, and pricing.
- Hometown Heroes Housing Program: This initiative is aimed at making homeownership affordable for frontline community workers like law enforcement, firefighters, educators, and healthcare professionals by providing down payment and closing cost assistance.
Community Engagement:
FHFC also collaborates with local governments, non-profits, and private entities to promote affordable housing solutions and administers federal programs like Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)[5][7]. Its funding sources include state documentary stamp taxes, federal grants, and revenue bonds[1][3].
Online Resources: There website www.floridahousing.org includes sections for renters, homebuyers, and professionals, aiming to guide users through the process of finding or securing affordable housing. It also provides access to various programs’ details and application processes.
Social Media Presence: They maintain a presence on platforms like LinkedIn and possibly others, where they share updates about new developments, programs, and community events related to affordable housing.
Florida Housing Homebuyer Programs
Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers specialized homebuyer programs to help first-time homebuyers in Florida achieve homeownership:
- First Mortgage Loans: We provide 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage loans with competitive rates, designed to make home buying more affordable. These loans are available through various lenders throughout Florida.
- Down Payment Assistance: In addition to your primary mortgage, you might qualify for a second mortgage to cover down payments and closing costs, enhancing your purchasing power.
Qualifications for the Program:
- Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for these programs. This includes being a first-time homebuyer, which generally means you haven’t owned a home in the last three years.
- Income limits, credit requirements, and home purchase price limits apply, tailored to the region within Florida where you plan to buy.
How to Apply:
- Start by finding a participating lender in your area. Which you have right here with Ocean Capital Lending LLC. We are equipped to guide you through the application process for both the first mortgage and any down payment assistance programs.
- We can provide detailed information on eligibility, current rates, and program specifics.
Why Choose Florida Housing’s Homebuyer Programs?
- Our programs aim to make homeownership accessible, helping you build personal wealth and stability through home equity.
- By working with Florida Housing, you’re not just buying a home; you’re investing in your future in one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S.
Call one of our advisors today to help walk you through your available options! 800.517.4240
Citations:
[1] [PDF] FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION OVERVIEW https://oppaga.fl.gov/Documents/Reports/09-15S.pdf
[2] Florida Housing Finance Corporation | My Florida Legal https://www.myfloridalegal.com/ag-opinions/florida-housing-finance-corporation
[3] Florida Housing Finance Corporation https://www.floridahousing.org
[4] Florida Housing Finance Corporation – LeadIQ https://leadiq.com/c/florida-housing-finance-corporation/5a1d99002300005e0087990a
[5] [PDF] The Florida Housing Finance Corporation Could Improve Its Tax … https://oppaga.fl.gov/Documents/Reports/12-10.pdf
[6] Florida Housing Finance Corporation Program Highlights https://www.ehousingplus.com/homeownership/florida-housing-finance-corporation/program-highlights/
[7] Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) https://www.homesteadfunding.com/loan-programs/florida-housing-finance-corporation-florida-housing
[8] [DOC] FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION https://www.flrules.org/gateway/notice_Files.asp?ID=11826936
[9] Florida Housing Finance Corporation – Governor Ron DeSantis https://www.flgov.com/eog/node/5373
[10] Florida Housing Finance Corporation – Contract Information https://facts.fldfs.com/Search/ContractDetail.aspx?AgencyId=400000&ContractId=I0054