Central Florida Homebuyer's Dream / Housing Opportunities Program
Taking applicationsOrange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake Counties
- Amount
- Up to $10,000 (FHA/VA/USDA Dream program); $7,500 conventional (0% 30-year deferred)
- Kind of help
- Deferred loan, due at sale or refinance
- Who it's for
- Buyers using the OCHFA first mortgage
- Income cap
- Conventional limited to 80% AMI; see OCHFA limits
- Also note
- Dream program requires first-time buyer; conventional Housing Opportunities Program has no first-time requirement; FICO 640
Lock rates on 11/6/2026: FHA/VA/USDA 6.875%, conventional 7.500%.
Checked against the official page, November 2026. How we fact-check
Check whether I fitTwo versions, two rule sets
| Homebuyer's Dream | Housing Opportunities (conventional) |
|---|
| Assistance | Up to $10,000 | $7,500, 0% deferred 30 years |
| Loan types | FHA, VA, USDA | Conventional |
| First-time buyer | Required | Not required |
| Income | OCHFA limits | 80% AMI |
Both need a 640 credit score and the OCHFA first mortgage. Lock rates posted November 6, 2026: 6.875% FHA/VA/USDA and 7.500% conventional.
Why this matters in Central Florida right now
Several large local programs in this region are shut. Orange County's own DPA closure was extended through March 2027 because state SHIP money hadn't been disbursed; the City of Orlando isn't taking applications; Seminole County's waiting list is closed with no reopening date; and Osceola County's SHIP purchase program isn't accepting applications. The OCHFA programs are funded separately and remain available, which makes them one of the few open options across these four counties.
Homebuyer's Dream vs. Hometown Heroes
Each requires its own first mortgage, so choose one. Hometown Heroes is larger for eligible workers (5% of the loan, at least $10,000, up to $35,000) but is repaid in full later. The conventional Housing Opportunities option is notable for having no first-time buyer requirement, which helps prior owners who don't meet the 3-year rule. A participating lender can price both side by side.
How to apply
- Pick an OCHFA participating lender.
- Choose government (Dream) or conventional (Housing Opportunities) based on your credit and income.
- Complete homebuyer education as the lender directs.
- Sign a contract; the lender reserves the first and second together.
A practical tip: if your credit is in the low 600s, a government loan through Homebuyer's Dream may be easier to approve than conventional, while a stronger score and income under 80% AMI can make the conventional option cheaper over time.
Because both options are deferred seconds tied to the OCHFA loan, ask the lender for the second mortgage note and read what triggers repayment, such as a sale, refinance or move. Ask, too, whether your income is measured on the borrowers only or on the whole household, since that can decide which limit you fall under and whether the 80% AMI cap on the conventional option rules you out.
County guides: Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake. Compare loan types or check your eligibility.
Florida counties it covers: Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Lake County.
Central Florida Homebuyer's Dream / Housing Opportunities Program: your questions
How much is the Central Florida Homebuyer's Dream program?
Up to $10,000 with an FHA, VA or USDA loan; $7,500 with the conventional Housing Opportunities Program.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
For Homebuyer's Dream, yes. The conventional Housing Opportunities Program has no first-time requirement but caps income at 80% AMI.
Which counties are covered?
Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake.
Find out if I fit this program
Programs to compare
Our summary of the official program page as of November 2026. Funding and terms change; get the current version from the program or a participating lender. Florida Down Payment Assistance has no tie to this program.
