The City of Jacksonville's Headstart to Homeownership program offers buyers at or below 80% of area median income who don't currently own a home up to $25,000 as a forgivable loan. Status: subject to funding limitations. Confirm funds with Housing Services before you sign a sales contract; signing first can disqualify you.
Headstart to Homeownership (H2H) Program
Limited funds
City of Jacksonville / Duval County
Amount
Up to $25,000 (LHAP 2024-27 allows up to $50,000)
Kind of help
Forgivable second loan
Who it's for
Buyers at or below 80% AMI who do not currently own a home
Income cap
80% AMI (HUD, Duval County)
First-timers only
Yes
Also note
Do not sign a sales contract before approval; HQS inspection; approved lender list from Housing Services
Subject to funding limitations. LHAP: 0% forgivable, prorated; term 5/10/15 years by amount. Contact Shanee Ealey, SEaley@coj.net, 904-255-8241.
Want a heads-up? Headstart to Homeownership (H2H) Program draws from a limited pot that can empty out. We'll tell you when a new round is funded.
Is H2H funded right now?
The City describes H2H as subject to funding limitations and does not post an open or closed date. That puts the burden on you to call first: Housing Services can be reached at 904-255-8241. The order of steps matters more here than in most programs, because the City says not to sign a sales contract until you are approved.
How the money works
The City page lists up to $25,000. Jacksonville's 2024-27 housing plan on file with Florida Housing allows up to $50,000, so the working amount may be lower than the plan ceiling. Under that plan the assistance is a 0% loan forgiven on a prorated basis, with a 5, 10 or 15-year term depending on the amount. Stay the full term and nothing is owed; leave early and the unforgiven share comes due.
Who qualifies for H2H?
Household income at or below 80% AMI under HUD's Duval County limits.
You don't currently own a home (first-time buyer).
The home must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection.
Use a lender from the approved list that Housing Services provides.
H2H alongside Hometown Heroes and Duval options
Hometown Heroes allows a stand-alone program from another agency to sit in third position, and H2H is run by the City, so an eligible Jacksonville worker can ask; a participating lender confirms. Other Duval options include $10,000 through Home Sweet Home (which needs its own first mortgage) and a Jacksonville HFA Mortgage Credit Certificate whose credit rate we could not confirm.
How to apply
Call Housing Services to confirm funding and request the approved lender list.
Get pre-approved with one of those lenders.
Apply and wait for approval before signing a contract.
Schedule the HQS inspection on the home you choose.
Why the order of steps matters
Many buyers sign a sales contract the moment they find a home. With H2H, that can cost you the assistance, because the City says not to sign before approval. Line up the approved lender list, pre-approval and application first, then shop. Ask Housing Services how long approval is taking and whether your award will be the $25,000 figure on the City page or something different under the plan. Ask, too, which HQS inspection items most often cause delays, so you can spot problem homes early.
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.
Saved. Watch your phone and inbox.
When this program restarts, you'll be among the first to know. Meanwhile, want to see what's open today?
Hi, I'm Lisa. See if you're eligible for down payment assistance in Florida. I'll walk you through six quick questions, and you'll see your result before you leave the page.
