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County housing finance authorities (Hillsborough/Clay, Jacksonville/Duval, Manatee, Escambia)

Mortgage Credit Certificates in Florida: where you can still get one

A Mortgage Credit Certificate turns part of the mortgage interest you pay each year into a federal tax credit for first-time buyers. Florida Housing has not issued MCCs since December 31, 2020, so today they come only from county housing finance authorities.

Local Mortgage Credit Certificates (county HFAs)

Taking applications

County housing finance authorities (Hillsborough/Clay, Jacksonville/Duval, Manatee, Escambia)

Amount
Federal tax credit (e.g., 20% of mortgage interest in Hillsborough and Manatee); FHFC says MCCs give 10-50% capped at $2,000/yr above 20%
Kind of help
Federal tax credit (MCC)
Who it's for
First-time buyers
Income cap
Set by each issuer
Price cap
Set by each issuer
First-timers only
Yes
Stacks with the state program
yes - research.json notes HTH first mortgages are eligible with an MCC from a local issuer

Florida Housing has not issued MCCs since 12/31/2020. Escambia HFA launched a 2026 MCC on 5/15/2026 (outside the 20 target counties).

Checked against the official page, November 2026. How we fact-check

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How an MCC works

An MCC is not cash at closing. It is a certificate that lets you claim a share of your yearly mortgage interest as a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit, for as long as you keep the loan and live in the home under the issuer's rules. Florida Housing's MCC FAQ describes credit rates between 10% and 50%, with an annual cap of $2,000 whenever the rate is above 20%. In practice, the county issuers named here use a 20% rate in Hillsborough and Manatee.

Who issues MCCs in Florida now?

  • Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County runs a multi-county MCC covering Hillsborough and Clay (20% credit). See the Hillsborough MCC page.
  • Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority covers Duval County under 2024-2026 guidelines; its credit rate was not shown in the material reviewed.
  • Housing Finance Authority of Manatee County pairs a 20% MCC with its Key to Homeownership second mortgage. Only target-area MCC funds were available on November 6, 2026.
  • Escambia County HFA launched a 2026 MCC on May 15, 2026, outside the 20 counties this guide covers.

Each issuer sets its own income and purchase price limits, and every one requires a first-time buyer.

Can an MCC be combined with Hometown Heroes?

Yes. Florida Housing's Hometown Heroes lender guide says its first mortgages are eligible with an MCC from a local issuer. Because the state itself no longer offers one, you need to live in an area with an active county MCC and use a lender approved by both programs. Pairing a credit with a down payment second mortgage is one of the few true stacks available in Florida.

How to apply for a county MCC

  1. Confirm your county has an active MCC issuer from the list above.
  2. Check that issuer's income and price limits for your household size.
  3. Choose a lender that participates in the county MCC (the issuer lists them).
  4. Your lender applies for the certificate before closing; a tax preparer then claims the credit each year.

Browse local options by county, see how much cash you need to buy, or check your eligibility.

Local Mortgage Credit Certificates (county HFAs): your questions

Does Florida Housing still offer a Mortgage Credit Certificate?

No. Florida Housing has not issued MCCs since December 31, 2020. County housing finance authorities such as Hillsborough, Jacksonville, Manatee and Escambia issue them instead.

How much is an MCC worth?

It is a federal tax credit equal to a percentage of your yearly mortgage interest: 20% in Hillsborough and Manatee. Florida Housing notes rates range from 10% to 50%, capped at $2,000 a year above 20%.

Can I use an MCC with Hometown Heroes?

Yes. Hometown Heroes first mortgages are eligible with an MCC from a local issuer, if one is active in your county.

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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.