Jacksonville's Headstart to Homeownership program gives buyers at or below 80% AMI up to $25,000 as a 0% forgivable loan, subject to funding.
How does Jacksonville's Headstart to Homeownership work?
Because Jacksonville and Duval County share a consolidated government, the City's Housing & Community Development Division runs the main purchase program for the whole county: Headstart to Homeownership (H2H). It currently offers up to $25,000, while the 2024-27 Local Housing Assistance Plan allows up to $50,000. The help is a 0% forgivable loan, prorated over 5, 10 or 15 years depending on the amount.
H2H serves buyers at or below 80% of HUD area median income for Duval County who do not currently own a home. The biggest trap is timing: do not sign a sales contract before you are approved. The home must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection, and you need a lender from the approved list that Housing Services provides. The program is subject to funding limitations, so ask Housing Services (contact Shanee Ealey, 904-255-8241) whether money is available before you shop seriously. Because forgiveness is prorated, moving or selling before the term ends means part of the loan comes due, so pick a home you expect to keep for the full 5, 10 or 15 years.
H2H is not the only layer. The Home Sweet Home program run out of Hillsborough County lists $10,000 for Duval buyers, and the Jacksonville HFA Mortgage Credit Certificate turns part of your yearly mortgage interest into a federal tax credit. Duval County Public Schools teachers and Jacksonville Sheriff's Office or Jacksonville Fire and Rescue staff should also check Florida Hometown Heroes. The Duval County guide covers limits and lenders, and the program finder shows what stacks.
County page says first-time buyers have two DPA options (Home Sweet Home and 'Affordable Income Subsidy Grant'). LHAP 2025-28 strategy 'Purchase Assistance HFA': 0% deferred, 30-year, repaid on sale or payoff of first mortgage. Lock rate 7.125% on eHousingPlus 11/6/2026.
Buyers in Jacksonville also have 3 statewide programs to draw on, Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program among them. Browse every Florida program or let the program search narrow it down.
Nearly every down payment program makes you finish a homebuyer class before closing. These HUD-approved agencies around Duval County teach one or offer one-on-one counseling before you buy.
From HUD's list of housing counseling agencies. A given program may accept only certain classes.
Which class counts for you? Your loan officer knows which courses each Florida program accepts and can start your pre-approval in the same conversation. Start with the 2-minute check
Jacksonville, asked and answered
How much is Jacksonville's H2H assistance?
Up to $25,000 currently; the City's 2024-27 SHIP plan allows up to $50,000. It is a 0% forgivable loan.
Who qualifies for Headstart to Homeownership?
Buyers at or below 80% AMI for Duval County who do not currently own a home.
Can I sign a contract before H2H approval?
No. The City says not to sign a sales contract before you are approved.
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