Lake County · Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
Buying a first home in Lake County, Florida
Lake County is grouped with the Orlando area for limits, so its TBA limit is $172,350. That's higher than many buyers in Clermont or Eustis expect.
SeatTavares
Residents456,068
Income cap, 3+$132,135
Price cap$566,354
The Lake picture
Lake County Schools runs the public schools here, and its full-time staff qualify. Deputies with the Lake County Sheriff's Office, crews with Lake County Fire Rescue, and officers in Clermont and Leesburg police departments also qualify.
Under Bond, the limits are $114,900 for 1 or 2 people and $132,135 for 3 or more, with a $566,354 price limit. If you commute toward Orlando, that's fine: any full-time eligible Florida employer counts, wherever it's located.
For buyers in Mount Dora or Tavares, the math is simple: 5% of your loan, at least $10,000 and no more than $35,000, as a 0% second you repay later.
Caps that apply in Lake County
Income cap, 1 or 2 people
Income cap, 3 or more
Price cap
$114,900
$132,135
$566,354
Lake County's Bond limits are $114,900 and $132,135 with a $566,354 price limit, and its TBA limit is $172,350. Compare with the statewide table or run the budget calculator.
Local employers whose staff can qualify
Lake County Schools
Lake County Sheriff's Office
Lake County Fire Rescue
Clermont Police Department
Leesburg Police Department
Full-time staff at Lake County hospitals, assisted living facilities and licensed day cares are eligible too. The eligible jobs list has the full set of roles.
Local money in Lake County
County, city and employer programs here can sometimes sit behind the state loan, or replace it. Each has its own rules about combining, and a loan officer sorts out which ones fit together.
Buyers who do not currently own a home, very low to moderate
Also note
Approved lender; priority for referrals from approved Lake County non-profits
From FHFC-posted Lake LHAP (2024-27 link): 0% deferred, 15-year, forgiven monthly pro rata. Lake County site blocked automated access. Clermont (largest city) has no separate SHIP program.
Nearly every down payment program makes you finish a homebuyer class before closing. These HUD-approved agencies around Lake 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
Lake County, asked and answered
Why is Lake County's limit the same as Orlando's?
Florida Housing sets limits by county, and Lake uses the same figures as Orange, Seminole and Osceola: $172,350 under TBA.
Do Lake County Fire Rescue employees qualify?
Yes, if full-time.
What's the price limit in Clermont?
$566,354 on a Bond loan outside targeted areas. TBA has no price cap.
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