The key to unlocking up to $35,000 in grants for Orange County, Orlando, and Lakeland. Complete the required education and get funded.
HANDS isn't the bank—they are the gateway. Most local DPA programs require their specific education certificate before you can apply.
You attend the 8-hour Homebuyer Education seminar. This is mandatory for Orange County, City of Orlando, and Lakeland DPA programs.
HANDS provides one-on-one counseling to help you fix credit issues, interpret DPA guidelines, and prepare your application file.
With your certificate in hand, your lender submits your file to the city or county. Funds are issued to cover your down payment and closing costs.
If you are looking to buy a home in Central Florida in 2026, the Hands of Central Florida down payment assistance pathway is likely your first step. HANDS is not just an education provider; they are a HUD-approved partner integrated into the approval pipeline for several major government grants.
HANDS is explicitly listed as a required resource for programs funded under NSP and SHIP. They do not write the check, but their signature on your education certificate is often required to cash it.
Provides assistance for down payment and closing costs within city limits. The city specifically designates HANDS to conduct the homeownership education seminars necessary to receive this aid.
For homes in unincorporated Orange County. Step 1 of the application process is attending an approved seminar, with HANDS listed as a primary provider on county flyers.
Lakeland partners with HANDS of Central Florida to provide the HUD-certified education required to qualify for their income-based purchase assistance.
The HANDS education certificate is your "ticket" to applying for grants. This isn't just a formality—the HUD-approved curriculum is designed to ensure you succeed as a homeowner.
Learn how lenders view your debt-to-income ratio and strategies to repair credit quickly before underwriting.
Demystifying interest rates, points, and closing costs so you aren't surprised at the closing table.
Specific rules for recapture (repayment), residency requirements, and income limits for Central FL programs.
Post-purchase responsibilities to ensure you keep the home (and the grant equity) for the long term.
While each specific grant (City vs. County) has fine print, most Hands of Central Florida down payment assistance pathways share these core requirements.
You are considered a first-time homebuyer if you have not owned a primary residence in the last 3 years.
A 640 FICO score is the standard for Orange County programs. If you are below this, HANDS counseling is designed to get you there.
Eligibility is often capped based on your household size and the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county.
Applying for the wrong program (e.g., asking for City funds while buying in the County) is the #1 reason for delays. Our eligibility check sorts this out instantly.
Run Free Eligibility CheckThe money unlocked by the HANDS education certificate isn't just for the down payment. It solves the "cash to close" problem.
Cover the 3.5% requirement for FHA loans or even up to 20% on conventional loans to eliminate mortgage insurance.
Many buyers forget closing costs (2-5% of price). Programs often allow grant funds to pay these fees entirely.
Excess funds can sometimes be applied directly to the loan principal, instantly lowering your monthly mortgage payment.
It depends on the specific program (Orange County vs. Orlando vs. Lakeland). Many are structured as deferred loans with 0% interest that are forgiven over time (e.g., 5-10 years) as long as you live in the home. HANDS counselors help you understand the specific terms of the funds you apply for.
This is exactly why HANDS offers one-on-one counseling. While most lenders require a minimum score (often around 640) for the first mortgage, the counseling sessions are designed to help you dispute errors and pay down debt to reach that threshold before you apply.
Generally, no. City of Orlando funds must be used within city limits. Orange County funds are for unincorporated areas. The first step is determining where you want to buy, which determines which program rules apply. Use the eligibility check below to get started.