Official 2026 Program Guidelines
Lee County offers three distinct down payment assistance (DPA) pathways designed to help first-time buyers and low-income families achieve homeownership. Whether you are looking for a simple boost or a significant subsidy for a home in unincorporated areas, there is a program designed to bridge the gap.
FirstPlus Second DPA
Administered by HFA of Lee County
- ✔ Up to $10,000 for down payment/closing costs.
- ✔ 0% Interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage.
- ✔ No monthly payments (due on sale/refinance).
- ✔ FICO ≥ 640 required.
- ✔ Must be a first-time homebuyer (no ownership last 3 years).
Best For: Buyers wanting a simple, "easy button" process with fewer restrictions on location.
View Program Details → Check EligibilityCDBG Homeownership
Administered by Lee County HVS
- ✔ Up to $75,000 (Max assistance cap).
- ✔ Forgivable: 5-year term, reduces 20% per year.
- ✔ Pays up to 50% of lender-required down payment.
- ✔ Strict Location: Unincorporated Lee County only.
- ⚠ No pools, no duplexes, strict income limits.
Best For: Low-income buyers needing a large subsidy to afford a home in unincorporated areas.
View Program Details → Check EligibilityHOME DPA Program
Administered by Lee County HVS
- ✔ Gap Financing: Covers the gap after other funds.
- ✔ Forgivable: 10-year term, 0% interest.
- ✔ Available anywhere in Lee County.
- ✔ Can cover closing costs only for $0-down loans.
- ✔ Max purchase price $340,000.
Best For: Buyers inside city limits or those needing specific gap funding for closing costs.
View Program Details → Check EligibilityYour Roadmap to Down Payment Funding
Prequalification & Lender Selection
Begin by working with a participating lender who understands the specific underwriting overlays of the HFA of Lee County and Lee County Human & Veteran Services. Your loan officer will determine if you meet the credit (640+) and debt-to-income (45% max) requirements.
Mandatory Homebuyer Education
All borrowers must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. This certificate is valid for 12 months and is a prerequisite for closing. We recommend completing this early in the process to avoid delays.
Identify the Right Property
Crucial Step: If aiming for the $75,000 CDBG assistance, you must locate a home in Unincorporated Lee County. For city limits (Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs), focus on the HOME or FirstPlus programs. Ensure the home is a site-built single-family residence or approved condo.
County Review & Closing
Once under contract, your lender submits your file to the county. Allow 4-6 weeks for county review. Note that cash back at closing is strictly prohibited, and the purchase price must be supported by an appraisal.
Maximizing Your Benefit: Location Strategy
One of the most common reasons for denial is property location. The Lee County CDBG program offers the highest assistance cap ($75,000) but has the strictest geographic boundaries. It is exclusively for Unincorporated Lee County.
If you are purchasing within the municipal limits of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, or Bonita Springs, the CDBG funds are generally unavailable. In these areas, the HOME Program (up to $34,000 gap financing) or the HFA FirstPlus (up to $10,000) are your primary options.
Tip: Check the property appraiser's website to confirm if a specific address falls under "Unincorporated" tax districts before making an offer.
Which Program Fits You?
-
A
High Subsidy / Low Income
Target the CDBG program in Unincorporated areas. Best for those needing significant down payment help to make monthly payments affordable.
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B
Moderate Income / City Living
Use the HOME Program. It works countywide (including cities) and covers the "gap" to keep your housing payment within 35% of your income.
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C
Ease of Use / Higher Income
Choose FirstPlus. Features higher income limits, no "financial need" calculation, and simpler processing through the HFA.
Understanding Your Loan Terms
A common misconception is that all down payment assistance is a "free grant." In Lee County, most programs utilize a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage structure to keep your monthly payments low.
CDBG Forgiveness
The CDBG program offers the fastest forgiveness. The loan balance reduces by 20% per year. If you occupy the home for the full 5 years, the entire balance (up to $75,000) is completely forgiven.
HOME Forgiveness
The HOME program is a 10-year forgivable loan. It reduces by 10% annually. While it takes longer to forgive than CDBG, it offers greater flexibility for location (city limits allowed).
FirstPlus Deferment
The FirstPlus loan is not forgivable. It is a 30-year deferred loan with 0% interest. You do not make monthly payments, but the full $10,000 is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.
Property Eligibility Standards
To protect the county's investment, strictly enforced property standards apply. Before making an offer, ensure the home meets these criteria to avoid a denial during the underwriting phase.
The "Deal Breakers"
- Existing In-Ground Pools: Strictly prohibited for CDBG funded loans. Above-ground pools may be acceptable if movable.
- Manufactured/Mobile Homes: Not eligible. Must be site-built or an approved condo/PUD.
- HUD Inspection: A comprehensive HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection is required in addition to your standard private home inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about qualifying for Lee County assistance.
What is the maximum down payment assistance available in Lee County?
Eligible buyers in unincorporated Lee County can receive up to $75,000 through the CDBG Homeownership Assistance Program. Other options include the FirstPlus program (up to $10,000) and the HOME program (gap financing up to 10% of the purchase price), depending on your specific location and income level.
Who qualifies for Lee County down payment assistance?
Eligibility generally requires first-time homebuyer status (or no ownership in 3 years), a minimum credit score of 640, and household income within county limits. Specific programs like CDBG require the property to be located in unincorporated Lee County, while HOME and FirstPlus are available countywide.
Is the Lee County down payment assistance a grant or a loan?
It is typically a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage, not a grant. The CDBG and HOME programs offer forgiveness (over 5 or 10 years) if you remain in the home as your primary residence. The FirstPlus program is a deferred loan that must be repaid if you sell, refinance, or rent out the home.
Can I buy a home anywhere in Lee County with these programs?
It depends on the program. The HOME Program and FirstPlus Second DPA can be used countywide, including within city limits like Fort Myers and Cape Coral. However, the high-value CDBG program ($75k max) is strictly limited to properties located in unincorporated Lee County.
What are the income limits for Lee County assistance in 2026?
Income limits vary by household size. As of the latest guidelines, a 1-person household is capped around $52,450 (CDBG) to $57,250 (HOME), while a 4-person household is capped around $74,900 to $81,750. These figures are subject to annual adjustments and should be verified with a participating lender.
Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer for Lee County assistance?
Yes, for the FirstPlus program, you must not have owned a home in the last 3 years. The HOME and CDBG programs generally require you to not own any other property at the time of application, but strictly "first-time" status may not always be mandatory if other specific displacement conditions are met.
Can I use down payment assistance for a mobile home or condo?
Mobile and manufactured homes are generally not eligible for Lee County programs. Site-built single-family homes and approved condos/PUDs are eligible. The CDBG program specifically excludes duplexes, mother-in-law units, and homes with existing in-ground pools.
What is the minimum credit score for Lee County housing assistance?
The FirstPlus program requires a minimum FICO score of 640. While the CDBG program guidelines state "no minimum credit score," participating lenders typically require at least a 640 score to approve the first mortgage (FHA, VA, or USDA) that is required to use the assistance.
How long does it take to get approved for Lee County DPA?
The application review process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline begins after your lender submits a complete application package to Lee County Human & Veteran Services. It is crucial to negotiate a closing date on your purchase contract that accommodates this review period.
Can I get cash back at closing with these programs?
No, borrowers are strictly prohibited from receiving cash back at closing under any of the Lee County assistance programs. If the assistance amount exceeds the required down payment and closing costs, the principal loan amount is usually reduced to absorb the excess funds.