Emergency Mortgage Assistance Programs in Florida (2026)

If you are behind on your mortgage in Florida and need help right now, there are programs available. Some are well-known, some are not. Some have expired, and some are still accepting applications in 2026. This guide covers what is actually available today, not what used to exist.

The most important step you can take right now is to call a HUD-approved housing counselor at 1-800-569-4287. The call is free, confidential, and the counselor can walk you through every option that applies to your specific situation.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation Programs

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is the state agency that administers most state-level housing assistance. Here is the current status of their major programs:

Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) — Largely Exhausted

The Homeowner Assistance Fund was created by the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and provided Florida with approximately $676 million to help homeowners affected by COVID-19. Florida Housing distributed these funds through the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program, which covered past-due mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and HOA/condo association fees.

As of mid-2025, Florida's HAF allocation has been largely exhausted. Some residual disbursements may still reach previously approved applicants, but new applications are generally no longer accepted. If you previously applied and are waiting for a decision, contact Florida Housing directly at 1-833-302-0092.

Florida Hardest-Hit Fund — Expired

The Hardest-Hit Fund (HHF) program, which provided mortgage assistance during and after the 2008 financial crisis, ended in 2021. This program is no longer available. If you see websites referencing the Hardest-Hit Fund as a current resource, that information is outdated.

Federal Programs Still Available in 2026

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling (Free)

This is the single most valuable resource available to you right now, and it is completely free. HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are funded by the federal government to help homeowners in distress. A counselor can:

• Review your complete financial situation
• Explain every option available to you
• Help you prepare and submit a loan modification application
• Negotiate directly with your lender or servicer on your behalf
• Connect you with legal aid if you need a foreclosure defense attorney
• Help you apply for any local or state assistance programs

Call 1-800-569-4287 to find a HUD-approved agency near you, or visit hud.gov/counseling.

FHA-Specific Programs

If you have an FHA loan, you have access to several programs that conventional loan holders do not:

• FHA Special Forbearance: Your servicer can reduce or suspend your payments for up to 12 months while you recover from a temporary hardship.
• FHA-HAMP Loan Modification: Permanently lowers your monthly payment through interest rate reduction, term extension (up to 40 years), or principal deferral via partial claim.
• FHA Partial Claim: Your servicer advances the funds needed to bring your loan current. The advanced amount becomes a subordinate lien with no interest, due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
• FHA Pre-Foreclosure Sale (Short Sale): If keeping the home is not viable, FHA allows a short sale with specific guidelines and timelines.

Contact the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-225-5342 or your loan servicer directly.

VA Loan Programs

Veterans and active-duty service members with VA loans have access to:

• VA Loan Technicians: The VA assigns a dedicated technician to help you explore alternatives to foreclosure. Call 1-877-827-3702.
• VA Forbearance and Repayment Plans: Your servicer can offer temporary forbearance and structured repayment plans.
• VA Loan Modification: Permanent changes to your loan terms to make the payment affordable.
• VA Refunding: In some cases, the VA can purchase the loan from the servicer and modify the terms directly.

County-Level Emergency Mortgage Assistance

Several Florida counties maintain emergency housing assistance programs funded through CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), HOME, and local funding sources. Availability changes frequently based on funding cycles. Counties with active or recently active programs include:

• Hillsborough County: Emergency mortgage assistance through the Housing Stability Program
• Orange County: Emergency Individual Assistance through the Housing and Community Development Division
• Miami-Dade County: Emergency Assistance Program through Public Housing and Community Development
• Broward County: Emergency Assistance through Human Services Department
• Duval County (Jacksonville): Emergency financial assistance through the Housing Finance Authority
• Pinellas County: Emergency mortgage assistance through Community Development

Contact your county's housing or community development office, or call 211 (United Way) to find local resources in your area.

Nonprofit and Community Resources

Several nonprofits operating in Florida can provide emergency mortgage payments, typically as a one-time emergency grant for homeowners facing temporary hardship:

• Catholic Charities: Emergency financial assistance including mortgage help
• Salvation Army: Emergency housing assistance (varies by location)
• St. Vincent de Paul Society: Emergency bill payment including mortgage
• Community Action Agencies: Emergency assistance funded through LIHEAP and Community Services Block Grant
• United Way 211: Call 211 for a referral to local emergency assistance programs

These organizations have limited funding, so apply early. Eligibility typically requires documented financial hardship and proof that the hardship is temporary.

Programs That Have Expired (Do Not Apply)

Be cautious of outdated information online. These programs are no longer accepting new applications:

• Making Home Affordable (HAMP/HARP): Expired December 2016 (HAMP) and December 2018 (HARP)
• Hardest-Hit Fund (HHF): Ended 2021
• CARES Act Forbearance: Initial pandemic forbearance periods have ended, though servicers may still offer standard forbearance
• Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA): This program was for renters, not homeowners

What to Do Right Now

If you need emergency mortgage help today, here are your first three steps:

1. Call a HUD-approved housing counselor at 1-800-569-4287. Free, confidential, and they know exactly what programs are accepting applications right now.
2. Contact your loan servicer. Ask specifically about forbearance, loan modification, and repayment plan options. If you have an FHA or VA loan, mention that specifically.
3. Call 211 to find county-level and nonprofit emergency assistance in your area. Tell them you need help with your mortgage payment.

The earlier you reach out, the more options you have. Every program works better when you apply before you fall too far behind.

Barrett Henry is a licensed Florida REALTOR and local real estate broker with experience helping homeowners find the right resources before foreclosure becomes unavoidable. If you are behind on your mortgage and need guidance, call (813) 761-0133 or email help@flforeclosurehelp.com for a free, confidential consultation.

Related Guides

• Forbearance in Florida
• Loan Modification in Florida
• How to Stop Foreclosure in Florida
• Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund 2026
• Free Mortgage Help Resources in Florida
• Florida Hardest-Hit Fund Programs
• HUD Counselor vs. Foreclosure Attorney
• Get Free Foreclosure Help

This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified Florida attorney for guidance specific to your situation.