Miami-Dade First Time Home Buyer Program: How HAP Can Help at Pineland Crest

The county's main first-time buyer help is the Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) run by the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT). It gives a zero-interest loan for down payment and closing costs, and the county says it works for ""Any new or existing home,"" including a townhome. That makes it worth a look if you are buying at Pineland Crest, where Lennar's townhomes start in the low $300,000s. This guide explains how HAP works, how it can stack with state help, and one city program that does not apply here.

The Miami-Dade First Time Home Buyer Program in Plain Words

MDEAT's page says you ""can get help with the down payment and closing costs to purchase your first home."" Here is how the program works, based on MDEAT's own program highlights sheet:

• It is a loan, but you make no payments. HAP gives ""a 0% interest, non-amortized (no payment), mortgage loan.""

• It can go away. ""The HAP loan is forgiven after 20 years of continuous owner occupancy without a change in title."" In plain words, live in the home as your main home for 20 years without selling or changing who owns it.

• It is for your main home. The buyer must live in the home after closing.

• Funds are limited. MDEAT says help is given ""based on availability of funds on an as-needed basis.""

MDEAT says the program has ""invested more than $57 million, helping over 11,000 families"" since 1995.

How Much Help HAP Can Give

The amount depends on your household income compared with the county's median income. The county calls this ""AMI."" MDEAT's highlights sheet lists two levels:

MDEAT's sheet also says ""Annual household income cannot exceed 140% of Miami-Dade County AMI, adjusted for family size."" The exact income limits change, so check the current chart on the county's page before you plan around a number.

There is a buyer share too. MDEAT recommends you put in at least 1% of the price from your own money if your income is at or below 100% of AMI, or 3% if it is higher.

Can HAP Be Used at Pineland Crest?

On paper, the home type fits. MDEAT's page says HAP covers ""Any new or existing home (must be immediately habitable): single-family detached home, townhome or condo."" Every Pineland Crest home is a two-story townhome, so the style is covered.

The location fits as well. The program covers homes ""located in Miami-Dade County,"" and Pineland Crest is in unincorporated Miami-Dade. MDEAT's sheet also says there is ""No MDEAT-HAP limit"" on purchase price, though your main lender may have one.

Whether you qualify comes down to your income, your lender and the money left in the program when you apply. That is why the next step matters.

How to Apply for HAP

You do not apply to the county by yourself. MDEAT says, ""Low-to-moderate income borrowers may have any licensed mortgage lender in the State of Florida submit a HAP application on their behalf.""

Here is the usual order:

1. Talk to a Florida-licensed lender that knows down payment help programs. Ask if they submit HAP files.

2. Ask about a homebuyer class. MDEAT ""strongly recommends Homebuyer Education for all borrowers,"" and some layered loans may require it.

3. Get pre-approved, with the lender showing how HAP fits next to your main loan.

4. Pick your home and sign. Your lender sends the HAP request.

5. Close. HAP money goes toward your down payment or closing costs at the closing table.

Lennar lists Lennar Mortgage among its services at Pineland Crest. You can ask whether Lennar's lender works with HAP, and you can also compare with other lenders. Ask whether any builder incentive depends on which lender you use.

You can read the county's own details on the MDEAT Homeownership Assistance Program page. The program's phone line is 305-375-5661.

Stacking HAP With Other Help

MDEAT says ""HAP funds can be combined with other Miami-Dade County, state and local programs designated for affordable housing."" Its page also says buyers may qualify for ""up to $120,000 from other programs across Miami-Dade County and local municipalities.""

The biggest state source is Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Its homebuyer program overview lists these basics for its first mortgage loan:

• A minimum credit score of 640

• An approved, participating lender

• An approved homebuyer education class

• Price and income below the limits for your county

• You must meet the IRS first-time buyer rule, which means you ""cannot have owned AND occupied your primary residence for the last three years""

Florida Housing's down payment help only comes with its own first mortgage. Its page lists:

• Florida Assist: ""up to $10,000,"" a 0% deferred second mortgage that is not forgiven and comes due when you sell, refinance or move out

• Florida HLP Second Mortgage: $12,500 at 3%, paid monthly over 30 years

• HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS: 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan amount as a second mortgage, forgiven at 20% a year over five years

For a wider look at state help, read our Florida first-time buyer guide. And if you have heard about a federal tax credit, our guide on whether a first-time buyer tax credit exists in 2026 explains what you can and cannot claim.

The City of Miami Program Does Not Cover Pineland Crest

Search for Miami first-time buyer help, and the City of Miami's program often shows up near the top. It is a real program, but it is only for homes inside the City of Miami. Its page says, ""Property must be located in the City of Miami."" It also says, ""If your desired property is not in the City of Miami, you will not get a loan.""

That trips up Pineland Crest buyers because Lennar lists the address as Miami, FL 33034. But the county map places the community in unincorporated Miami-Dade, outside every city. Our guide to why the Miami address does not mean the City of Miami explains how to check any address.

Plan for More Than the Down Payment

Down payment help is only part of the cash you need. Closing costs, prepaid insurance and moving costs add up too. Our guide to the closing costs Florida townhome buyers should expect walks through the usual list.

It also helps to know what comes with the home, so you do not budget for things already included. Lennar's list at Pineland Crest includes a side-by-side washer and dryer, a stainless steel appliance package, and impact-resistant windows and sliding glass doors. And it helps to pick the right size. Our comparison of the four Pineland Crest townhome plans shows how a three-bedroom Ashbury and a four-bedroom Stratford differ.

Common Questions

Want help mapping out a first home at Pineland Crest? Call 561-704-0091 or book your Pineland Crest appointment. Browse the homes on the Pineland Crest community page.

Related reading: what Lennar builds into every Pineland Crest home