A note on timingPalmetto Heroes is closed for 2026 and no 2027 dates are announced. The year-round SC Housing Homebuyer Program still offers $10,000 in forgivable down payment help.Review my eligibility
Florence County · Palmetto Heroes
Help for first-time buyers in Florence County, South Carolina
Florence County is a targeted SC Housing county with County First financing, and the $10,000 forgivable DPA is available now.
County seat
Florence
Residents
138,504
Income ceiling, 3+
$134,120
Highest price
$450,000
About buying in Florence County
Florence County has five school districts, Florence One through Five, serving Florence, Lake City, Timmonsville, Johnsonville and Pamplico.
SC Housing names Florence in its County First Initiative, with forgivable DPA and special fixed-rate FHA, USDA or VA loans for first-time and move-up buyers. Because it's a targeted county, you only need to not own a home when you close.
Florence isn't listed separately on SC Housing's limits chart, so it uses the default of $114,960 for 1-2 people and $134,120 for 3 or more.
Limits that apply in Florence County
Households of one or two
Households of three or more
Highest purchase price
$114,960
$134,120
$450,000
Florence County uses SC Housing's default limits: $114,960 for 1-2 people and $134,120 for 3+, with a $450,000 price limit. You may also consult the statewide table or work out a comfortable price.
Further assistance offered in Florence County
The programs below are run locally. Some may be added to the state program and some take its place; since each sets its own rules, your loan officer will tell you which can be used together.
10-year deferred forgivable second mortgage. Program summary PDF (revised 11/24/2021, still linked): https://www.cityofflorence.com/sites/default/files/uploads/Departments/Community-Services/cof_homebuyer_assistance_summary_revised_11.24.21.pdf. Contact 843-665-3175.
Nearly every assistance program asks you to complete a homebuyer class before closing. The HUD-approved agencies below, each within reach of Florence County, teach that class or offer counseling before purchase.
Taken from HUD’s list of housing counseling agencies. A given program may not accept every class.
Unsure which class will count? A loan officer who offers South Carolina programs can tell you, and can begin your pre-approval at the same time. Begin my eligibility review
Local employers whose staff may qualify
Among the eligible employers in and around Florence County:
Florence County School Districts One through Five
Florence County Sheriff's Office
Florence Police Department
Florence Fire Department
Florence County EMS
Educators in Florence One through Five and staff at the sheriff's office, Florence Police, Florence Fire and county EMS fit 2026 roles. The full list of eligible professions
Questions about Florence County
Is County First available in Florence?
Yes. SC Housing lists Florence among the County First counties.
Can move-up buyers use SC Housing help here?
Yes, if you won't own a home at closing. County First is also open to move-up buyers.
Good day, I'm Amy. See if you're eligible for down payment assistance in South Carolina. The review is six short questions, and I would be glad to start you on the right one.
