Florida Hometown Heroes Program
Florida's flagship down payment assistance program gives eligible essential workers up to 5% of their first mortgage, a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments. Pair it with an FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loan and many buyers purchase with little to no cash out of pocket.
What you can get
Up to 5% of the first mortgage amount (minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000) as a 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage. No monthly payments; repaid when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, pay off the first mortgage, or stop using the home as your primary residence.
Who qualifies
- First-time homebuyer (no primary-residence ownership in the past 3 years); veterans and active-duty military are exempt from this requirement.
- At least one borrower works full-time (35+ hours/week) for a Florida-based employer in an eligible frontline profession, healthcare, K-12 education, law enforcement, fire/EMS, courts, licensed childcare, and military among 100+ eligible occupations.
- Minimum 640 FICO credit score.
- Household income within the county income limit (limits vary by county and loan type).
- Primary residence only, single-family homes, townhomes, and approved condos; no investment or second homes.
- Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (veterans using VA financing are exempt from the course).
How it pairs with your mortgage
Hometown Heroes pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages originated through Florida Housing participating lenders. The assistance is applied to the down payment; closing costs are commonly covered with seller or lender credits alongside it. Because funding is released in annual allocations on a first-come, first-served basis, getting pre-approved with a participating lender before funds open is critical.
Availability right now
The 2026 funding round opened July 13, 2026 with a $50 million allocation, reserved first-come, first-served through participating lenders. Prior rounds were fully reserved in weeks. Program terms, income limits, and funding status change, confirm current availability with the program administrator or a participating lender before making plans around a number on this page.
Availability depends on lender participation and current program funding. Program terms change, confirm current details with the administering agency or a participating lender. Educational information only; not a commitment to lend.
Do I have to be a teacher or nurse to qualify?
No. Eligibility is based on your employer and workplace, not your job title, over 100 occupations qualify across healthcare, education, public safety, courts, childcare, and the military. A support-staff employee at an eligible hospital or school can qualify.
Is Hometown Heroes a grant or a loan?
It is a loan, a 0% interest, 30-year second mortgage with no monthly payments. It must be repaid when you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home. There is no prepayment penalty.
Can veterans use Hometown Heroes?
Yes, and veterans get two exemptions: they are not subject to the first-time buyer requirement, and they are exempt from the homebuyer education course when using VA financing.
Loans that pair with this program
Buying in Florida? Check your eligibility
Tell us about your purchase. We will confirm which assistance programs your scenario qualifies for, usually within one business day.