What the program gives you
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program, run by Florida Housing Finance Corporation, pays part of your down payment and closing costs when you buy your first home in Florida. You get:
- Up to 5% of your first mortgage amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000.
- A 0% second mortgage for that amount. There's no monthly payment and no interest. It's deferred for 30 years.
- A first mortgage at a competitive fixed rate: FHA, VA, USDA or conventional, with reduced upfront fees and no origination or discount points.
It isn't a grant. The second mortgage is not forgiven. You repay it in full when you sell, refinance the first mortgage, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home as your primary residence.
Who qualifies
At least one borrower has to work full-time for a Florida-based employer in an eligible job, or be military:
- Health care workers, including hospital and clinic staff.
- School staff, including K-12 teachers and support staff.
- First responders, public safety and court employees.
- Child care workers.
- Service members of the U.S. military or reserves, the Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard.
- Veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer.
Florida Housing publishes the full list of example eligible occupations. It covers more roles than most people expect, so check it even if your job title isn't listed above.
You also need to:
- Be a first-time homebuyer. Veterans and buyers in federally designated target areas are generally exempt from this rule.
- Have household income at or below the 2026 Hometown Heroes limit for your county, and buy at or below the county's purchase price limit.
- Have a credit score of at least 640.
- Buy a home you'll live in as your primary residence.
- Complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing. One borrower is enough.
- Use a participating lender. Not every lender offers the program.
How much it's worth
The assistance is 5% of the first mortgage, inside the $10,000–$35,000 range:
- $250,000 first mortgage: $12,500 of assistance.
- $400,000 first mortgage: $20,000.
- $600,000 first mortgage: $30,000.
- $150,000 first mortgage: 5% would be $7,500, so the $10,000 minimum applies.
On an FHA loan, that can cover the whole down payment and a good share of Florida closing costs.
Step by step
- Check eligibility. Confirm your employer is Florida-based and your job appears on the occupation list, and compare your household income to your county's limit.
- Get pre-approved with a participating lender. The first mortgage and the Hometown Heroes second are underwritten together. See the pre-approval guide.
- Take the homebuyer education course. It's online or in person, and it's quickest to finish early.
- Find a home under the county's price limit and sign a contract. The loan is reserved with the program after you have a fully executed contract.
- Close. The assistance is applied at closing. Keep the second mortgage's payoff terms in mind if you plan to refinance later.
Things that trip people up
- Funding comes in rounds. The Legislature funds the program, and it has paused when money ran out. Get pre-approved early so you're ready when funds are available.
- Remote jobs. Fully remote employees generally don't qualify, even for a Florida employer. Hybrid schedules can.
- Refinancing later. Refinancing the first mortgage makes the second due, so a future rate-drop refinance needs to cover that payoff too.
- Stacking. Hometown Heroes generally can't be combined with Florida Housing's other down payment programs, though some county programs may layer on. Ask before you count on two sources.
- Scams. There's no fee to apply. Florida Housing warns about anyone charging one.
Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Hometown Heroes Program. Terms reflect the 2026 program and can change.
FAQ
How much is Florida Hometown Heroes assistance in 2026?
Up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, provided as a 0% deferred second mortgage.
Is Florida Hometown Heroes forgivable?
No. The second mortgage has no interest and no monthly payment, but it must be repaid in full when you sell, refinance the first mortgage, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home as your primary residence.
Who is eligible for Hometown Heroes?
First-time homebuyers who work full-time for a Florida-based employer as a health care worker, school staff member, first responder, public safety or court employee, or child care worker; service members; and veterans employed full-time in Florida. Income and purchase price limits apply by county.
What credit score do I need for Hometown Heroes?
A minimum credit score of 640.
Can I use Hometown Heroes with an FHA or VA loan?
Yes. The first mortgage can be FHA, VA, USDA or conventional through a participating lender.
Do I need to take a homebuyer class?
Yes. At least one borrower must complete an approved pre-purchase homebuyer education course before closing.