.webp){kind=logo}
What Is the Hometown Heroes Program?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is offered through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. It is designed to help eligible full-time community workforce employees purchase their first home in the communities where they work and serve.
The program provides down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a second mortgage. It is paired with a first mortgage from an approved lender.
Program availability, income limits, and assistance amounts are subject to change. Contact us with questions about current program terms and whether you may qualify.
Who May Be Eligible
The Hometown Heroes program is generally available to full-time Florida employees in qualifying occupations, including:
- Teachers and school employees
- Law enforcement officers and correctional officers
- Firefighters and first responders
- Nurses, paramedics, and healthcare workers
- Active military and veterans
- Other certified community workforce occupations
You must be a first-time homebuyer or not have owned a primary residence in the past three years (with some exceptions for active military). The property must be your primary residence in Florida.
Eligibility is subject to income limits by county, credit requirements, and lender guidelines.
How the Assistance Works
Hometown Heroes assistance typically works as follows:
- Down payment and closing cost help: Assistance is provided as a second mortgage, which may reduce or eliminate the need for out-of-pocket down payment funds.
- Paired with a first mortgage: The program is combined with an eligible first mortgage such as FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional.
- Deferred or forgivable terms: Repayment terms on the second mortgage vary. Contact us with questions about current program terms.
Assistance amounts and terms are set by Florida Housing and are subject to program funding and availability.
Eligible Property Types
- Single-family homes
- Townhomes
- Condominiums (subject to approval)
- 2-4 unit properties (borrower must occupy one unit)
The property must be in Florida and serve as your primary residence.
Loan Types That May Be Paired with Hometown Heroes
Depending on your eligibility, the Hometown Heroes program may be paired with:
- FHA loans
- VA loans
- USDA loans
- Conventional loans (including HFA preferred programs)
The first mortgage type that fits your situation depends on your eligibility and goals - see our program guides for details.
Important Disclosures
The Hometown Heroes program is subject to funding availability. Program terms, income limits, and assistance amounts may change without notice. Not all borrowers will qualify. Subject to credit approval, income verification, property approval, and lender guidelines. This is not a commitment to lend.
Contact Homebuyer Inside Track with questions about your specific scenario and current program availability.