The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is a homebuyer assistance program designed to help eligible, income-qualified members of Florida's workforce purchase a primary residence. When funding is available, qualifying buyers may be able to use program assistance toward eligible down payment and closing costs.

Eligibility depends on the current program guidelines. A participating lender generally reviews factors such as Florida employment, household income, credit, debt-to-income ratio, first-time homebuyer status, the selected mortgage product, and whether the property will be used as the buyer's primary residence.

Buyers should not assume they are ineligible based on occupation alone. Current requirements should be reviewed for each individual situation.

First-time homebuyer requirements may apply. In many mortgage programs, a first-time buyer is someone who has not owned and occupied a principal residence during the previous three years. Certain exceptions may apply, including possible exceptions for eligible veterans or buyers purchasing in designated areas.

The assistance has generally been structured as a zero-interest, non-amortizing deferred second mortgage rather than a traditional grant. That usually means there is no regular monthly payment on the assistance, but the balance may become due after a triggering event.

Possible repayment triggers can include selling the home, refinancing the first mortgage, transferring ownership, or no longer occupying the property as a primary residence. Review the current loan documents carefully before closing.

The assistance amount is determined by the program rules in effect when the loan is reserved. Previous guidelines have calculated assistance as a percentage of the first mortgage amount, subject to a maximum program limit.

The exact amount available to a buyer can depend on the first mortgage, purchase price, qualifying costs, current funding, and other program requirements. A participating lender must calculate the amount for the specific transaction.

When permitted by current guidelines, program funds may be applied toward eligible down payment and closing costs. The lender and closing agent determine which expenses qualify and how the funds are shown on the final closing disclosure.

The program may be paired with approved first-mortgage products, which can include certain FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional options. The available choices depend on current program rules, lender participation, borrower eligibility, and property eligibility.

Minimum credit requirements can vary based on the first-mortgage product and current program guidelines. A lender will also consider the full credit profile, including payment history, outstanding debts, available credit, and debt-to-income ratio. A credit score alone does not determine final approval.

The property generally must be an eligible primary residence in Florida and meet the requirements of the selected mortgage program. Depending on current guidelines, eligible property types may include certain single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, or other approved residences.

Investment properties and vacation homes are generally not eligible because the buyer is expected to occupy the property as a primary residence.

No. Funding is limited and can be fully committed. Program availability may change without notice, and assistance cannot be guaranteed until the participating lender confirms eligibility and successfully reserves funds under the current process.

Even when Hometown Heroes funding is unavailable, a buyer may still be able to explore other mortgage or homebuyer assistance options.

Possibly. Assistance may reduce eligible upfront costs, but buyers may still need funds for items such as inspections, appraisal differences, earnest money, reserves, prepaid expenses, or costs that exceed the available assistance. The lender should provide a personalized estimate before closing.

Complete the eligibility form on this page to request a personalized review. Be prepared to discuss your Florida employment, income, debts, savings, credit, preferred location, purchase timeline, and whether you currently own or recently owned a home.

A participating loan professional can then review current Hometown Heroes guidelines, funding availability, mortgage options, and possible alternatives based on your circumstances.