By Phil Ganz
Edited by Ryan Skerritt
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program makes homeownership more affordable for frontline workers, veterans, and first-time buyers across the state.
To use the program, you must work with an approved lender who is authorized by Florida Housing to process Hometown Heroes loans.
Check Your Florida Hometown Heroes Program Eligibility
Below, you’ll find the list of participating and approved lenders, along with tips on how to choose the right one for your home purchase.
What Is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program helps eligible full-time workers, veterans, and service members buy a home by offering up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
The aid comes as a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payments, which is only repaid if you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.
To qualify, you must be a first-time homebuyer (unless you are a veteran), have at least a 640 credit score, and earn less than 150% of your county’s Area Median Income (AMI).
Eligibility is limited to approved occupations, including healthcare workers, teachers, first responders, childcare staff, court employees, active military, and veterans working full-time in Florida. You also need to purchase a home in the same community where you work.
The program works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans and includes exemptions from Florida’s documentary stamp and intangible taxes, saving buyers thousands at closing.
Check Your Florida Hometown Heroes Program Eligibility
Why You Must Use an Approved Florida Hometown Heroes Lender (and How Some Lenders Mislead Buyers)
Not every lender in Florida is approved to offer the Hometown Heroes Program—and this is where many homebuyers get tripped up.
Some large lenders will say things like “we can still get you the grant” even though they aren’t on Florida Housing’s approved list.
The truth is simple: if your lender isn’t officially approved, you cannot access Hometown Heroes funds, no matter what they promise.
Check Your Florida Hometown Heroes Program Eligibility
Top Florida Hometown Heroes Approved Lenders: Our 2025 Rankings
United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM)
Approved for Hometown Heroes (FL)UWM is one of the most trusted mortgage lenders in the country and our #1 choice for Florida homebuyers using the Hometown Heroes Program. With highly competitive rates, quick closings, and flexible loan options, UWM makes it easier for first-time buyers, veterans, and essential workers to achieve homeownership in Florida.
Why We Ranked UWM #1
- Consistently competitive interest rates for Florida buyers
- Fast approval and closing process, saving you time
- Proven track record helping thousands of Hometown Heroes purchase homes
Windsor Mortgage
Approved for Hometown Heroes (FL)Windsor Mortgage has built a strong reputation for personalized service and reliable support for Florida homebuyers. As an approved Hometown Heroes lender, Windsor stands out for its customer-first approach, helpful loan officers, and commitment to making the homebuying process smooth from application to closing.
Why We Ranked Windsor #2
- Excellent customer service with hands-on guidance
- Flexible loan options to fit different income levels and credit profiles
- Trusted by Florida first-time buyers and essential workers
Gold Star Mortgage
Approved for Hometown Heroes (FL)Gold Star Mortgage combines national strength with a community feel, making it a great option for Florida buyers using the Hometown Heroes Program. Known for clear communication, knowledgeable loan officers, and smooth closings, Gold Star helps homebuyers take advantage of down-payment and closing-cost assistance without unnecessary stress.
Why We Ranked Gold Star #3
- Strong reputation for guiding first-time buyers through the process
- Reliable service with transparent communication
- Well-suited for buyers seeking stability and peace of mind
FBC Mortgage
Approved for Hometown Heroes (FL)FBC Mortgage is a Florida-based lender with deep local expertise, making it a solid option for buyers using the Hometown Heroes Program. Known for its regional focus and community connections, FBC helps borrowers navigate Florida’s housing market with competitive programs and personalized service.
Why We Ranked FBC Mortgage #4
- Strong Florida presence with local market expertise
- Responsive loan officers familiar with state assistance programs
- Good option for buyers seeking a regional lender
Sierra Pacific Mortgage
Approved for Hometown Heroes (FL)Sierra Pacific Mortgage brings the resources of a well-established national lender to Florida buyers using the Hometown Heroes Program. With a reputation for reliability, diverse loan products, and customer support, Sierra Pacific is a dependable choice for those looking for a smooth path to homeownership with added assistance.
Why We Ranked Sierra Pacific #5
- Established national lender with a strong track record
- Wide variety of mortgage options for different buyer needs
- Reliable service for first-time and repeat homebuyers in Florida
TPO GO
Approved for Hometown Heroes (FL)TPO GO is an emerging mortgage lender that has gained traction in Florida thanks to its affordable loan programs and commitment to helping more buyers qualify. With approval for the Hometown Heroes Program, TPO GO gives buyers access to valuable down payment and closing cost assistance, paired with straightforward lending options.
Why We Ranked TPO GO
- Focused on affordability and accessible lending options
- Approved for Hometown Heroes loans across Florida
- Strong option for buyers looking for a newer, agile lender
Check Your Florida Hometown Heroes Program Eligibility
Florida Hometown Heroes Program 2025-2026 FAQs
Here are the most common questions about the changes to Florida’s Hometown Heroes Program for 2025 and what they mean for homebuyers.
Who can qualify for the Florida Hometown Heroes Program in 2025?
Eligibility is limited to full-time workers in approved jobs such as healthcare, education, first response, childcare, the court system, public safety, active military, and veterans working in Florida.
How much assistance does the program provide in 2025?
The program still offers up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, or 5% of the first mortgage loan amount.
Did the program funding change in 2025?
Yes. Florida allocated $50 million for 2025, which is half the amount available in 2024, meaning fewer buyers will be able to access funds.
Do you have to be a first-time homebuyer in 2025?
Yes. You must be a first-time homebuyer unless you are a veteran, who can use the program even if you’ve owned a home before.
What credit score is required in 2025?
A minimum 640 credit score is required to qualify.
Do income limits apply in 2025?
Yes. Your household income must be less than 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county where you are purchasing a home.
When will the 2025 program officially open?
The Florida Hometown Heroes program opens with funding on August 18th, 2025.
What loan types are available with the program?
The program can be paired with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans, depending on your qualifications.
Do you have to buy a home near where you work?
Yes. You must purchase in the same Florida community where you are employed to qualify for assistance.
What happens if I use a lender who is not approved?
If your lender is not on the Florida Housing approved list, you cannot receive Hometown Heroes funds—even if they say otherwise.
Check Your Florida Hometown Heroes Program Eligibility
The Bottom Line
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program remains one of the best ways for frontline workers, veterans, and first-time buyers to save money when purchasing a home in 2025.
But with reduced funding and stricter eligibility rules this year, choosing the right lender is more important than ever.
If your lender isn’t on the Florida Housing approved list, you will not receive Hometown Heroes funds—no matter what they promise.
That’s why working with a verified, participating lender is the only way to secure up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
At MakeFloridaYourHome, we connect buyers with lenders who are both program-approved and highly rated, so you can be confident you’re getting every benefit you qualify for—without surprises at the closing table.
With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.
About Author - Phil Ganz
Phil Ganz has over 20+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over a billion dollars of funded loans, Phil helps homebuyers configure the perfect mortgage plan. Whether it's your first home, a complex multiple-property purchase, or anything in between, Phil has the experience to help you achieve your goals.
About Editor - Ryan Skerritt
Ryan Skerritt has over 10+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over two hundred and fifty million of funded loan volume, Ryan has the skill set to help any homebuyer configure the perfect mortgage plan.
