$41 Million Left: Florida Hometown Heroes Program May Be Depleted in 3 Months

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s Hometown Heroes Down Payment Assistance Program has burned through nearly $9 million in less than three weeks, leaving just $41 million in its funding pool for 2025/2026.

The program reopened on August 19, and as of September 8—only 20 days later—almost one-fifth of the money has already been committed to buyers.

At this pace, the program is using roughly $450,000 per day, or about $13.5 million per month.

Check Your Florida Hometown Heroes Program Eligibility

The pace underscores just how critical this assistance has become in a state where rising home prices and higher mortgage rates continue to put pressure on first-time buyers.

Florida’s housing affordability crisis is one of the steepest in the nation, and down payment assistance has become a lifeline for many first-time buyers.

What Is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is a state-run initiative that helps first-time homebuyers, veterans, and essential workers afford the upfront costs of purchasing a home.

It provides up to 5% of the loan amount (capped at $35,000) to cover down payment and closing costs. Assistance is structured as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage, meaning no monthly payments are required.

The program is available statewide through participating lenders and works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.

Eligible professions include teachers, healthcare workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, child care staff, court employees, and military service members

Who Qualifies

• Active-duty military, veterans, and surviving spouses

• Essential workers
  , including but not limited to:

  • Teachers and education staff

  • Healthcare professionals

  • Firefighters and law enforcement officers

  • Child care staff

  • Court employees

• Must meet county-specific income and purchase price limits

• Must work with a participating lender and occupy the home as a primary residence

View the Hometown Heroes Job Eligibility Checklist to see if you qualify.

Projection of When the Funds Will Run Out

The Hometown Heroes Program reopened on August 19 with $50 million in funding.

In just 20 days, nearly $9 million has already been reserved, leaving $41 million available.

At this pace, the program is using roughly $450,000 per day, or about $13.5 million per month.

If demand continues at the same rate, the remaining funds could be exhausted in as little as three months—by late November or early December 2025.

While usage may slow slightly over time, the early surge makes it clear that buyers shouldn’t wait until 2026 to apply—funds may be gone well before then.

What Homebuyers Should Do Now

With funding projected to run out as early as late November, eligible buyers should act quickly to secure assistance.

The first step is to confirm eligibility based on income, location, and profession, then connect with a participating lender to begin the application process.

Pre-approval is essential, as funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Homebuyers should also gather income documents, tax returns, and proof of employment to streamline the process.

Acting now could mean the difference between receiving up to $35,000 in assistance—or missing out entirely once funds are gone.

Check Your Florida Hometown Heroes Program Eligibility