Florida Hometown Heroes TBA Program  (2025 Guide)

The Florida Hometown Heroes TBA Program is one of two ways to get funding through Hometown Heroes, alongside the Bond option.

While Bond comes with stricter rules but bigger long-term benefits, TBA is designed to be simpler and more easy to qualify for.

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In this guide, we’ll cover how the TBA program works, who qualifies, income limits, how it compares to Bond, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

What is the Florida Hometown Heroes TBA Program?

The Florida Hometown Heroes TBA Program is one of two ways buyers can access Hometown Heroes benefits (the other being the Bond option).

Unlike Bond, which requires stricter household-level rules, TBA looks only at the borrower’s income and first-time homebuyer status.

Non-purchasing spouses (NPS) and other household members aren’t counted unless they’re actually on the loan.

All of the same eligible occupations qualify under TBA, from teachers and healthcare workers to first responders and veterans.

By focusing only on the borrowers applying for the loan, the TBA Program makes it easier for more Florida workers to qualify for affordable financing and down payment help.

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Requirements for the Florida Hometown Heroes TBA Program

To qualify for the Hometown Heroes TBA Program, borrowers must meet the following core requirements:

• Employment: Borrower(s) must work full-time for a Florida-based employer in a hero profession.

• First-Time Buyer Rule: Applies only to borrowers on the loan application (non-purchasing spouses are ignored unless added to the loan).

• Income Limits: Determined by borrower income only, which allows for higher limits compared to Bond.

• Loan Types: FHA, VA, and Conventional financing are allowed (USDA is not available under TBA).

• Education: Borrower(s) must complete an approved homebuyer education course.

• Credit/DTI: Must meet standard agency guidelines for credit and debt-to-income ratios.

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Income and Purchase Price Limits Table for Florida Hometown Heroes TBA Program

This table shows the income and loan limits for the Hometown Heroes TBA program in every Florida county.

• County – The name of the county where you’re buying a home.

• FHA, VA, & HFA Advantage Income Limits – The highest yearly income a borrower can make and still qualify in that county.

• USDA Income Limits – Always shown as “USDA Limits,” since USDA loans aren’t part of the TBA program but are listed for reference.

• FHA Loan Limits – The largest FHA loan amount you can get in that county.

• HFA Advantage & VA Loan Limits – The largest loan amount allowed if you’re using the HFA Advantage or VA program.

Reading across each row, you can see exactly what the income cap and loan size limits are for your county.

Who the Florida Hometown Heroes TBA Program is Best For

The TBA option is designed for buyers who need more flexibility to qualify compared to the stricter Bond program. It’s often the better fit in these situations:

• Borrowers with higher household income: If including everyone’s income (as required under Bond) would push you over the limit, TBA works because it only looks at the borrower’s income.

• Borrowers with a non-purchasing spouse: If your spouse has owned a home before or has income that would disqualify you under Bond, TBA lets you qualify without counting them—unless they’re actually on the loan.

• Families who don’t need USDA financing: Since USDA loans are only available under Bond, TBA is better for those planning to use FHA, VA, or Conventional financing.

• Buyers who want a smoother process: With fewer documentation requirements and no need to submit tax returns for the entire household, TBA can mean a faster, simpler path to approval.

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Hometown Heroes Bond vs. TBA: Core Program Differences

Key Takeaways: Florida Hometown Heroes TBA Program

Here are the most important points to remember about the TBA option:

• TBA is the flexible, easier-to-qualify choice compared to the Bond program.

• Non-purchasing spouse income and ownership history are not considered unless they’re on the loan.

• Higher income limits make it possible for more buyers to qualify.

• No USDA loans and slightly higher rates than Bond are the main trade-offs.

• Ideal for buyers who might be excluded under Bond, but still want affordable financing and assistance.

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Florida Hometown Heroes TBA Program FAQs

Here are the most common — and most important — questions buyers have about the TBA option:

1. What is the Florida Hometown Heroes TBA Program?

It’s one of two delivery methods for Hometown Heroes (the other is Bond), designed to be more flexible by using only borrower income and first-time homebuyer status.

2. Who qualifies for the TBA program?

Florida Heroes who work full-time for a Florida-based employer, meet county-level income limits, and plan to live in the home as their primary residence.

3. Do non-purchasing spouses (NPS) count in TBA?

No — their income and ownership history are ignored unless they’re added to the loan, which makes qualifying much easier.

4. What loan types are allowed under TBA?

You can use FHA, VA, or Conventional loans; USDA is not permitted under TBA (only available with Bond).

5. How much down payment assistance can I get?

TBA provides a 5% second mortgage (minimum $10,000, max $35,000) that can be used for down payment and closing costs; it’s 0% interest, not forgivable, and must be repaid if you sell, refinance, or move.

6. What occupations are eligible?

The same list as Bond — including teachers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, veterans, active-duty military, and other community-serving roles.

7. What are the credit and DTI requirements?

Minimum credit score is 640, with DTI up to 50% if approved through AUS (43% for manual underwriting).

8. How does TBA differ from the Bond program?

Bond counts household income and requires tax returns for everyone 18+ in the home; TBA only looks at the borrower(s) on the loan, which means higher income limits and fewer documentation requirements.

9. Are veterans or active-duty military treated differently?

Yes — veterans must still work full-time but are not restricted to an eligible occupation, while active-duty service members can qualify using their LES and are exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement.

10. Who is the TBA program best for?

Buyers who might be disqualified under Bond due to household income or a non-purchasing spouse, and families who want a simpler, faster approval process without needing USDA.

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Bottom Line

The TBA option is the more flexible path within Florida’s Hometown Heroes, making it easier for many buyers to qualify compared to the stricter Bond program.

By focusing only on borrower income and excluding non-purchasing spouses or household members, TBA opens the door for families who might otherwise be disqualified.

While you’ll trade slightly higher interest rates and lose access to USDA financing, TBA’s higher income limits, simpler documentation, and faster approval process make it an excellent fit for many first-time buyers in Florida’s hero professions.

Check Your Florida Hometown Heroes Program Eligibility