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Get Pre-Approved

Become a Florida Hometown Hero Homeowner

Buy your first home with up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

Check Icon Get up to $35,000 in assistance toward your down payment and closing costs
Check Icon Available to 100+ essential professions — teachers, nurses, police, and more
Check Icon 0% interest, no monthly payments on assistance funds
Check Icon Fast pre-qualification — no credit pull required
Check Your Hometown Heroes Eligibility
State-funded program backed by Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Funding currently available — average pre-approval 1–2 days. If paused, we’ll pre-approve now and place you first in line.
Emergency doctor and paramedic with ambulance

What is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program helps frontline and essential workers across the state buy a home in the community they serve.

Many buyers also combine Florida Hometown Heroes program with down payment assistance and compare loan types (FHA, VA, USDA) to further reduce cash to close.

It provides up to $35,000 (or 5% of the loan amount) in down payment and closing cost assistance, making homeownership more affordable for those who keep Florida running.

This program is not limited to police, teachers, or nurses. Hundreds of professions qualify, including workers in healthcare, education, law enforcement, childcare, social services, and skilled trades. If you help your community in any way, do not disqualify yourself until you check. You might be eligible.

Funds are provided as a 30-year, 0% interest deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments. The assistance is only repaid if you sell, refinance, or move out of the home before the term ends.

Florida Hometown Heroes Income Limits

Your household income must fall within your county’s limits to qualify for the Florida Hometown Heroes Program.

These limits are based on local housing costs and updated annually by Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

Here are the maximum household income limits for the state’s major metro areas for 2025–2026:

If your income is close to these numbers, you may still qualify. Every Florida county has its own limit, so it’s worth checking even if you’re above or below these examples.

View the full 2025 Hometown Heroes income limit list here

Updated: November 2025. Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC). County limits change; we’ll confirm your exact county limit during pre-approval.

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Miami-Dade County: $185,850

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Palm Beach County: $175,650

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Broward County (Fort Lauderdale): $172,950

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Orange County (Orlando area): $158,100

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Hillsborough / Pinellas County (Tampa Bay): $156,450

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Duval County (Jacksonville): $153,750

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Lee County (Fort Myers–Cape Coral): $153,300

Who Qualifies for Hometown Heroes?

Hundreds of professions qualify, so don’t assume you’re ineligible — check to confirm.

To be eligible for Florida’s Hometown Heroes Program, applicants must meet the following:

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Full-time Florida worker in an eligible job such as law enforcement, firefighting, education, healthcare, childcare, or military service

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Must work 35+ hours per week for a Florida-based employer (except active military and veterans)

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First-time homebuyer purchasing a primary residence and moving in within 60 days of closing

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Minimum credit score of 640

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Household income below the county limit

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Completion of an approved homebuyer education course

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Must use a participating Florida Housing lender

How to Apply for the Hometown Heroes Program

Get down payment assistance buying your first home in Florida, faster than you think.

Average time to close: 30–45 days.

Check Your Hometown Heroes Eligibility

1

Check Eligibility

Confirm your occupation, income, and credit score meet program requirements. (1 day)

2

Get Pre-Approved

Work with a participating Florida Housing lender to verify eligibility and determine your max loan amount. (1–2 days)

3

Find Your Home

Choose a primary residence within your county’s purchase price limits.

4

Submit for Approval

Your lender processes your loan and applies the Hometown Heroes assistance. (~2 weeks)

5

Close and Move In

Sign, fund, and start your new chapter as a Florida homeowner. (3–4 weeks total)

From Our Experts

Explore our most trusted Hometown Heroes guides — created by our team to help Florida buyers understand eligibility, income limits, and 2025 program updates.

Florida Hometown Heroes Program FAQs

Buying a home can feel complicated, but the Florida Hometown Heroes Program is designed to make it easier to understand and access. Below are answers to the most common questions about how the program works, who qualifies, and how to apply.

What is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is a statewide initiative that provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible frontline community workers, active-duty military members, and veterans.

The assistance is offered as a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage to help buyers purchase a primary residence in Florida.

How much assistance can I receive?

Eligible buyers can receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, with a maximum of $35,000 and a minimum of $10,000, to cover down payment and closing costs.

How do I apply?

Apply through an authorized participating Hometown Heroes lender. Funding is limited each year, so it’s best to apply early.

What types of homes are eligible?

Eligible properties include single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and two- to four-unit properties if the buyer occupies one unit as their primary residence.

Who is eligible?

You must be employed full-time in an approved occupation or be an active military member or veteran.

Most applicants must also be first-time homebuyers (veterans are exempt), have a minimum credit score of 640 (660 for manufactured homes), and keep household income below 150% of the area median income (AMI) for your county.

The home must be located in Florida and used as your primary residence.

Do I have to pay the money back?

Yes. The assistance is a deferred loan with no monthly payments. The balance is repaid when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, or move out of the home.

Are there any application fees?

No. There are no separate application fees for the program.

Can I apply for the program after I have already purchased a home?

No. The Hometown Heroes assistance must be part of the original home purchase transaction.

Have Questions

Have Questions?

Explore our first-time buyer guide or check your eligibility now.