Yes — Florida Hometown Heroes still has funding available. As of September 21, 2026, eHousingPlus lists more than $25 million remaining for down payment and closing cost assistance.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program reopened on July 13, 2026 with $50 million. More than half of that original allocation remains, according to the latest bulletin. Funding is still limited, so your lender should confirm what is available before you count on it for your purchase.
If you are planning to buy, you can check your eligibility now. You do not need to wait for the next funding round.
Check Your Hometown Heroes Eligibility
The Key Dates and Numbers
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current round opened | July 13, 2026 |
| Original funding | $50 million |
| Latest reported balance | More than $25 million, September 21, 2026 |
| How funds are reserved | First come, first served, through lenders |
| Assistance per buyer | 5% of the loan — $10,000 to $35,000 |
The reported balance is a dated snapshot. It does not tell you how many weeks of funding remain or guarantee that assistance will be available for your loan.
How Hometown Heroes Funding Works
Hometown Heroes uses a limited pool of money to help eligible buyers with their down payment and closing costs. Your lender reserves assistance for your purchase; filling out an interest form or getting pre-approved does not reserve money by itself.
The current round began with a new $50 million allocation announced by Florida Housing and eHousingPlus. A future round depends on additional funding becoming available. There is no reason to plan your purchase around an unconfirmed reopening date.
If funds become unavailable before your lender can reserve them, ask about other Florida down payment assistance programs. Another program may fit your purchase without waiting for Hometown Heroes to reopen.
What to Do Before Your Lender Reserves Funds
A Hometown Heroes reservation is made by your participating lender. You need a fully signed purchase contract before your lender can reserve the loan, along with the documentation required for your application. Before that point:
- Eligibility takes minutes to check but days to document. Employment verification, income calculation, and first-time-buyer status all need paperwork.
- Get pre-approved before making an offer. Know your price range and estimated cash needed at closing.
- Ask about homebuyer education. Your lender can confirm which approved course and any exemptions apply to you.
- Check the reservation separately. Once you are under contract, ask whether your assistance has been reserved and what deadlines you need to meet.
Check Your Hometown Heroes Eligibility
What You Get When You Reserve
The program pairs a competitive 30-year fixed first mortgage with down payment and closing cost assistance:
- 5% of your loan amount — minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000 — as a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payments
- No 1% origination fee. Other permitted lender and closing fees still apply; review your Loan Estimate.
- Documentary stamp and intangible tax exemptions on the program's mortgages and notes. The deed is not exempt.
The assistance is not a forgivable grant. It becomes due when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, pay off the first mortgage, stop living in the home as your primary residence, or reach the end of the 30-year term. Your lender should explain how the second mortgage affects any future sale or refinance.
Your September Homebuyer Checklist
- Confirm your employment qualifies. Have your lender check your employer, full-time status, and work location against the current rules. See which Florida employers and occupations qualify.
- Check your income against your county's limit. The program has two financing options, with different income rules. The county-by-county income limits guide explains what to check with your lender.
- Verify first-time buyer status. The usual rule is no ownership interest in a primary residence in the past three years. Ask your lender whether a military or targeted-area exception applies to your financing option.
- Check your credit. The program minimum is a 640 score.
- Gather your paperwork. Have your recent pay statements, income records, and account statements ready, and complete any required homebuyer education.
- Work with a participating lender. Ask for an estimate of your assistance, total closing costs, and monthly payment before deciding what you can comfortably afford.
Your Next Step
You can start with an eligibility check and a clear budget. Getting your documents ready helps your lender review your options, but you should choose a home and payment you are comfortable with rather than rush because funding is limited.
If Hometown Heroes is not your fit, the Florida first-time homebuyer grants and programs guide and Florida DPA calculator can help you explore other options in your county.
Official Funding and Program Sources
- eHousingPlus funding bulletin — balance dated September 21, 2026.
- Florida Housing 2026 launch announcement — July 13 opening and $50 million allocation.
- Hometown Heroes borrower and lender questions — employment, repayment, and fees.
- Current Hometown Heroes program guide and Bond program guide — assistance terms and eligibility rules, revised September 17, 2026.
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