By Phil Ganz
Edited by Ryan Skerritt
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program continues to expand access to homeownership for working Floridians by increasing income limits tied to 150% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Beginning July 1, 2025, and carrying into 2026, income limits rose approximately 8–12% statewide. These updates reflect higher wages, rising home prices, and Florida’s continued population growth.
- Florida Hometown Heroes 2026 Income Limits by County (150% AMI)
- How Florida Hometown Heroes Income Limits Work
- What Counts as Income for Hometown Heroes?
- Practical Tips to Qualify Under the Income Limit
- Programs That Use These Income Limits
- Common Mistakes That Disqualify Buyers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts: Is Hometown Heroes Worth It in 2026?
Florida Hometown Heroes 2026 Income Limits by County (150% AMI)
Last Updated: January 2026 — Based on Florida Housing income limit methodology (150% Area Median Income). Limits are based on 2025 program figures and industry estimates that are expected to remain in effect through 2026.
| County | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Alachua | $156,000 |
| Baker | $142,950 |
| Bay | $142,950 |
| Bradford | $142,950 |
| Brevard | $149,850 |
| Broward | $172,950 |
| Calhoun | $142,950 |
| Charlotte | $142,950 |
| Citrus | $142,950 |
| Clay | $153,750 |
| Collier | $170,400 |
| Columbia | $142,950 |
| De Soto | $142,950 |
| Dixie | $142,950 |
| Duval | $153,750 |
| Escambia | $147,150 |
| Flagler | $142,950 |
| Franklin | $142,950 |
| Gadsden | $142,950 |
| Gilchrist | $156,000 |
| Glades | $142,950 |
| Gulf | $142,950 |
| Hamilton | $142,950 |
| Hardee | $142,950 |
| Hendry | $142,950 |
| Hernando | $156,450 |
| Highlands | $142,950 |
| Hillsborough | $156,450 |
| Holmes | $142,950 |
| Indian River | $142,950 |
| Jackson | $142,950 |
| Jefferson | $142,950 |
| Lafayette | $142,950 |
| Lake | $158,100 |
| Lee | $153,300 |
| Leon | $142,950 |
| Levy | $142,950 |
| Liberty | $142,950 |
| Madison | $142,950 |
| Manatee | $161,400 |
| Marion | $142,950 |
| Martin | $142,950 |
| Miami-Dade | $185,850 |
| Monroe | $195,450 |
| Nassau | $153,750 |
| Okaloosa | $153,000 |
| Okeechobee | $142,950 |
| Orange | $158,100 |
| Osceola | $158,100 |
| Palm Beach | $175,350 |
| Pasco | $156,450 |
| Pinellas | $156,450 |
| Polk | $142,950 |
| Putnam | $142,950 |
| Santa Rosa | $147,150 |
| Sarasota | $161,400 |
| Seminole | $158,100 |
| St. Johns | $153,750 |
| St. Lucie | $142,950 |
| Sumter | $143,400 |
| Suwannee | $142,950 |
| Taylor | $142,950 |
| Union | $142,950 |
| Volusia | $142,950 |
| Wakulla | $142,950 |
| Walton | $148,350 |
| Washington | $142,950 |
How Florida Hometown Heroes Income Limits Work
Income limits determine the maximum household income allowed to qualify for Hometown Heroes assistance.
If your gross household income is at or below the county limit:
- You may qualify for down payment assistance
- You may access reduced mortgage rates
- You may use FHA, VA, or conventional Heroes loans
Exceeding the limit — even by $1 — can make you ineligible, which is why accurate calculation matters.
What Counts as Income for Hometown Heroes?
Florida Housing includes:
- Employment income (W-2 or 1099)
- Self-employment net profits
- Overtime, tips, and bonuses
- Pensions and retirement income
- Social Security (taxable and non-taxable portions)
- Child support or alimony (if consistent)
- Ongoing financial assistance
Practical Tips to Qualify Under the Income Limit
Use these strategies before applying:
- Review your gross income, not take-home pay
- Avoid adding new income sources before application
- Pay down debt to improve DTI flexibility
- Document self-employment income cleanly
- Time bonuses or commissions carefully
- Use a co-borrower only if necessary
- Maintain stable employment history
- Improve credit to offset tight ratios
- Confirm county limits before writing offers
- Get pre-approved with a Hometown Heroes-approved lender
Programs That Use These Income Limits
Florida Hometown Heroes income limits apply to:
- FHA Heroes
- VA Heroes
- HFA Preferred Heroes (Conventional)
- HFA Advantage Heroes (Conventional)
Each has different credit, DTI, and pricing rules — income eligibility is just step one.
Common Mistakes That Disqualify Buyers
Avoid these ranking-killing and deal-killing issues:
- Using individual income instead of household income
- Assuming income limits are negotiable (they aren’t)
- Applying before limits update annually
- Forgetting non-borrowing spouse income
- Relying on outdated county data
Frequently Asked Questions
Get clear answers to the most common questions about Florida Hometown Heroes income limits in 2026.
What are the Florida Hometown Heroes income limits for 2026?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program generally uses 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) to set household income caps, with county limits ranging roughly from $140,000 to nearly $195,000, depending on local housing costs and census data.
How do Hometown Heroes income limits affect eligibility?
To qualify for the Hometown Heroes down payment assistance, your combined household income must be at or below your county’s 150% AMI limit based on household size.
Do income limits vary by household size?
Yes — limits increase with household size. Larger households in the same county can have a higher qualified income than smaller ones.
Can I qualify if my income is slightly above the limit?
No. If your household income exceeds your county’s Hometown Heroes limit, you will not be income-eligible, even if your personal income alone qualifies.
Are income limits updated every year?
Yes — Florida Housing adjusts income limits periodically to reflect changes in median income and cost of living. Always verify official 2026 limits before applying.
Final Thoughts: Is Hometown Heroes Worth It in 2026?
For eligible buyers, Florida Hometown Heroes remains one of the most powerful homebuyer programs in the state. With:
- Higher income limits
- Up to $35,000 in assistance
- Competitive mortgage rates
- FHA, VA, and conventional options
The program continues to open doors for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and other Florida professionals.
The key is verifying income limits, calculating household income correctly, and working with a lender who understands Florida Housing rules.
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.
