Florida Hometown Heroes Job Eligibility (2026) | Full Approved Occupation List

Buying a home in Florida is more achievable in 2026 for workers who serve their communities.

The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program provides up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible professionals in healthcare, education, public safety, child care, and the military.

This guide gives you a clear, profession-by-profession job eligibility checklist so you can quickly determine whether your occupation qualifies under current Florida Hometown Heroes guidelines.

What Is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is a statewide homebuyer assistance initiative created to support first-time homebuyers employed in essential Florida-based professions.

• Up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance
• Assistance provided as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage
• Repayment only required upon sale, refinance, or loss of primary residence
• Reduced mortgage rates
• No origination points from participating lenders
• FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loan compatibility (program-specific)

How Job Eligibility Works

To meet the occupation requirement, at least one borrower on the loan must:

• Work full-time (verified by a VOE and paystubs)
• Be employed by a Florida-based, brick-and-mortar employer
• Hold a position listed in an approved occupational category

If all three are met, you may satisfy the job eligibility portion of the Florida Hometown Heroes Program.

Florida Hometown Heroes Job Eligibility Checklist (By Profession)

To qualify for Florida’s Hometown Heroes Housing Program, borrowers must be currently employed full-time by a Florida-based employer in an eligible occupation at the time of loan closing.

Healthcare Workers

Borrowers employed full-time by a Florida-based healthcare provider/physician, hospital, assisted living facility, mental health facility or healthcare facility are eligible.

Nursing

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Nurse Anesthetist
• Nurse Midwife
• Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Nursing Technician
• Registered Nurse (RN)

Medical Technicians

• Anesthesia Support Technician
• Cardiology Technician
• Clinical Technician
• Computed Tomography (CT) Technician
• Emergency Room (ER) Technician
• Laboratory Technician (Including Phlebotomist)
• Music Technician
• Neurology Technician
• Nuclear Medicine Technician
• Monitor Technician
• Orthopedic (Ortho) Technician
• Pharmacy Technician
• Radiation Technician
• Rehabilitation (Rehab) Technician
• Sonographer
• Surgical Technicians
• Xray Technician

Medical Therapists

• Audiology Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Respiratory Therapist
• Speech Therapist

Mental Health Workers

• Behavioral Health Specialist
• Behavioral Health Technician
• Behavioral Health Therapist
• Case Manager
• Mental Health Specialist
• Mental Health Technician
• Mental Health Therapist
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Social Worker

Doctors, Physicians & Pharmacists

• Anesthesiologist
• Anesthesiologist Assistant
• Dentist
• Nuclear Pharmacist
• Pharmacist
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physician
• Physician Assistant

Other Healthcare Workers

• Dental Assistant
• Dental Hygienist
• Medical Assistant (CMA or MA)
• Patient Care Assistant
• Patient Transporter (Orderly)
• Phlebotomist

School Staff Members

Borrowers employed full-time by a Florida-based K-12 public, private, charter or magnet school are eligible.

• Assistant Principal
• Career Specialist (Guidance Counselor)
• Classroom Teacher
• Food Service / Cafeteria Staff
• Librarian/Media Specialist
• Maintenance / Janitorial Staff
• Principal
• School Counselor
• School Psychologist
• Social Worker
• Teacher Aide

First Responders

Borrowers employed full-time by a Florida-based fire department, ambulance service or hospital are eligible.

• Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Certified Paramedic
• Firefighter

Public Safety Workers

Borrowers employed full-time by a Florida-based local, county, state or federal law enforcement department, juvenile detention facility, correctional facility or emergency operations center are eligible.

• 911 Public Safety Communicator (911 Operator or Dispatcher)
• Correctional Officer
• Correctional Probation Officer
• Juvenile Detention Officer
• Juvenile Probation Officer
• Sworn Law Enforcement Officer (Local, State or Federal)

Court Employees

Borrowers employed full-time by a Florida-based county, state or federal court, court administrator’s office, State Attorney’s Office or Public Defender’s Office are eligible.

• Assistant State Attorney
• Assistant Public Defender
• Attorney - If employed by the Florida Supreme Court, District Courts of Appeal, Circuit Courts or a county court in Florida.
• Court Clerk
• Court Stenographer (Court Reporter) - If employed by the Florida Supreme Court, District Courts of Appeal, Circuit Courts or a county court in Florida.

Childcare Workers

Borrowers employed full-time by a Florida-based licensed child care facility pursuant to S.402.301-402.305 or exempt from licensure pursuant to S.402.313 and 402.316 are eligible.

• Any worker at a licensed child care facility
• Any worker at a licensed or registered home day care

Military & Veterans

All active duty or reserve service members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the Florida National Guard.

Veterans employed FULL TIME with a Florida-based employer who have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions from one of the eligible military or reserve branches

Additional Eligibility Requirements (All Applicants)

You must also:

• Be a first-time homebuyer (or not have owned in 3 years)
• Meet county income limits
• Purchase a primary residence in Florida
• Complete homebuyer education
• Use an approved Hometown Heroes lender

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about qualifying jobs, employment rules, and program eligibility in Florida.

What if my job isn’t listed in the Florida Hometown Heroes eligibility checklist?

If your role supports public health, safety, education, or essential infrastructure, it may still qualify. Eligibility is based on both occupation and employer type, and lenders can request employer documentation for review.

Do self-employed or 1099 workers qualify for Florida Hometown Heroes?

Typically no. The program generally requires full-time employment with a qualifying Florida-based employer. Independent contractor (1099) status is usually not eligible unless the program guidelines specifically allow it and employment can be verified.

Do part-time employees qualify for the Florida Hometown Heroes program?

No. Florida Hometown Heroes typically requires full-time employment at the time of closing.

Can I change jobs before closing on a Florida Hometown Heroes loan?

Employment changes before closing may affect eligibility. If you change employers or roles, confirm with your lender first to ensure you still meet program job and employer requirements.

Is Florida Hometown Heroes eligibility based on job title or employer?

Both. Eligibility is typically determined by the borrower’s occupation and the employer type, and employment must be verified as full-time with a qualifying Florida-based employer.

Final Thoughts: Should You Check Your Eligibility?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program remains one of the most powerful homebuyer assistance programs in Florida for 2026—especially for essential workers.

Job eligibility is often the first gate, but not the only one. Income limits, purchase price caps, and first-time buyer rules also apply.

If you’re unsure whether your role qualifies, it’s worth having a lender verify eligibility upfront before shopping for a home.