Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
The Hometown Heroes (HTH) Program is open for reservations on with a fresh $50 million in funding! We are accepting applications today! Get started and request a free quote or contact us at 727-400-3293.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program offers assistance to first-time homebuyers employed full-time in eligible professions across every county in Florida. Eligible participants can receive up to $35,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs. Start your journey towards affordable homeownership today with one of the best down payment assistance programs in the nation!
Program Highlights:
- 5% down payment assistance up to $35,000
- $10,000 grant minimum for loans of $200,000 or less
- $0 origination fee, no discount points and reduced fees
- Rate is lower than current market rates
- VA, FHA, USDA & Conventional loan types
- 30 or 15 year fixed rate mortgage
- Close in 30 days or less
- Eligible Occupation List
- First-time homebuyer requirement waived for Veterans
Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Request a quote today before funds run out.
See if you qualify by completing the form below for a free quote. Homebuyers that do not meet the Hometown Heroes eligibility requirements, or located in other states, may still be eligible for other 100% down payment assistance programs.
Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program 2026 – Up to $35,000 Assistance
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program makes homeownership more affordable for essential workers across Florida by providing up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. With Florida's median home prices exceeding $389,000, this program removes major barriers for first-time buyers in critical occupations, helping build stronger communities.
How the Program Works
Eligible buyers receive a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage for up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (max $35,000, min $10,000). Funds cover down payment, closing costs, prepaid taxes, homeowners insurance escrows, upfront MIP, or principal reduction. No monthly payments—the second mortgage is due only upon sale, transfer, or refinancing of the property.
2026 Eligibility Requirements
- First-time homebuyer (no ownership in past 3 years; waived for veterans).
- Full-time employment (35+ hours/week) with a Florida-based employer in an eligible occupation (veterans exempt from employer requirement).
- Household income ≤ 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) – varies by county (e.g., Miami-Dade ~$170,250, Tampa Bay area ~$143,250–$156,450; check latest limits).
- Minimum credit score: 640 (660 for manufactured homes).
- Approved HUD homebuyer education course (exempt for veterans with VA loans).
- Primary residence in Florida only (new construction eligible; no investment/refi).
Eligible Occupations (2026)
Only one borrower needs to qualify. Key categories include:
- Healthcare Workers (RNs, LPNs, therapists, technicians, aides, physicians, etc.)
- School Staff (teachers, aides, counselors, principals, cafeteria staff)
- First Responders (EMT, paramedics, firefighters)
- Public Safety (law enforcement, corrections, 911 dispatchers)
- Court Employees (clerks, attorneys, stenographers)
- Childcare Workers (licensed facilities/home daycares)
- Military/Veterans (active duty, reserves, National Guard, Coast Guard)
For full list, see official Florida Housing guidelines.
Why Choose This Program
Pair with Conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loans for competitive rates, $0 origination fees, no discount points, and reduced costs. Funding is limited and first-come, first-served—apply early to secure assistance.
View Full FAQs Below Get Your Free Quote & Eligibility Check TodayFlorida Hometown Heroes Program 2026 – Eligible in All 67 Counties Statewide
Yes – your county is eligible! The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is available in all 67 counties across Florida, from urban areas like Miami-Dade and Broward to rural counties like Glades and Liberty. No county restrictions apply as long as you meet income, occupation, and other eligibility requirements.
This statewide program provides up to 5% of your first mortgage loan amount (max $35,000, min $10,000) in 0% interest deferred second mortgage assistance for down payment, closing costs, prepaid taxes, insurance escrows, upfront MIP, or principal reduction. It's designed to help essential workers and veterans afford homeownership anywhere in Florida.
Full List of Eligible Florida Counties for 2026
The program operates statewide—here are all 67 counties:
- Alachua
- Bay
- Bradford
- Brevard
- Broward
- Calhoun
- Charlotte
- Citrus
- Clay
- Collier
- Columbia
- DeSoto
- Dixie
- Duval
- Escambia
- Flagler
- Franklin
- Gadsden
- Gilchrist
- Glades
- Gulf
- Hamilton
- Hardee
- Hendry
- Hernando
- Highlands
- Hillsborough
- Holmes
- Indian River
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Lafayette
- Lake
- Lee
- Leon
- Levy
- Liberty
- Madison
- Manatee
- Marion
- Martin
- Miami-Dade
- Monroe
- Nassau
- Okaloosa
- Okeechobee
- Orange
- Osceola
- Palm Beach
- Pasco
- Pinellas
- Polk
- Putnam
- St. Johns
- St. Lucie
- Santa Rosa
- Sarasota
- Seminole
- Sumter
- Suwannee
- Taylor
- Union
- Volusia
- Wakulla
- Walton
- Washington
Key 2026 Program Details
- Income limits: ≤150% of Area Median Income (AMI) for the purchase county (varies; e.g., Miami-Dade ~$170,250–$185,850, Tampa Bay ~$143,250–$156,450 – check latest official limits).
- Employment: Full-time (35+ hours) with Florida-based employer in eligible occupation (veterans exempt).
- Loan types: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA.
- Property types: Single-family, condos, townhomes, manufactured homes (primary residence only).
- First-time buyer: Required (waived for veterans).
- Assistance: Up to 5% of loan amount (max $35,000, min $10,000) as 0% deferred second mortgage.
- Repayment: Deferred until sale, transfer, or refinance.
How to Confirm Eligibility & Apply
Funding is limited and first-come, first-served in 2026—apply early! Contact Mario Hart, Branch Manager, at 727-400-3293 or Request Free Quote & Eligibility Check. No upfront fees from the program; we handle everything through approved lenders.