What Is the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. It provides down payment and closing cost assistance to Florida's frontline workforce — the people who serve and protect local communities — so they can afford to buy homes in the areas where they work.
The program launched in 2022 and was significantly expanded in 2023 after strong demand depleted initial funding faster than expected. Assistance is structured as a second mortgage with zero interest and no monthly payments. The loan is deferred — meaning you owe nothing until you sell the home, pay off the first mortgage, or refinance. At that point the assistance is repaid from your equity.
Florida Housing pairs the Hometown Heroes second mortgage with a first mortgage through one of its approved lenders. The first mortgage can be a conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loan. See the first-time home buyer guide for a full breakdown of how these loan types compare.
Who Qualifies for Hometown Heroes?
To qualify, you must be employed full-time by a Florida-based employer in one of the eligible professions, plan to use the home as your primary residence, and meet the income limits for your county. You do not have to be a first-time buyer — but if you currently own a home, you must sell it before or at closing on the new purchase.
Eligible Professions
- K-12 teachers, instructional staff, principals, school counselors, and school nurses
- Child care and early education workers at licensed Florida facilities
- Law enforcement officers (police, sheriff's deputies, corrections officers, probation officers)
- Firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
- Paramedics and 911 dispatch operators
- Nurses — RNs, LPNs, nurse practitioners, certified nursing assistants
- Physicians, physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists
- Mental health and substance abuse counselors
- Social workers and licensed clinical social workers
- Active duty military, veterans, and National Guard members
- Active-duty first responders and public safety dispatchers
- Juvenile justice workers
- Home health aides and personal care assistants
- Other licensed healthcare and allied health professionals
Florida Housing updates the eligible occupations list periodically. When in doubt, your loan officer can confirm your occupation qualifies during pre-approval. If you are a veteran or active-duty service member, also read the VA home loan guide — VA loans pair exceptionally well with Hometown Heroes.
What Are the Income Limits?
Your household income must be at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county where you are buying. Income limits vary by county and household size.
| County | 1-Person | 2-Person | 4-Person | 6-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough | ~$104,850 | ~$119,850 | ~$149,850 | ~$179,850 |
| Pinellas | ~$104,850 | ~$119,850 | ~$149,850 | ~$179,850 |
| Pasco | ~$104,850 | ~$119,850 | ~$149,850 | ~$179,850 |
| Polk | ~$93,300 | ~$106,650 | ~$133,300 | ~$159,950 |
| Manatee | ~$110,400 | ~$126,150 | ~$157,650 | ~$189,150 |
These figures reflect 150% of the HUD-published AMI. Your lender will confirm the current exact limits for your county and household size during pre-approval.
How Much Down Payment Assistance Can You Get?
Hometown Heroes provides up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, capped at $35,000, whichever is less. The assistance can be used for your down payment, closing costs, or both.
On a $350,000 purchase with an FHA loan (3.5% down), 5% of the first mortgage is approximately $17,187 in assistance. On a $500,000 purchase, it is approximately $24,500. The $35,000 cap only comes into play on loans above $700,000.
The second mortgage carries zero interest and requires no monthly payments. It is fully deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Use the mortgage calculator to model different scenarios.
How Do You Apply for Hometown Heroes?
You cannot apply directly through Florida Housing. The program works through a network of approved participating lenders:
- Find a Florida Housing-approved lender. Your REMAX agent can refer you to local lenders active in the program, or search the Florida Housing lender locator at floridahousing.org.
- Get pre-approved. Your lender verifies income, credit score, employment, and occupation eligibility. Minimum credit score is typically 640 or higher.
- Complete homebuyer education. All borrowers must complete an approved homebuyer education course (typically online, 4-8 hours). You need the certificate before closing.
- Get under contract on a home. Work with a REALTOR who knows the program.
- Lender submits reservation. Once under contract, your lender reserves your assistance amount through Florida Housing's system on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Standard underwriting and appraisal. The process mirrors any other mortgage.
- Close on your new home. Assistance funds are applied at closing. You sign documents for both the first mortgage and the Hometown Heroes second mortgage.
Can You Combine Hometown Heroes with FHA or VA Loans?
Yes — and this is one of the program's most powerful features. It works as a second mortgage that layers on top of your primary loan:
- FHA loans: The most popular pairing. FHA requires only 3.5% down, and Hometown Heroes can cover all or most of that plus closing costs. Read the FHA loan guide.
- VA loans: VA requires zero down, so Hometown Heroes covers closing costs entirely — an exceptional combination for veterans. See the VA home loan guide.
- USDA loans: Also zero-down — Hometown Heroes covers closing costs in eligible rural areas.
- Conventional loans: Requires 3-5% minimum down. Hometown Heroes can cover the down payment and costs.
Hometown Heroes vs FL Assist — Which Is Better?
Both are Florida Housing programs. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Hometown Heroes | FL Assist |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Assistance | $35,000 (up to 5% of loan) | Up to $10,000 |
| Interest Rate | 0% | 0% |
| Monthly Payment | None (deferred) | None (deferred) |
| Who Qualifies | Specific frontline occupations | Any FL Housing-eligible buyer |
| Income Limit | 150% AMI | 80% AMI |
For eligible frontline workers, Hometown Heroes is almost always the better choice. FL Assist is the fallback for buyers who do not qualify by occupation.
Is the Program Still Funded in 2026?
Yes, the program is active and funded as of 2026. However, funding is not unlimited — allocations are spent down as reservations are made throughout the year. Apply early in the calendar year when new allocations are freshest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hometown Heroes
Do I have to repay the Hometown Heroes loan?
Yes. It is a deferred second mortgage, not a grant. You repay it when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. No interest accrues, so the amount you repay is exactly what you received.
What is the minimum credit score?
Florida Housing requires a minimum 640 credit score for most Hometown Heroes loans. Conventional loans layered with the program may require 680+.
Can I use Hometown Heroes for new construction?
Yes, as long as the home will be your primary residence and you work with a Florida Housing-approved lender. Builder-preferred lenders may not participate — confirm before committing.
What if I already own a home?
You can use the program, but you must sell your existing home at or before closing on the new purchase. You cannot own two homes simultaneously while using Hometown Heroes.
Do I need a REALTOR to use Hometown Heroes?
Not technically required, but strongly recommended. A REALTOR experienced with Florida Housing programs can confirm your lender is approved, manage the reservation timeline, and help you compete. Buyer representation through REMAX Collective costs you nothing.
Ready to Use Hometown Heroes to Buy Your Home?
Barrett Henry is a Broker Associate at REMAX Collective with 23+ years of real estate experience. He works with Hometown Heroes buyers throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Manatee counties and can connect you with an approved lender the same day.
Call or text: (813) 733-7907
Schedule a free buyer strategy call — no pressure, no obligation.