Short answer: Florida Hometown Heroes is a down payment and closing cost program from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for first-time, income-qualified homebuyers who work full time for a Florida-based employer in eligible occupations, and for active duty and reserve service members. It provides up to 5% of the first mortgage amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, as a 0% deferred second mortgage.
How the assistance works
According to Florida Housing, the assistance is:
- Up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, with a $10,000 minimum and a $35,000 maximum.
- A 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage.
- Not forgivable. It is repaid in full when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home as your primary residence.
It is used together with a first mortgage from the program, so you apply through a lender that participates in Florida Housing programs.
Who qualifies
Florida Housing describes the 2026 program as limited to first-time, income-qualified homebuyers who meet the employment rules. Only one borrower needs to qualify through an eligible employer. Eligible groups in the 2026 program guide include:
- Healthcare workers employed full time by a Florida-based healthcare provider, hospital, assisted living or mental health facility.
- School staff employed full time by a Florida K-12 public, private, charter or magnet school.
- First responders employed full time by a Florida fire department, ambulance service or hospital.
- Public safety workers at law enforcement agencies, correctional and juvenile detention facilities, or emergency operations centers.
- Court employees at Florida county, state or federal courts, State Attorney or Public Defender offices.
- Child care workers at licensed or exempt Florida child care facilities.
- Active duty and reserve service members, including the Florida National Guard, and veterans employed full time by a Florida-based employer.
Income limits and purchase price limits vary by county. Florida Housing publishes the current tables on its Hometown Heroes page.
Funding
Funding is set each year by the Florida Legislature and is first come, first served. Florida Housing reported in February 2026 that the 2025 funds were fully committed in about six months, helping more than 3,000 families. Before you plan around the program, ask a participating lender whether funds are available on the day you apply.
How to apply
- Check your eligibility: confirm your employer and job are on the eligible list and that your household income fits the limit for your county.
- Find a participating lender: Florida Housing has a Lender and Real Estate Agent Locator on its site.
- Get pre-approved for the first mortgage.
- Sign a purchase contract. The lender reserves the assistance for a specific loan and property.
- Close. The assistance is applied at closing.
Applying for the program has no fee. Florida Housing warns about scammers who ask for upfront payments.
Heart Mortgage is a mortgage broker, not a Florida Housing participating lender. Some of the lenders we work with participate in Florida Housing programs, so your loan officer can check whether Hometown Heroes is available for your loan and your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Florida Hometown Heroes program?
A Florida Housing program that helps eligible first-time buyers who work in certain occupations with down payment and closing costs, through a 0% deferred second mortgage.
How much assistance can I get?
Up to 5% of the first mortgage amount, with a $10,000 minimum and a $35,000 maximum.
Do I have to pay it back?
Yes. The loan is not forgivable. It is due when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed or stop living in the home.
Who is eligible in 2026?
First-time, income-qualified buyers working full time for a Florida-based employer in healthcare, schools, first response, public safety, courts or child care, plus active duty and reserve service members and veterans with full-time Florida employment.
How do I apply?
Through a lender that participates in Florida Housing programs. If you work with a broker such as Heart Mortgage, your loan officer can check whether one of its lenders offers the program for your case. Confirm the current funding status before you start.
Program terms, eligibility, income limits and funding are set by Florida Housing Finance Corporation and can change. This article is educational and is not a commitment to lend. Heart Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #2045769. Equal Housing Opportunity.
