Buying a home in Florida can be challenging, especially when you are trying to cover the down payment, closing costs and other upfront expenses.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program helps eligible community professionals, military members and veterans purchase a primary residence. Qualified buyers may receive up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, making homeownership more accessible throughout Florida.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is a statewide homebuyer assistance program administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
It combines a qualifying first mortgage with financial assistance that can be applied toward a buyer’s down payment and eligible closing costs. The program is intended for income-qualified, first-time homebuyers working in designated occupations that serve Florida communities.
Eligible borrowers may use the program with certain:
Program participants may also receive competitive mortgage rates, reduced upfront fees and no origination or discount points through the Florida Housing program. Specific rates and terms depend on current program guidelines and borrower qualification.
Qualified buyers may receive assistance equal to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, subject to the following limits:
For example, a buyer receiving a $400,000 first mortgage could potentially qualify for $20,000 in assistance, subject to program availability and all eligibility requirements.
The money may be used toward eligible down payment and closing expenses, helping reduce the amount a buyer needs to bring to closing.
The 2026 program is limited to specified occupational groups. Eligible applicants generally include full-time employees of Florida-based employers working as:
The program may also be available to:
Employment, occupation and documentation requirements apply. Applicants must also satisfy the program’s income, loan and property requirements.
The program generally serves first-time homebuyers.
Under Florida Housing’s definition, a first-time buyer generally has not owned and occupied a primary residence during the three years before the new home purchase. Certain exceptions may apply, including exceptions for qualifying veterans.
Previously owning a home does not automatically disqualify you. A participating lender can review your ownership history and determine whether you meet the applicable definition.
In addition to having an eligible occupation, borrowers generally must:
Florida Housing’s broader Homebuyer Loan Program currently lists a minimum credit score of 640. However, individual loan programs and lenders may have additional requirements.
No. Florida Hometown Heroes assistance is not a grant or forgivable loan.
The assistance is provided through a 0% interest, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. Borrowers do not make regular monthly payments on the second mortgage, but the full balance generally becomes due when:
Understanding this repayment requirement is important when deciding whether the program fits your short- and long-term plans.
No. The home must be purchased and occupied as the borrower’s primary residence.
The Hometown Heroes Program cannot be used to purchase a vacation home, second home, rental property or fix-and-flip investment. Real estate investors may want to consider other financing options, such as DSCR loans or investment property mortgages.
No. Hometown Heroes funding is limited and is generally distributed on a first-come, first-served basis through participating lenders.
The program has previously committed all available funding before the end of a funding cycle. Buyers interested in the program should begin reviewing eligibility and documentation before making an offer whenever possible.
The first step is to speak with a knowledgeable mortgage professional who can review your employment, income, credit, homeownership history and estimated purchase price.
NXT LVL Lending helps buyers in Miami, Palmetto Bay, Tampa and communities throughout Florida explore available home loan and down payment assistance options.
Our team can help you:
You spend your career helping your Florida community. The Hometown Heroes Program may help make it easier to purchase a home in the community you serve.
Contact NXT LVL Lending to review your eligibility, explore current program availability and find a mortgage solution designed around your goals.
Program availability, eligible occupations, interest rates, income limits, loan limits and underwriting guidelines are subject to change. Assistance is not guaranteed. All borrowers must satisfy applicable program and lender requirements.
