Hometown Heroes Down payment Assistance Program

Front view of a red and white modern house with a small porch, surrounded by green lawns and trees, under a clear blue sky.

The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program is designed to help working Floridians overcome one of the biggest barriers to homeownership: upfront costs. This statewide program provides down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible buyers who serve their communities and work full-time for Florida-based employers.

By reducing upfront costs, this program can make homeownership more accessible and achievable — often sooner than expected.

What Is the Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program is a Florida Housing initiative that offers substantial down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible homebuyers across the state.

Hometown Heroes can be paired with several primary mortgage options — including Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans — making it a flexible solution for many different borrower profiles. Assistance is provided as a second loan and is designed to reduce the cash you need at closing, not replace responsible lending standards.

This program is available statewide and is subject to funding availability.

Who the Hometown Heroes Program Is Best For

The Hometown Heroes program is ideal for:

  • Full-time employees working for Florida-based employers

  • Borrowers purchasing a primary residence in Florida

  • Buyers who need help with down payment and closing costs or want to preserve savings

  • First-time and eligible repeat homebuyers

  • Borrowers using Conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA financing

Only one occupying borrower needs to meet the employment and first time buyer requirement to qualify.

Eligible Occupations

Hometown Heroes is designed for Floridians who play essential roles in their communities. Eligible occupations include — but are not limited to — professionals in the following categories:

  • Healthcare professionals

  • K–12 school employees

  • First responders and public safety workers

  • Court system employees

  • Childcare workers

  • Active-duty service members and veterans

Eligibility is based on current full-time employment, not job titles alone. If you’re unsure whether your role qualifies, eligibility can be confirmed quickly during a consultation.

  • LAW ENFORCEMENT & PUBLIC SAFETY

    • Sworn Law Enforcement Officer

    • Certified Correction Officer

    • Correctional Probation Officer

    • Juvenile Detention Officer/Juvenile Probation Officer

    • Firefighter

    • Certified Paramedic/Certified Emergency Medical Technician

    • 911 Public Safety Communicator

    EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

    • Certified K–12 Educator (Teacher, Career Specialist, Librarian, Counselor, Social Worker, Psychologist)

    • Licensed or Registered Childcare Operator

    • Childcare Instructor

    NURSING & HEALTHCARE

    • Registered Nurse (RN)

    • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

    • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

    • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

    • Clinical Nurse Specialist

    • Certified Nurse Midwife

    • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

    • Home Health Aide

    • Physician / Physician Assistant

    • Anesthesiologist / Anesthesiologist Assistant

    • Psychiatrist

    • Certified Medical Assistant

    • Acupuncturist

    • Osteopathic Physician

    • Chiropractic Physician / Assistant

    • Podiatric Physician / X-Ray Assistant

    • Naturopathic Physician

    • Pharmacist / Nuclear Pharmacist / Pharmacy Technician

    • Dentist / Dental Hygienist / Dental Assistant

    • Speech-Language Pathologist / Audiologist / Assistant

    • Nursing Home Administrator

    • Occupational Therapist / Assistant / Aide

    • Respiratory Therapist (Certified or Registered)

    • Licensed Dietician / Nutritionist / Counselor

    • Registered Dietician / Nutritionist / Dietetic Technician

    • Athletic Trainer

    • Prosthetist / Orthotist / Pediatrist / Assistant

    • Electrologist

    • Massage Therapist

    • Clinical Laboratory Personnel

    • Phlebotomist

    • Licensed Medical Physicist (Radiologic)

    • Radiologic Technologist / X-Ray Operator

    • Genetic Counselor

    • Optician / Optician Apprentice

    • Certified Optometrist

    • Hearing Aid Specialist / Trainee

    • Physical Therapist / Assistant

    • Psychologist / School Psychologist • Clinical Social Worker/ Marriage & Family Therapist

    VETERINARY & ANIMAL CARE

    • Veterinarian

    • Veterinary Assistant / Technician

    LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE

    • Assistant Public Defender

    • Assistant State Attorney

    • Assisted Living Facility Administrator

    MILITARY & VETERANS

    • Active-Duty Military Personnel

    • Veterans

    • Surviving Spouse (VA-eligible)

Down Payment Assistance & Program Highlights

One of the most valuable benefits of the Hometown Heroes program is the down payment and closing cost assistance it provides.

Key highlights include:

  • Assistance toward down payment and closing costs

  • Can be paired with multiple loan types (Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA)

  • Seller-paid closing costs are often allowed

  • Gift funds may also be permitted

  • Designed to reduce upfront cash requirements

Program terms, assistance amounts, and eligibility are subject to Florida Housing guidelines and funding availability.

Credit, Income, and Qualification Guidelines

While Hometown Heroes provides meaningful assistance, borrowers must still qualify for the underlying mortgage loan.

General qualification guidelines include:

  • Minimum credit score requirements of the program

  • Income limits may apply based on household size and county

  • Full-time employment with a Florida-based employer is required

  • Standard income documentation applies

Because guidelines vary by borrower profile, a personalized review is the best way to determine eligibility.

How Hometown Heroes Compares to Other Florida Programs

Depending on your situation, Hometown Heroes may be one of several strong options available to you.

Borrowers interested in Hometown Heroes may also want to explore:

  • FHA loans for flexible credit options

  • VA loans for eligible veterans and service members

  • USDA loans for rural and eligible suburban areas

  • Other Florida down payment assistance programs

Each program has different strengths, and the right choice depends on your income, credit profile, location, and long-term goals.

Talk With a Florida Mortgage Professional

If you’re considering the Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program, a quick conversation can help confirm eligibility and determine the best loan structure for your situation.

You don’t need to navigate the guidelines alone — we’re certified to originate Hometown Heroes loans and will help you understand your options and next steps.

Schedule a Call