09/01/2026
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing (HTH) Program makes homeownership affordable for eligible workforce occupations. This program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time, income-qualified homebuyers so they can purchase a primary residence in the community in which they work and serve. The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program also offers a lower first mortgage interest rate and additional special benefits to those who have served and continue to serve their country.
Program Details:
Eligible Borrowers who meet the occupational requirements, work full time, and are currently employed by a Florida-based employer can receive competitive market interest rates on an FHA, VA, RD, and Conventional first mortgage, reduced upfront fees, no origination points or discount points and down payment and closing cost assistance.
A person employed full-time by a Florida-based employer as a health care worker, school staff member, first responder, public safety or court employee, or child care worker;
A servicemember of the United States military or military reserves, the United States Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard; or
A veteran employed full-time by a Florida-based employer.
Borrowers can receive up to 5% of the total first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $35,000/minimum of $10,000) in funds towards down payment and closing cost assistance.
Down payment and closing cost assistance is available in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. This second mortgage becomes due and payable, in full, upon sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of deed or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as his/her primary residence. The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.
BE AWARE: There is no cost to apply for Hometown Heroes Down Payment Assistance. Scammers often target homebuyers who are in need of assistance or trying to purchase a home. A common tactic scammers use is requiring you to pay an upfront fee before providing any services. They may also try to charge you to apply for the program. Avoid any company or individual that does this and report them to the Inspector General’s Office at the Florida Housing Finance Corporation 850-488-4197.
