Florida Hometown Heroes Home Loans
Down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible Florida workers who are buying a first home. FLO Mortgage is an experienced mortgage broker that helps Hometown Heroes buyers every step of the way. Find out if your job qualifies and how much help may be available.
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Over $20 million
in Hometown Heroes down payment assistance, as of October 6, 2026
Source: eHousingPlus Florida Housing program highlights
Funds are reserved first come, first served and can run out quickly. Availability changes, so confirm with a loan officer before you rely on it.
Who qualifies for Hometown Heroes?
The 2026 program is limited to first-time, income-qualified homebuyers buying a primary residence in Florida who fall into one of these groups.
Community workforce
People 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.
Active military
Service members of the U.S. military or military reserves, the U.S. Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard.
Veterans
Veterans who are employed full-time by a Florida-based employer.
See Florida Housing's example eligible occupations and the 2026 income and loan limits.
How much help can you get?
Eligible borrowers can receive down payment and closing cost assistance, plus a first mortgage with reduced upfront fees.
5%
of your total first mortgage loan amount in down payment and closing cost assistance.
$10,000–$35,000
Minimum and maximum assistance amounts.
0%
30-year, non-amortizing deferred second mortgage. It is not forgivable.
FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
First mortgage options, with reduced upfront fees and no origination or discount points.
The second mortgage becomes due in full when you sell, refinance the first mortgage, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home as your primary residence. Income, credit and property requirements apply.
How it works
Check your job and income
Confirm your occupation, employer and household income against the program lists and limits.
Talk with us
A quick, no-pressure call about your goals, budget and whether Hometown Heroes fits.
Get pre-approved
A secure online application so you know your price range before you shop.
Reserve and close
Once you have a contract, we help reserve your funds and keep you updated through closing.
There is no cost to apply
Florida Housing warns that scammers sometimes target homebuyers and charge upfront fees for down payment assistance. Avoid anyone who asks you to pay to apply, and report them to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Inspector General's Office at 850-488-4197.
Hometown Heroes questions
What is the Florida Hometown Heroes program?
It is a Florida Housing Finance Corporation program that provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time, income-qualified homebuyers in eligible workforce occupations, so they can buy a primary residence in the community where they work and serve. FLO Mortgage is a mortgage broker, and we help eligible buyers use the program through Florida Housing participating lenders.
Who qualifies for Hometown Heroes?
Full-time Florida-employed health care workers, school staff, first responders, public safety and court employees and child care workers; military and reserve service members; and veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer. Income limits and other requirements apply.
How much assistance can I receive?
Up to 5% of the total first mortgage loan amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, for down payment and closing costs.
Do I have to pay the assistance back?
Yes. It is a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage with no monthly payment. It becomes due in full when you sell, refinance the first mortgage, transfer the deed or no longer live in the home as your primary residence. It is not forgivable.
Is the funding limited?
Yes. Funds are reserved first come, first served. Florida Housing reported that the 2025-2026 funds were fully committed in about six months. Check the counter above and talk with a loan officer about current availability. You can also read about the first-time home buyer process.
Find out if you qualify
Answer a few quick questions and a local loan officer will follow up with your options.
Hometown Heroes is a program of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. FLO Mortgage is a mortgage broker and is not a government agency. Program terms, funding and eligibility are set by Florida Housing and may change without notice. Fund availability shown is reported by a third party and is not a guarantee. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, property eligibility and program availability. Not all applicants will qualify. FLO Mortgage, Company NMLS #1835856. Florida Mortgage Lender License MLD2621. Equal Housing Opportunity. Licensing & Disclosures.