2026 Florida Hometown Heroes Program
Dated: July 1 2026
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2026 Florida Hometown Heroes Program
Quick Guide for Homebuyers
What Is Hometown Heroes?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program helps eligible Florida workers buy a home by providing down payment and closing cost assistance.
The 2026 program is expected to become available on July 13, 2026.
How Much Help Can Buyers Receive?
Eligible buyers may receive up to 5% of the total mortgage amount.
The assistance amount is:
Minimum: $10,000
Maximum: $35,000
These funds can be used toward the buyer’s down payment and closing costs.
Is It Free Money?
Not exactly.
The assistance is a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payments.
The money is usually repaid when the buyer sells the home, refinances, transfers the deed, stops living in the home as a primary residence, or when the mortgage reaches maturity.
Who May Qualify?
Buyers may qualify if they:
Have a minimum 640 FICO score
Meet income and loan limits
Qualify for a mortgage through an approved lender
Do not exceed the maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50.49%
Complete homebuyer education, if required
Meet the first-time homebuyer rules, unless an exception applies
First-Time Homebuyer Rule
In general, buyers must not have owned and lived in a primary residence within the past three years.
Some exceptions may apply, including certain veterans and buyers purchasing in federally designated targeted areas.
Employment Requirements
For 2026, the buyer must generally work full-time for a Florida-based employer at a brick-and-mortar location in Florida.
Eligible groups may include:
Healthcare workers
K-12 school staff
First responders
Public safety workers
Court workers
Childcare workers
Active-duty service members
Eligible veterans
Virtual employees are not eligible. Hybrid employees may need to work at the Florida location at least three days per week.
Eligible Property Types
The program may be used for several property types, including:
Single-family homes
Condos
Townhomes
2–4 unit properties
Modular homes with land
Mobile homes with land
Some property types may have extra lender rules.
Important Timing
Buyers may be pre-qualified before July 13, 2026.
A buyer may also sign a contract before July 13, but the lender cannot lock the rate or reserve Hometown Heroes funds until the program opens.
Buyers should speak with an approved lender before writing an offer to make sure the closing date allows enough time.
Final Reminder
Hometown Heroes funds are limited and may run out quickly. Buyers should speak with an approved lender as early as possible to check eligibility, income limits, loan limits, and available funds.
This guide is for general information only. Final approval depends on the lender, Florida Housing program rules, and current funding availability.
Tadas Grigaliunas
I am Tadas Grigaliunas, a real estate professional with a unique international background and deep local expertise. Born and raised in Lithuania, I moved to the United States in 2001, bringing with me....
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Updated on September 24, 2026 12:33 AM UTC
