Florida Hometown Heroes Loans: Check Your Eligibility
Florida Hometown Heroes is administered by Florida Housing Finance Corporation; funds are limited and subject to program eligibility and availability.
Eligible borrowers include full-time employees of Florida-based employers in the listed occupations, qualifying servicemembers, and veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer.
Program availability depends on current funding and participating lender approval; not all borrowers will qualify.
See If You Qualify
Answer a few quick questions and I'll personally review your eligibility. No obligation, and no spam calls.
A Thank You From Florida to the People Who Keep It Running
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program was created by the Florida Legislature to help essential workers buy their first home in the communities they serve.
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 US military or military reserves, the US Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard; or a veteran employed full-time by a Florida-based employer may be eligible for up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
Hometown Heroes assistance is a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. It is a loan, not a grant: it must be repaid and it is not forgivable. It becomes due and payable in full upon sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of the deed, or if the home is no longer your primary residence.
How the Program Works
Four simple steps from eligibility check to closing day
Check Eligibility
Confirm your employment or military status meets the program rules and your income is within your county's limit. First-time buyer rules generally mean you haven't owned and occupied a primary residence in the past three years; limited exceptions apply.
Get Pre-Approved
Apply for your first mortgage — FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional. Your pre-approval letter shows sellers you're serious and financing is in place.
Find Your Home
Shop within your county's purchase price limits. Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and manufactured homes on permanent foundations all qualify.
Close With Assistance
Hometown Heroes assistance is a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. It is a loan, not a grant: it must be repaid and it is not forgivable. It becomes due and payable in full upon sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of the deed, or if the home is no longer your primary residence.
How Much Assistance Can You Get?
The program provides 5% of your total loan amount, with a $10,000 minimum and $35,000 maximum.
5% of loan amount, minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000. Funds can be used for down payment, closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, or upfront mortgage insurance premiums.
Eligibility Requirements
Standard Applicants
- First-time homebuyer requirement applies (waived for eligible veterans and active-duty servicemembers), per Florida Housing guidelines. Call 954-817-0999 to confirm your eligibility.
- Employed full-time by a Florida-based employer
- Health care worker, school staff member, first responder, public safety or court employee, or child care worker
- Household income at or below your county's limit (150% AMI)
- Minimum 640 credit score (660 for manufactured homes)
- Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course
- Primary residence only — no investment or vacation homes
Veterans & Active MilitarySpecial Benefits
- First-time homebuyer requirement is waived for eligible veterans and active-duty servicemembers, per Florida Housing guidelines
- Must be employed full-time by a Florida-based employer (veterans don't have to work in one of the listed occupations)
- Homebuyer education requirements depend on the first mortgage program
- Servicemembers of the US military or military reserves, the US Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard are an eligible category
- Participating lender must confirm veteran or servicemember eligibility
- VA financing may be combined with assistance, subject to program and lender approval
Do You Qualify?
A qualifying borrower must meet one of the eligible employment, servicemember, or veteran categories.
Healthcare
Nurses (RN, LPN), physicians, therapists, medical technicians, home health aides, dental professionals
Education
Teachers, school administrators, counselors, teacher's aides, cafeteria staff, school bus drivers
Public Safety
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, correctional officers, 911 dispatchers
Military & Veterans
Servicemembers of the US military or military reserves, the US Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard; veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer
Public Safety & Court
Public safety or court employees working full-time for a Florida-based employer
Childcare
Licensed childcare providers and early education professionals
Income Limits by County
Your household income must be at or below 150% of your county's Area Median Income
Income limits vary by county and are updated periodically by Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Figures shown are estimates based on early 2026 published limits — call to confirm the exact current limit for your county.
Hometown Heroes in Your City
Income limits vary by county. Select your city for local market context, county-specific eligibility notes, and cross-program details.
Hometown Heroes FAQ
Reviewed and updated September 2026 by Jason L. Esposito, Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS# 308764 · Licensed in Florida
Related Florida Mortgage Resources
Official sources
Program rules, limits, and availability can change. Confirm current requirements before applying.
Eligibility Check.
No Cost. No Obligation.
I'll review your profession, income, and county in a 30-minute call — and tell you honestly whether Hometown Heroes is the right fit, or if another program serves you better.
954-817-0999Call or Text AnytimeProgram availability depends on current funding and participating lender approval; not all borrowers will qualify.
Jason L. Esposito | NMLS# 308764 | Lokation Mortgage | NMLS# 2682974 | Licensed in FL
Equal Housing Opportunity | Not a commitment to lend.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Program terms, income limits, and purchase price limits are set by Florida Housing and subject to change without notice. Program availability depends on current funding and participating lender approval; not all borrowers will qualify. Income limit figures shown are estimates based on published 2026 county data and should be confirmed at time of application. Eligibility for assistance is not guaranteed and is subject to full underwriting approval. This is not an offer to lend and does not constitute a commitment on the part of any lender. Contact Jason L. Esposito for current program details and to determine your eligibility.
Jason L. Esposito, Senior Loan Officer | Licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, Loan Originator License #308764 (NMLS #308764). LoKation Mortgage | NMLS #2682974. Verify licensing at NMLS Consumer Access. Phone: 954-817-0999. Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines and property eligibility. Rates, terms and programs are subject to change without notice and may not be available at commitment or closing. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, HUD/FHA, USDA, or Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Mortgage services currently offered in Florida only.
LoKation Mortgage NMLS #2682974 is a DBA of Premier Lending Corp NMLS# 1156346, 12399 SW 53rd St #104, Cooper City, FL 33330 | Florida MBR1512 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
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