Up to $35,000 toward your down payment and closing costs — a 0% interest loan with no monthly payment, for the Florida workers who keep our communities running.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator · Program details sourced from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation · Last updated: June 2026
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program, run by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, is the state’s largest down payment assistance program. It helps full-time workers in essential occupations buy a primary home in the community they serve — and in 2026 it is open to a broad list of more than 50 professions, not just first responders.
Program at a glance (2026)
| Assistance amount | 5% of the first mortgage, up to $35,000 (minimum $10,000; loans of $200,000 or less receive an automatic $10,000) |
| Structure | 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage — no monthly payment; repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage |
| Income limit | At or below 150% of your county’s area median income (AMI) — roughly $143,000 to $195,000 depending on county and household size |
| Minimum credit score | 640 (660 for manufactured homes) |
| First-time buyer? | Yes for most applicants (no ownership in the past 3 years); active-duty military and veterans are exempt |
| Eligible counties | All 67 Florida counties |
| Works with | FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages through a participating lender |
Who qualifies
You must be employed full-time (at least 35 hours per week) by a Florida-based employer in one of 50+ eligible occupations. Broad categories include:
- Education — teachers, school staff, and childcare workers
- Healthcare — nurses, technicians, and other medical professionals
- Law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders
- Active-duty military, reserves, and veterans (no first-time-buyer requirement)
- Skilled trades and many other essential community roles
Only one borrower on the loan needs to hold an eligible occupation. Because the list is long and updated periodically, the fastest way to confirm is a quick eligibility check.
How to apply
- Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course.
- Get pre-qualified with a Florida Housing-approved participating lender.
- Choose your first mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) — Hometown Heroes layers on top as the second mortgage.
- Apply early in the funding cycle: the program is funded annually and can run out mid-year.
Stacking with other help
Hometown Heroes is one piece of the picture. See all of your options on our Florida down payment assistance guide, pair it with a Mortgage Credit Certificate for annual tax savings, and check the 2026 Florida loan limits to see how much you can borrow. Ready to start? Request a free eligibility check.
Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Hometown Heroes Housing Program (floridahousing.org), 2026 terms. Funding is limited and allocated annually; confirm current availability and your county’s exact income and purchase-price limits with a participating lender.