The Hometown Heroes program continues to be a popular down payment assistance option for many Florida homebuyers. Each week we receive many questions about the program, below we have listed some of the most commonly asked questions from homebuyers.
Have a question about Hometown Heroes or any of the other 100% mortgage programs? Be sure to connect with a specialist below 7 days week.
The Hometown Heroes program was designed to support frontline workers, first responders, educators, military members, and other eligible professions. This program helps bridge the gap between renters and homeownership by offering valuable down payment assistance.
With rising home prices and affordability challenges across the state, the Hometown Heroes program makes it easier for buyers to secure a home with 100% financing. Eligible participants can receive substantial assistance toward their down payment and closing costs—making the dream of homeownership more achievable than ever.
🌴 Hometown Heroes Program Basics:
- What is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program? This is a down-payment & closing-cost assistance program provided from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, and offered through approved lenders in the state:
How much assistance can I receive? The down payment assistance program offers up to 5% of your first mortgage, capped at $35,000 (minimum $10,000), as a 30-year, 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. The loan becomes due when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, or stop occupying the home.
Is This Only For First‑Time Buyers? Yes, no primary residence ownership in the past 3 years (exceptions for active duty veterans )
Employment Requirement: Must work full‑time (35+ hours/week) for a Florida-based employer with a physical location in the state. Veterans/active-duty are exempt from this requirement.
Income & Credit: The Florida Hometown Heroes program does have household income limits. Income must be ≤150% of county’s area median income. The income limits range in 2026 from $142,950 -$195,450 depending on the county. Typical minimum credit score is 640, and 660 for manufactured homes. * Note, if using a USDA Rural Housing loan, this program has it’s own income limits that are less than HTH.
Homebuyer Education: The primary borrower in the household is required to complete an approved course (unless a Veteran using a VA mortgage)
Property Eligibility: Must be a primary residence, NO vacations homes, investment or rental properties. Single-family, approved condo, townhome, or 2–4‑unit (owner-occupied)
✅ Commonly Asked Hometown Heroes Program Questions:
📑 Question: Is the program only reserved to those employed for Florida residents in certain lines of work?
Answer: There has been some confusion recently about this. The program was originally reserved strictly for Florida “Hometown Heroes workers” that included Police, Firefighters, Paramedics, Healthcare workers, Teachers, etc. A few years ago, Florida Housing revised this provision to include ALL eligible first-time homebuyer that worked for a Florida company regardless of line of work.
Last year they changed this requirement back to include only borrowers working in certain fields like the original program. This includes:
- Healthcare workers
- Teachers, education
- First responders: Fire/Police/ Paramedics
- Public safety
- Childcare workers
- Court system employees
- Veterans / military service
- Please find the complete list of Eligible Hometown Heroes Professions
📑 Question: My real estate agent said the program is currently out of funds, do you know when the Hometown Heroes funding will start again?
Answer: Yes, the program funding is limited, but the state generally re-appropriate the funds thorough the year as budgeting permits. Hometown Heroes funds are still available as of March 2026.
Please note, buyers cannot reserve funds before they have a fully executed purchase contract first. Please connect with us below to check the current funding status, or to learn about alternative down payment assistance programs.
📑 Question: How do I apply for the Hometown Heroes program and start my application?
Answer: Everything starts with your first primary mortgage pre-approval, this will generally be a standard FHA, VA, USDA or Conventional mortgage. The process generally takes about 15-min to complete. Once you are pre-approved for your primary mortgage, the loan specialist will review the DPA (down payment assistance) programs available to you and discuss the pros and cons of each. Contact us anytime with questions or to start your mortgage and HTH application.
📑 Question: Is the Hometown Heroes money free?
Answer: No, the Hometown Heroes loan repayment will be due when the home is sold, refinanced, ownership transferred or first mortgage comes due. However, there is no payment (0% interest) while you have the loan.
📑 Question: What happens if I get pre-approved for my primary mortgage, months later find the right house and then the funding runs out?
Answer: Great question, we generally will have other down payment assistance options available. Once your primary mortgage pre-approval is complete (FHA, VA, or Conventional) the loan specialist will review alternative backup options in the event the HTH funding has expired at time you actually go under contract to purchase a home.
📑 Question: What amount can I get approved for with Hometown Heroes?
Answer: This depends on your primary mortgage pre-approval amount. All government backed and conventional loans have debt-to-income ratios limits in place that determine your qualifying loan amount. Depending on the loan program, your monthly housing expense (PITI) should not exceed 30-40% of your monthly gross income. HTH assistance simply helps with the down payment and closing costs.
Example: FHA loans remain the most popular mortgage for first-time buyers. The program requires a standard 3.5% down payment, plus an additional 3-5% in closing costs/tax and insurance impounds (depending on the purchase price) Hometown Heroes can cover up to 5% ($35,000 cap) of these costs.
📑 Question: My husband and I just found out about Hometown Heroes four months after we closed on our first home, can we still apply?
Answer: No, the program is only available for new buyers.
📑 Question: Can I get cash back after I close to pay off other debt?
Answer: No, cash back is not permitted with Hometown Heroes. However, a limited amount of left over funds can be used to reduce your primary loan balance.
📑 Question: Are there any fees for me to apply for the Hometown Heroes?
Answer: Absolutely not. However, some mortgage companies may require the applicant(s) to pay for their credit report in advance when they get pre-approved for their primary first mortgage. Keep in mind, your primary first mortgage and the HTH assistance part are two different loans.
Do you have a question? Homebuyers can connect 7 days a week with a specialist by submitting the Info Request Form below ↓
