The Florida Hometown Heroes program has helped many homebuyers in recent years purchase a home with the help of state provided down payment assistance. In order to be approved for the program, buyers must meet certain eligibility and qualifying factors that we will discuss below. Please connect with us 7 days a week if you have questions to want to learn more.
The Hometown Heroes program was established by the state of Florida to assist first responders, teachers, healthcare professionals, and military personnel purchase a home with little to no money down. Please find the list of all the Eligible Hometown Heroes Occupations
*Not employed in an eligible occupation? Connect with us today to learn about other 100% down payment assistance programs available.
It’s no secret that home prices in Florida have increased greatly over recent years, so any assistance for first-time buyers is certainly welcomed. This program through Florida Housing aims to make homeownership affordable for first-time homeowners who may struggle with saving enough for a down payment. Eligible buyers can receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (max of $35,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance!
This is done through a state provided 0% interest second mortgage that is deferred for 30 years except in the event of the sale, transfer of deed, refinance or payoff of first mortgage. At this time the loan will become due and paid in full, the Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.
To qualify for Hometown Heroes, applicants must meet certain requirements listed below:
- Applicants must be a first-time homebuyer or have not owned a primary residence in the previous three years. This program is strictly reserved for owner occupied homes, no investment properties, vacation homes or investors.
- Buyers must meet the 2026 Florida Hometown Heroes income requirements, which vary depending on location and family size. The program income limits vary between $142,950 and go up to $195,450 depending on the county where the property is located.
- Applicants must work 35+ hours a week (full-time) with a Florida-based employer. *Veterans are exempt from this requirement.
- (1) borrower must attend an approved Homebuyer Education course, the process is simple and often be completed online. *Veterans are exempt from this requirement if using a government backed VA loan for their first primary mortgage.
- Buyer must have a minimum 640 credit score with no recent hardships.
*Not eligible based on any of the requirements above? Contact us today to learn about other 100% down payment programs available nationwide.
Homebuyers can use the Hometown Heroes program together with any eligible Conventional, or Government backed mortgage like FHA, USDA, or VA loans. Additional qualifying requirements may apply for the specific primary mortgage the homebuyer chooses, depending on the bank or lender.
Funding for the Hometown Heroes program is limited each year by the state, and goes quickly when available. Home buyers are encouraged to reach out to us anytime to check the current funding status of Hometown Heroes, just submit the quick request form below.
Please note, there are never any fees to apply for the Hometown Heroes program, but mortgage companies may require applicants to pay a credit report fee when starting the pre-approval process on their first mortgage.
Listed below are some commonly asked questions we receive about the program:
QUESTION: How do I apply and get an application for the Hometown Heroes Program?
ANSWER: Just connect with us today, we can discuss all the options available to you and assist you on getting pre-approved. Keep in mind that HTH may not be the best option available to you. It’s important to learn about all DPA programs available when making your decision. The entire process takes only minutes to complete.
QUESTION: I’m planning to sell my current home and move to Florida, can I use the program?
ANSWER: The program is only allocated for first-time home buyers at this time, but we do offer many other 100% financing options for move-up buyers as well. Please connect with us below to learn more.
QUESTION: I want to purchase a home to rent, can I use Hometown Heroes to purchase an investment property?
ANSWER: No, the HTH program is strictly reserved for first-time buyers purchasing a primary residence.
QUESTION: Will I need to make payments on the Hometown Heroes grant?
ANSWER: No, there is no monthly payment for the down payment assistance. The funds consist of a 0% interest, 30 year deferred second mortgage. You only repay the loan when you sell, transfer title, or refinance your home.
QUESTION: What is the lowest credit score to apply for the Hometown Heroes program?
ANSWER: All borrowers listed on the loan application must have a 640 minimum credit score to qualify for the program.
QUESTION: I was told by my Realtor the Hometown Heroes program is out of funds, is this true?
ANSWER: The program has been in high demand, and the funding can run out quickly. Sometimes the program will pause until the state replenishes funds. Again, these funds do come and go throughout the year, so buyers will want to get pre-approved well ahead of time.
Buyers can contact us anytime to check the current Hometown Heroes funding status or to learn more about the alternative down payment assistance programs available in your area.
QUESTION: Is the program only available in Florida?
ANSWER: Yes, however each state typically has their own down payment assistance programs available. Contact us today to learn more about options available in your state.
Coast 2 Coast is a local Florida lender specializing in all government down payment assistance programs like HTH. We serve home buyers in most states across the U.S. Buyers are encouraged to contact us 7 days a week with any questions by calling, or just submit the Quick Request Form here.