Florida Down Payment Assistance
Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
Up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible Florida workers buying a primary residence. Participating lender serving Bradenton, Sarasota, and all 67 Florida counties.
Florida Hometown Heroes at a Glance
Up to $35,000
5% of the first mortgage (max $35K) as a 0% interest deferred second for down payment and closing costs.
0% Interest, No Monthly Payment
30-year deferred second mortgage. Repaid only at sale, refinance, or payoff of the first mortgage.
All Florida Workers
Open to full-time Florida workers (originally launched for frontline workers, expanded statewide in 2023).
640 Minimum Credit Score
Friendlier credit requirement than most conventional DPA programs.
Pairs With FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
Layer on top of any major loan program. VA + Hometown Heroes is the strongest combination for eligible veterans.
All 67 Florida Counties
From Manatee and Sarasota to Hillsborough, Orange, Duval, Broward, and Miami-Dade.
Who Qualifies for Florida Hometown Heroes
- ✓ Full-time employee of a Florida-based employer in an eligible occupation
- ✓ First-time homebuyer (no primary residence ownership in the last 3 years — waived for veterans)
- ✓ Purchasing a primary residence in Florida (1-2 unit, condo, or townhome)
- ✓ Household income at or below 150% of area median income (varies by county)
- ✓ Minimum 640 FICO credit score
- ✓ Complete an approved homebuyer education course
Income limits and purchase price caps vary by county and are updated by Florida Housing periodically. A participating lender can confirm current limits for the county you're buying in.
Eligible Occupations Include
Florida Hometown Heroes was originally launched for frontline workers and expanded in 2023 to include all full-time Florida workers in qualifying occupations. Common eligible roles:
Pair Hometown Heroes With Your First Mortgage
Florida Hometown Heroes is a second mortgage that layers on top of a standard first mortgage. Choose the first-mortgage program that fits your situation:
FHA + Hometown Heroes
Lower credit thresholds and 3.5% down. A common pairing for first-time buyers — DPA can cover that 3.5% plus closing costs.
Explore FHA loans →VA + Hometown Heroes
The strongest combination for eligible veterans: 0% down, no PMI, and DPA covers closing costs. First-time buyer rule is waived for veterans.
Explore VA loans →Conventional + Hometown Heroes
Freddie Mac HFA Advantage / Fannie Mae HFA Preferred conventional loans pair with DPA — often with reduced PMI for income-qualified buyers.
Explore Conventional loans →Florida Hometown Heroes — Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?
Florida Hometown Heroes is open to full-time Florida workers employed by a Florida-based employer who are first-time homebuyers (haven't owned a primary residence in the last 3 years), purchasing a primary residence in Florida, with income at or below 150% of the area median income, and a minimum credit score of 640. The program originally launched for frontline workers (law enforcement, educators, healthcare, active military) and was expanded in 2023 to include all Florida workers in eligible occupations.
How much down payment assistance does Florida Hometown Heroes provide?
Eligible borrowers can receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (capped at $35,000) as a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage to cover down payment and closing costs. The second mortgage is repaid only when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, or pay off the first mortgage — there are no monthly payments on the assistance loan.
Can I use Hometown Heroes with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loans?
Yes. Florida Hometown Heroes layers on top of all four major loan programs — FHA, VA, USDA, and Freddie Mac HFA Advantage / Fannie Mae HFA Preferred Conventional. Pairing it with a VA loan (no down payment + no PMI + DPA covers closing costs) is the most powerful combination for eligible veterans.
Is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program out of money?
Funding allocations change every legislative session and frequently exhaust mid-year. As of 2026, the Florida Legislature has continued to fund the program annually. To know exactly how much funding is currently available — and to reserve funds before you write an offer — talk to a participating lender like Mortgage Pro Home Loans before shopping.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
Generally yes — you cannot have owned and occupied a primary residence in the last 3 years. Exceptions exist for veterans (the first-time buyer requirement is waived) and for buyers purchasing in federally designated targeted areas.
Which Florida counties does Florida Hometown Heroes cover?
All 67 Florida counties — including Manatee (Bradenton), Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Orange, Duval, Broward, and Miami-Dade. Income limits and purchase price caps vary by county. A local loan officer can confirm the current limits for the county you're buying in.
How do I apply for the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?
You don't apply directly to Florida Housing — you apply through a participating lender. The lender pulls your credit, verifies your income and employment, confirms eligibility under current program rules, and reserves funds for your loan. Mortgage Pro Home Loans is a participating Florida Hometown Heroes lender — get pre-approved with us in 24-48 hours.
Ready to use Florida Hometown Heroes?
We're a participating Hometown Heroes lender. Get pre-approved in 24-48 hours and we'll confirm your eligibility, current funding availability, and the exact assistance amount you qualify for — at no cost.