The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is designed to support full-time essential ‘Hero” workers employed by Florida-based employers—along with eligible active-duty service members and veterans—in achieving homeownership. The program offers up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through a 0% interest second mortgage, along with favorable loan terms, making homeownership more accessible for those who serve their communities.
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Eligible heroes can receive up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program is a vital initiative aimed at helping first-time homebuyers who are employed full-time by Florida-based employers. It offers generous financial assistance and favorable loan terms, making homeownership more attainable for those who serve and support their communities every day. Active-duty military and eligible veterans also benefit from expanded access, as long as they meet the program’s hometown heroes income limits.
Qualified homebuyers can receive up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through a 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage. The assistance is calculated as 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, with a minimum of $10,000, ensuring meaningful support for homes of all price ranges.
The program is designed with accessibility in mind. Key eligibility highlights include:
Full-time employment with a Florida-based employer is required for at least one occupying borrower.
A minimum credit score of 640 is accepted.
Income must not exceed 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county in which the property is located.
First-time homebuyer status is generally required (no ownership in a primary residence in the last three years), though exemptions apply for active-duty military, certain veterans, and purchases in federally designated target areas.
Only primary residences are eligible, including single-family homes, 2–4 unit properties, condos, and townhomes.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Florida’s essential workers—from healthcare professionals and educators to first responders and court employees. By lowering financial barriers and expanding access to responsible homeownership, the program helps create long-term stability for those who keep Florida thriving.
The Doce Mortgage Group proudly supports this initiative, helping eligible buyers navigate the application process with confidence and clarity.
To apply for the Hometown Heroes Program, you’d want to click on the Apply Today menu. We will help you gather the needed documents (proof of employment, income, residency), verify your eligibility under Florida’s requirements, then submit the Hometown Heroes Program application on your behalf. We will guide you through every step to ensure you qualify and get assistance for down payment and closing costs.
The Hometown Heroes Program is a Florida state assistance program that offers financial aid (down payment and closing cost assistance) to first-time homebuyers who are frontline essential workers, first responders, Active-Duty Military / Reserve / Florida National Guard / Veterans, teachers, nurses, court personnel and other qualified jobs.
To meet the Hometown Heroes Program Florida qualifications, you typically must:
Be employed full-time in an eligible public service or essential worker role.
Be a first-time homebuyer or not have owned a home in several years.
Stay within income limits set by Florida for your county and household size.
Buy a primary residence within Florida.
The Doce Mortgage Group helps you check all these against your situation, so you know in advance if you qualify.
Applicants must have a minimum credit score of 640 to qualify for the Home Town Hero Loan Program.
Yes. The hometown heroes program is open to first-time home buyers in Florida who work in eligible jobs such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, nurses, Active-Duty Military / Reserve / Florida National Guard / Veterans and other frontline roles.
Yes, active duty military personal and veterans can apply and are exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement, making it easier for them to qualify.
Attached / Detached 1-Unit Dwelling (Includes Townhomes).
2—4 Unit Properties – Borrower(s) must occupy one of the units as their primary residence.
Condos – Single Unit approval permitted for FHA.
Manufactured Housing – Modular housing is permitted. 1994 and newer only.
Yes, the primary borrower need to complete a homebuyer education course as part of the eligibility requirements
You can get a down payment for a house through several methods: using savings, getting assistance from family, obtaining grants, or using state programs like the Hometown Heroes Program. With The Doce Mortgage Group, you have access to Down Payment Assistance Programs (DPA), VA or USDA loans (if eligible), or special programs like HomeZero that reduce or eliminate the required down payment.
Yes, the assistance provided can be used to cover both the down payment and closing costs, reducing the out-of-pocket expenses for the homebuyer.
Down payment and closing cost assistance is available in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. This second mortgage becomes due and payable, in full, upon sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of deed or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as his/her primary residence. The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.
Down payment and closing cost assistance is available in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. This second mortgage becomes due and payable, in full, upon sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of deed or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as his/her primary residence. The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.
The Doce Mortgage Group’s commitment to personalized service and extensive industry knowledge ensures that every participant in the Hometown Heroes Program throughout Florida receives the best possible advice and support.
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