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, work with a licensed lender like The Doce Mortgage Group. They 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. They 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 frontline workers, first-time homebuyers, veterans, teachers, nurses, and other essential personnel. For those working with The Doce Mortgage Group, it means they can access this program through their DPA (Down Payment Assistance) offerings to make purchasing a home more affordable.
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.
The hometown heroes program florida income requirements ensure the program helps workers who need the most support. By setting income caps, the program makes sure assistance goes to frontline workers and community heroes trying to afford a home.
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, and other frontline roles.
A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans, active duty service members, or surviving spouses. It offers key benefits like no down payment requirement, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and often competitive interest rates. At The Doce Mortgage Group, they help you secure a VA loan by matching you with VA-approved lenders, ensuring you get the best possible terms and navigating the application process smoothly.
If you qualify, you can apply for the Hometown Heroes Program by contacting The Doce Mortgage Group. They will assist you throughout: verifying eligibility, collecting documentation, completing necessary paperwork, and submitting your application to the proper state agency. Their team ensures you meet all deadlines and requirements so your assistance is granted.
The price of houses in Florida varies widely depending on location. Many homes in metro areas are $350,000-$400,000 (or more), while smaller cities or rural areas are lower. The Doce Mortgage Group offers tools and calculators to estimate costs in your target area, so you can understand what’s realistic given your budget and how much down payment assistance or financing you might need.
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.
You can typically refinance an FHA loan after 210 days (about 7 months) of making on-time payments. The Doce Mortgage Group offers FHA Streamline Refinance options to help homeowners reduce interest rates, improve monthly payments, or take advantage of favorable market conditions all with less paperwork than a full refinance.
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.