⚡ Funding Alert: Hometown Heroes Funds Run Out FAST
Previous Hometown Heroes funding rounds have been exhausted within weeks of opening. The 2023 round ($100M) ran out in under 3 weeks. The 2024 round lasted about 5 weeks. When new funding opens, you need to be pre-approved and ready to go — there's no time to start the process from scratch.
Our advice: Get pre-approved NOW with a Florida Housing-approved lender, even if funding isn't currently available. When the next round opens, you'll be first in line.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is, hands down, one of the most generous down payment assistance programs in the entire country. Up to $35,000 in free assistance with 0% interest and no monthly payments? For over 50 qualifying professions? In a state where the median home price is $400,000+?
I've helped dozens of Florida buyers use this program — teachers in Orlando, nurses in Tampa, firefighters in Jacksonville. The savings are life-changing. One client, a kindergarten teacher in Broward County, received $28,500 in assistance that covered her entire down payment and closing costs. She moved into her first home with $0 out of pocket.
But here's the reality: this program is competitive, funding is limited, and you need to be prepared. Let me give you everything you need to know.
How Hometown Heroes Works
50+ Qualifying Professions
The name "Hometown Heroes" is broader than you might think. It's not just police and firefighters — it covers a huge range of community workers:
Education
Teachers, professors, school administrators, guidance counselors, librarians, paraprofessionals, school bus drivers
Healthcare
Nurses (RN, LPN, CNA), doctors, pharmacists, dentists, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, mental health counselors
Law Enforcement
Police officers, sheriffs, corrections officers, probation officers, federal law enforcement, 911 dispatchers
Fire & EMS
Firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, fire inspectors, emergency management
Military
Active duty (all branches), veterans, National Guard, reservists
Childcare & Social Work
Licensed childcare workers, social workers, child protective investigators, juvenile justice workers
Government
State employees, county employees, city/municipal workers, water management, public works
Skilled Trades
Licensed electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians (varies by county)
2026 Income & Purchase Price Limits
| Metro Area | Income Limit | Purchase Price Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | $138,000 | $647,200 |
| Broward (Fort Lauderdale) | $138,000 | $647,200 |
| Palm Beach | $138,000 | $647,200 |
| Orlando (Orange County) | $118,000 | $472,030 |
| Tampa (Hillsborough) | $115,000 | $472,030 |
| Jacksonville (Duval) | $109,000 | $472,030 |
| Naples (Collier) | $138,000 | $647,200 |
| Most Rural Counties | $97,000 | $472,030 |
Note: Income limits are based on 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and are for the total household income of all borrowers. Purchase price limits follow FHA loan limits for the county.
Real Example: Teacher in Orlando ($380,000 Home)
With seller concessions covering the remaining closing costs, this teacher moved in with $0 out of pocket.
Don't wait for funding to open — get pre-approved with a Florida Housing-approved lender now so you're ready when the next round drops.
Get Pre-Approved Before the Next Funding Round
Funds run out in weeks. Be ready with a pre-approval from a Florida Housing-approved lender.
Compare Florida Lenders →Hometown Heroes Eligibility Checklist
5 Tips to Maximize Your Chances
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?
Up to $35,000 in DPA as a 0% interest, no-monthly-payment second mortgage for 50+ qualifying professions in Florida.
Is Hometown Heroes still funded in 2026?
Funding opens in rounds and runs out fast (weeks, not months). Check floridahousing.org for current status. Get pre-approved now to be ready.
Who qualifies?
First-time buyers working full-time in qualifying professions (teachers, nurses, police, fire, military, childcare, government, and more). 640+ credit, income within limits.
How much assistance?
Up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, capped at $35,000. Covers down payment and/or closing costs.
Do I have to pay it back?
Only when you sell, refinance, or stop using as primary residence. 0% interest, no monthly payments while you live there.
What if funding runs out?
Florida Housing offers other DPA programs (Florida Assist up to $10,000, HLP up to $10,000) as alternatives. Your lender can help you find the best available option.
Don't Miss the Next Funding Round
Get pre-approved today so you're ready when Hometown Heroes funding opens. It runs out in weeks.
Get Pre-Approved Now →