Florida Hometown Heroes Mortgage Program — 2026 Complete Guide
Florida Hometown Heroes Program 2026 guide: who qualifies, how much you get, and how to apply. Up to $35,000 for first responders, educators, and veterans.
Educational content only. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial, legal, or lending advice. Loan programs, rates, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Consult a licensed mortgage professional before making any borrowing decision. Mortgage Capital | NMLS# 1859012 | Licensed in Florida.
This Florida Hometown Heroes Program 2026 guide breaks down a benefit that thousands of qualifying Florida workers never claim. Firefighters, police officers, teachers, nurses, EMTs, and veterans all qualify. Real help with your down payment and closing costs may be available — and most people who qualify have no idea it exists.
How the Florida Hometown Heroes Program Works
The program gives you up to 5% of your first mortgage amount, capped at $35,000, as a second mortgage at 0% interest. It is non-amortizing and deferred over 30 years, so you make no monthly payments on it. You only repay the balance when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
That structure is what makes it worth chasing. A grant often has to be paid back on a set schedule. This assistance just stays behind your first mortgage, lowers what you owe at the closing table, and leaves your monthly payment alone.
Eligibility Requirements in 2026
To qualify in 2026 you need to be a first-time buyer, or at least not have owned a home in the past three years. You also have to meet your county's income limit and buy a primary residence in Florida. A credit score of at least 640 is required. Income limits change by county. In Palm Beach County the cap is currently $128,250 for a household of one or two.
The occupation list is broad. Firefighters, law enforcement, K-12 and college educators, healthcare and childcare workers, and active or veteran military all count. Florida expanded the list in 2024, and it now covers more than 50 job titles. It is worth checking even if you think you do not qualify.
Compatible Loan Types and How We Help
You can pair the assistance with an FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage. We originate Hometown Heroes loans in all 67 Florida counties. Adding it usually tacks two or three business days onto a normal approval. We handle the program paperwork and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation submission for you.
Who qualifies
Full-time employees of a Florida-based employer, in a broad list of occupations.
Teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, childcare workers and many others.
Veterans and active military qualify regardless of occupation.
You must be a first-time buyer, defined as not owning a primary residence in three years.
What you get
Up to $35,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
It is a 0% interest deferred second mortgage, repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the first.
It pairs with FHA, VA, USDA or conventional first mortgages.
Funds are appropriated annually and do run out. Apply early in the program year.
How to apply
Through a participating lender. We are one.
Income limits are county-based and higher in South Florida than most buyers assume.
You will complete a homebuyer education course as part of the process.
See our Hometown Heroes page for current limits.
Practical notes
Funds are appropriated annually and have run out mid-year before.
Apply early in the program year where you can.
The assistance is a deferred second, so it does not raise your monthly payment.
It repays when you sell, refinance or pay off the first mortgage.
Income and price limits
Income limits are county-based and reset annually.
South Florida limits run higher than most of the state.
Purchase price limits also apply and vary by county.
Combining it with other help
It pairs with FHA, VA, USDA and conventional first mortgages.
Some county and city programs can layer on top.
See our down payment page for what stacks.
Is it worth the extra steps?
It adds a few days to a normal approval and requires a homebuyer education course.
For up to $35,000 at 0% deferred, almost always yes.
We handle the program paperwork and the Florida Housing submission.
Eligible occupations
The list covers most full-time roles at a Florida-based employer.
Teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, childcare workers and many trades.
Veterans and active military qualify regardless of occupation.
If you are unsure, ask. The list is broader than most people expect.
Getting started
Confirm your occupation and employer qualify.
Check the income and purchase price limits for your county.
Complete the homebuyer education course early so the certificate is ready.
We handle the Florida Housing submission from there.
Worth checking even if unsure
The occupation list is broad and the income limits in South Florida are higher than most buyers assume.
It costs nothing to ask, and up to $35,000 is a material difference.
Next steps
Confirm your occupation qualifies, check your county limits, and start the education course. We handle the Florida Housing submission from there.
A note on timing
Program funds are appropriated annually and have run out mid-year before. Applying early in the program year matters.
Apply for Florida Hometown Heroes Today
Want to know if you qualify? Apply online or call (561) 300-0380. We will run your numbers and confirm your exact assistance amount within one business day. Plenty of Florida workers walk away from tens of thousands of dollars just because nobody told them this existed. While you are at it, ask us about USDA $0 down financing and FHA loans with 3.5% down too.