Florida Hometown Heroes Program: Who Qualifies and How to Apply in 2026

Florida's Hometown Heroes Housing Program has become one of the most popular down payment assistance programs in the state, providing up to $35,000 in help for qualifying buyers. Since its launch, the program has helped thousands of Florida families purchase homes — and funding cycles have been exhausted in as little as six months. If you work in an eligible occupation and are looking to buy in the Bradenton-Sarasota area, John Belt with Keller Williams On The Water can help you understand whether this program is right for you.

What Is the Hometown Heroes Program?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. It provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers who work in occupations that serve their communities. The assistance comes as a second mortgage with 0 percent interest, deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

The program offers 5 percent of the total first mortgage loan amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000. During the most recent funding cycle, the average borrower received approximately $16,000 in assistance on an average first mortgage of about $320,000.

Who Qualifies as a Hometown Hero?

Eligibility is based on who employs you, not your job title. You must be employed full-time by a Florida-based employer in qualifying categories including sworn law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, K-12 teachers and school staff, nurses and healthcare workers at Florida facilities, active-duty military and veterans, childcare workers at licensed facilities, and corrections employees.

A cafeteria worker or custodian at a qualifying school or hospital is eligible. A healthcare professional working remotely for an out-of-state company is not. The program verifies employment through your employer.

Income and Purchase Price Requirements

Your household income cannot exceed 140 percent of the area median income for the county where you are buying. You must be a first-time homebuyer — defined as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years. The property must be your primary residence.

How the Assistance Works

Hometown Heroes assistance is structured as a zero-interest, deferred-payment second mortgage with no monthly payments. The balance becomes due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. It can be paired with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgages through participating lenders.

How to Apply

The application process begins with a participating lender. You will complete a standard mortgage application, and your lender will determine eligibility. You also need to complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course, available online and typically taking six to eight hours.

Because funding is limited and historically exhausted quickly, timing matters. The 2025-2026 funding helped more than 3,000 families before funds ran out. Staying pre-approved with a participating lender is the best way to be ready when the next cycle opens.

John Belt with Keller Williams On The Water works closely with lenders in Manatee and Sarasota counties who participate in the Hometown Heroes program. Reaching out early gives you the best chance of securing this valuable assistance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Program availability, income limits, and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Contact a participating lender or visit the Florida Housing Finance Corporation website for current program details.