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What Is This Program?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program was created by the Florida Legislature and is administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC). It provides eligible first-time homebuyers who work in essential occupations with down payment and closing cost assistance, so that the people who serve Florida's communities can afford to live in them.
The program has expanded significantly since its launch and now covers more than 50 qualifying occupations across healthcare, education, law enforcement, fire services, military, childcare, and other essential community roles. In 2026, income limits were updated to allow even more Florida workers to qualify.
How Much Can You Receive?
Eligible buyers can receive up to 5% of their first mortgage loan amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, as a zero-interest deferred second mortgage to cover down payment and closing costs.
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This assistance requires no monthly payments. Repayment is only triggered when you sell the property, refinance, transfer the deed, or no longer use the home as your primary residence.
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Important: this is not a forgivable loan. The balance must be repaid when one of the above conditions is met.
Who Qualifies?
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To be eligible for the Florida Hometown Heroes program in 2026, you must meet all of the following:
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First-time homebuyer, defined as not having owned a primary residence in the past three years. Veterans are exempt from this requirement.
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Full-time employment, you must work at least 35 hours per week for a Florida-based employer in an eligible occupation at the time of closing.Only one borrower on the application needs to qualify.
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Household income, must not exceed 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county. In Miami-Dade County, the 2026 income limit is approximately $170,250–$185,850, depending on household size.
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Minimum credit score of 640 (660 for manufactured homes).
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Must complete an 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Approved online options include eHome America and Framework.
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Property must be used as your primary residence, not an investment property or second home.
Eligible Occupations (2026)
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The program covers more than 50 professions, including:
Healthcare: Nurses, physicians, therapists, paramedics, medical technicians, and healthcare aides.
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Education: Teachers, school counselors, principals, cafeteria staff, and school administrators.
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Law enforcement: Police officers, sheriffs, correctional officers, and court employees.
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Fire services: Firefighters and fire protection workers.
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Military: Active-duty service members, reservists, and honorably discharged veterans.
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Childcare & social services: Licensed childcare workers and juvenile justice employees.
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Other public servants: Government employees and additional essential community roles.
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For the complete and updated list of eligible occupations, visit the Florida Housing Finance Corporation website at floridahousing.org.
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