Buying your first home in Florida may be closer than you think. The Florida Hometown Heroes Program helps eligible first-time homebuyers overcome one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership: the upfront cost of buying a home.

Qualified buyers may receive 5% of their first mortgage loan amount toward down payment and closing costs, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000 in assistance, subject to program funding and availability.

And here's something many Florida homebuyers don't realize: Hometown Heroes isn't just for firefighters or police officers. The program includes eligible Floridians working in healthcare, schools, first response, public safety, courts, childcare and other qualifying employment, along with eligible military members and veterans.

What Is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and is designed to help eligible, income-qualified first-time homebuyers purchase a primary residence in Florida.

For borrowers who meet the program requirements, Hometown Heroes can provide valuable assistance toward the down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home.

How Much Assistance Can You Receive?

Qualified Hometown Heroes borrowers may receive 5% of the total first mortgage loan amount, subject to:

• A $10,000 minimum
• A $35,000 maximum

For example, a qualifying borrower with a $300,000 first mortgage could potentially receive $15,000 in assistance.

The assistance is provided as a 0% interest, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. It is not a forgivable grant. The second mortgage generally becomes due when the home is sold, the first mortgage is refinanced, the deed is transferred, or the property is no longer the borrower's primary residence.

Who May Qualify for Hometown Heroes in 2026?

The program includes eligible full-time workers employed by a Florida-based employer in qualifying categories.

Eligible borrowers may include people working in areas such as:

• Healthcare
• K–12 schools
• Fire and emergency medical services
• Law enforcement and public safety
• Courts and the judicial system
• Childcare
• Eligible members of the U.S. military, military reserves, Coast Guard and Florida National Guard
• Eligible veterans who meet program requirements
• Other qualifying occupations

One of the most important things to understand is that eligibility isn't necessarily determined by your job title alone. Your employer, employment status and other program requirements can also matter.

So don't assume you don't qualify simply because you haven't seen your exact occupation mentioned.

Do You Have to Be a First-Time Homebuyer?

Generally, Hometown Heroes borrowers must meet Florida Housing's first-time homebuyer requirements.

But “first-time homebuyer” doesn't necessarily mean you've never owned a home.

Generally, you may be considered a first-time homebuyer if you haven't had an ownership interest in a principal residence during the previous three years. Certain exceptions may apply under program guidelines.

If you owned a home several years ago and are thinking about buying again, it's worth checking your eligibility.

Are There Income and Loan Limits?

Yes. Hometown Heroes borrowers must meet applicable income and maximum loan limits, which can vary based on the Florida county where the home is being purchased.

Other borrower, property and program requirements also apply.

That's why it's a good idea to have your eligibility reviewed before you begin seriously shopping for a home.

What Types of Mortgages Can Be Used?

Depending on eligibility and current program guidelines, Hometown Heroes may be paired with qualifying first mortgage programs, including:

• Conventional loans
• FHA loans
• VA loans
• USDA-RD loans

The right financing option depends on your qualifications, the property you're purchasing and your individual homeownership goals.

Why Hometown Heroes Can Make a Difference

For many first-time homebuyers, being able to afford the monthly mortgage payment isn't necessarily the biggest obstacle.

It's coming up with the down payment and closing costs at the same time.

For an eligible Florida homebuyer, Hometown Heroes assistance could help bridge that gap and make purchasing a home more attainable.

Buying Your First Home in Tampa Bay?

If you're considering buying your first home in Tampa, Hillsborough County or elsewhere in Florida, don't rule yourself out of Hometown Heroes without checking your eligibility first.

You may qualify even if you've never thought of yourself as a “Hometown Hero.”

The Storch Mortgage Team | MortgageOne, Inc. can review your employment, income and homebuying goals, explain the current program guidelines and help determine whether Florida Hometown Heroes or another first-time homebuyer program may be a good fit for you.

Program availability and funding are subject to change. Eligibility requirements, income limits, loan limits, terms and additional restrictions apply. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. Contact the Storch Mortgage Team for current program guidelines and individual eligibility.