Scroll down to see some of the lending options for buyers.

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This program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time, income-qualified (see below) homebuyers so they can purchase a primary residence in the community in which they work and serve.  See eligible occupations here: https://www.floridahousing.org/docs/default-source/programs/homebuyers/hometown-heroes/hth-eligible-occupations-list-8-01-25.pdf?sfvrsn=3c979008_1

Eligible full-time workforce, employed by a Florida-based employer can receive lower than market interest rates on an FHA, VA, RD, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac first mortgage, reduced upfront fees, no origination points or discount points and down payment and closing cost assistance.  Borrowers can receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $35,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance.

Down payment and closing cost assistance is available in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. This second mortgage becomes due and payable, in full, upon sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of deed or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as his/her primary residence. The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.

PLEASE NOTE: Florida Hometown Heroes Housing program, the state’s workforce homebuyer initiative, has exhausted its 2025-2026 funding in just six months, helping more than 3,000 families become homeowners, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation announced Friday.  The next round of funding will be available later in 2026 once approved by the current Legislative Session.