Buying a home in Florida just got more attainable for thousands of working residents. The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program provides eligible full-time employees with up to 5% of the purchase price — capped at $35,000 — in down payment and closing cost assistance. That's real money that can make the difference between renting and owning.
Originally designed for frontline workers like teachers, nurses, and law enforcement officers, the program has since expanded to include all full-time employees of Florida-based employers who meet the income and purchase price requirements. If you work at least 35 hours per week for a Florida employer, you may qualify.
What the Program Offers
Down Payment Assistance
Up to $35,000 (up to 5% of purchase price)
Down Payment Required
0% — no down payment required from you
Closing Timeline
21 days or less
Property Use
Must be your primary residence in Florida
Employment Requirement
Full-time (35+ hrs/week) for a Florida-based employer
First-Time Buyer Requirement
Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years (veterans and active duty police officers exempt)
Who Qualifies?
The program is open to a wide range of Florida workers. You may be eligible if you:
- Work full-time (35+ hours per week) for a Florida-based employer
- Have not owned a home in the past 3 years (veterans and active duty police officers are exempt from this requirement)
- Plan to use the home as your primary residence
- Meet the program's income and purchase price limits for your county
- Qualify for a first mortgage through an approved lender
Veterans and active duty police officers do not need to be first-time homebuyers to qualify.
How the Assistance Works
The Hometown Heroes assistance comes in the form of a second mortgage at 0% interest with no monthly payments. The loan is deferred, meaning you don't pay it back until you sell the home, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage. It's structured to help you get into a home now without adding to your monthly payment burden.
The assistance can be used toward your down payment, closing costs, or both — giving you maximum flexibility to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses at closing.
Why Work With Scott Kepler for Hometown Heroes?
Scott Kepler and the Mortgage Approval Group team are based right here in Tampa and have been helping Florida families navigate down payment assistance programs for over 25 years. We know the Hometown Heroes program inside and out — from income limits by county to the fastest path to closing in 21 days or less.
We'll walk you through every step: checking your eligibility, pairing the Hometown Heroes assistance with the right first mortgage product, and getting you to the closing table as quickly as possible.