Each day we receive many questions from homebuyers about the Hometown Heroes Program, please find the most common list of FAQs below. Please connect with us 7 days a week with any questions, or to start your application today. Buyers can also read the complete Hometown Heroes Program Guide here.
Question: Who is eligible for the Hometown Heroes Program?
✅ As of last summer, any income-eligible, first-time home buyer in Florida who meets the occupation requirements listed here is welcome to apply. This includes Healthcare workers, Public safety, Teachers, School staff workers, Fire/Rescue, EMT, Police, Court workers, etc.
Military/Veterans: All active duty or reserve service members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Florida
National Guard. Or Veterans employed FULL TIME with a Florida based employer who have been discharged under other than
dishonorable conditions from one of the eligible military or reserve branches.
Please note, only (1) borrower must qualify with eligible occupation. Buyers must also meet all the program guidelines for their selected primary mortgage type whether it’s a Conventional, FHA, USDA or VA loan. Not working in an eligible occupation? Connect with us below to learn about other 100% DPA programs available nationwide.
Question: What is the maximum amount of Hometown Heroes assistance I can expect to receive?
✅ Buyers can receive down payment assistance equal to 5% of the new mortgage loan amount ($35,000 cap) The maximum assistance you can receive ranges from $10,000 – $35,000 depending on your qualified loan amount. For example, borrowers with a loan amount of $200,000 or less would receive an automatic $10,000.
Question: What is the interest rate for the Hometown Heroes? Also, does the grant need to be repaid? If so, when?
✅Yes. Although there is no monthly payment and 0% interest (non-amortizing, 30-year term) the second mortgage must be paid in full when the home is sold, transferred or refinanced. The loan is not forgiven.
Question: Is the Hometown Heroes Program out of money right now? When will the program funding resume again?
✅ The available funds for the Hometown Heroes program can come and go throughout the year. Sometimes the the program funding may be delayed or run out, until reappropriate by the state. Funds are still available as of January 2026, please be sure to contact us anytime for the latest funding status as this can change weekly. Buyers can also learn about other alternative 100% down payment options available to eligible homebuyers nationwide.
Question: Will there still be Hometown Heroes funding in 2026? I plan to purchase my first home soon and would like to use this program.
✅ Part of the funding from last August will carry into 2026. It’s still unknown what will happen once these funds are used, please connect with us below for up to date status.
Question: Is the Hometown Heroes Program only available in Florida?
✅ Yes, only for Fla residents. Although there are other state and private down payment assistance programs available to eligible buyers in other states. Please contact us today to learn about DPA programs available in your state.
Question: Do I need to take a class for Hometown Heroes?
✅ Yes, At least one applicant must take an approved in person or online HUD homebuyer education course. The short class is often completed online and valid for (2) years from the date of completion. *Active military /veterans are exempt from this when using a VA mortgage. In addition, non-occupying co-borrowers are also exempt
Question: So it’s possible to get 100% financing on a Conventional or FHA loan with this program?
✅Yes. FHA and Conventional loans typically require a minimum of 3.5%-5% down payment. With HTH assistance, buyers can often have all their down payment and closing costs covered. So together with the HTH funds, eligible buyers can obtain 100% financing even for FHA and Conforming loans.
Question: Can I use this Hometown Heroes grant to purchase an investment property?
✅ No. The Hometown Heroes program is only to be used by eligible first-time buyers for the purchase of a primary residence only. No investment property or second home transactions are permitted. Refinance transactions are also not permitted.
Question: Would a new construction home be eligible for Hometown Heroes?
✅ Yes, as long as the property is eligible for your selected mortgage type (FHA, VA, USDA, etc) and a primary residence. Acreage and/or vacant land is NOT eligible.
Question: Is there a minimum credit score to apply for Hometown Heroes?
✅ Yes. All applicants listed on the loan application should have a minimum 640 credit score.
Question: Is the Hometown Heroes funding limited each year by the state?
✅ Yes. The state appropriates only so much funding each year, and funds can temporarily run out throughout the year until replenished. There are Hometown Heroes funds still available as of January 2026. Applicants can contact us anytime to check the current funding status, or to learn about other 100% financing down payment assistance options.
Question: How do I apply for the Hometown Heroes Program, and is there any up-front cost to do the application?
✅ NO. There is never any up front cost to apply for this or any other down payment assistance program. The DPA funds are provided through the state-run Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
To access the funds, applicants must apply with an authorized participating mortgage lender or bank. Note, that the mortgage lender could require an up-front credit report charge when you apply in order to qualify you for the primary first mortgage (Conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA) Please contact us 7 days a week to get started.
Question: Does my employer have to be based in Florida?
✅ Yes. The business must be a Florida corporation or have a brick & mortar location in the state. The program is available to any income-approved first-time homebuyer working full-time in an eligible field (35 hours a week or more) for a Florida business. * Only one of the occupying borrowers must work full time for a FL based employer. Military veterans of the US Armed Services are exempt from the first-time homebuyer and employment requirements.
Question: Where can I find the income limits for the Florida Hometown Heroes program?
✅ Please see this link for all the 2026 Hometown Heroes income limits. The limits differ based on location/county. Please note, this applies to the gross yearly income of all applicants listed on the loan application. Over the income limits? Be sure to inquire to learn more about other 100% down payment help options available today.
Question: Can I apply for the Hometown Heroes grant after the fact for a property I already purchased six months ago?
✅ No, the program is only for a purchase of a primary residence, funds cannot be granted after the fact.
Question: The sellers just accepted our offer this weekend on a house and we are now under contract. Is it too late to apply for Hometown Heroes?
✅ Not at all, connect with us ASAP to get your application processed.
Question: Do all mortgage companies offer this program?
✅ The Hometown Heroes program is offered only by approved & participating lenders and banks. Contact us below to get started.
Question: I would like to start my loan application, how do I apply for the Hometown Heroes program?
✅ Just contact us 7 days a week to speak to a specialist. The entire process is often completed in minutes. Buyers can call the number above, or submit the Info Request below ↓
