FLORIDA HOMETOWN HEROES
Up to $35,000 in Down Payment Assistance
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program, administered by Florida Housing Finance Corporation, helps eligible first-time, income-qualified homebuyers purchase a primary residence in Florida. Eligible borrowers may receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000) toward down payment and closing costs. The assistance is a 0% interest (0% APR), non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments. It is not forgivable and is due in full at the end of the 30-year term, or earlier upon sale, refinance of the first mortgage, transfer of deed, or if the home is no longer the borrower’s primary residence.
Who may qualify: the 2026 program is limited to full-time employees of Florida-based employers working as health care workers, school staff, first responders, public safety or court employees, or child care workers, per Florida Housing’s eligible occupations list; servicemembers of the U.S. military, reserves, Coast Guard or Florida National Guard; and veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer. Borrowers must be first-time homebuyers, meet the income and purchase price limits for their county, and qualify for an eligible FHA, VA, USDA or conventional first mortgage. Lenders may require a minimum credit score (generally 640) and completion of a homebuyer education course. Funding is limited and available first come, first served; program terms may change. Not all applicants will qualify. Baeza Premier Financial Corp is not affiliated with Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Call us to review your eligibility and current fund availability.