Eligible first-time buyers can receive up to $35K for down payments and closing costs through the Hometown Heroes Housing program, a Florida Realtors' priority.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A new application period for Florida’s Hometown Heroes Housing program is underway, offering eligible first-time buyers much-needed funds toward a down payment and closing costs on a new home. During the most recent legislative session, Florida Realtors® successfully advocated for an additional $50 million in funding for the program.

Applications for the popular program opened Monday for up to 5% of the total first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $35,000/minimum of $10,000) towards down payment and closing costs for frontline and essential workers. The Florida Legislature included the new “first-responder” occupation restrictions this year to ensure those employed in critical service roles have a chance at obtaining the homebuying assistance before the money runs out.

Click here to see the approved occupations.

Program applicants must be:

• A person employed full-time by a Florida-based employer as a health care worker, school staff member, first responder, public safety or court employee, or childcare worker;
• A service member of the United States military or military reserves, the United States Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard; or
• A veteran employed full-time by a Florida-based employer.

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