The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program has reopened with $50 million in new funding through the Live Local Act, giving thousands of essential workers a renewed opportunity to purchase their first home. Administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), the program provides zero-interest, forgivable loans to cover down payment and closing costs for first-time homebuyers.

Applicants must not have owned a home in the past three years and must work full-time for a Florida-based employer in one of the following categories:

• Health care professionals, including home health aides, nurses, therapists, and other licensed staff employed by Florida home health or health care providers.
• School employees, such as teachers, administrators, and support staff.
• First responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics.
• Public safety and court staff, such as corrections officers and clerks.
• Child care workers.
• Military service members, including active-duty, reserves, Coast Guard, and Florida National Guard.
• Veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer.

Eligible homebuyers can receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (between $10,000 and $35,000) to put toward down payment and closing costs. Assistance is structured as a forgivable second mortgage with no monthly payments. Loans are available statewide, with income and loan limits varying by county.

Since its launch in 2022, the Hometown Heroes program has helped more than 20,000 Floridians and their families achieve homeownership. Its self-sustaining model replenishes funding when homes are sold, ensuring that future buyers can benefit without requiring additional taxpayer dollars.

Funding is limited, and demand is expected to be high. Prospective buyers should:

1. Review eligibility requirements and county-specific limits at FloridaHousing.org.
2. Connect with a participating loan officer through the Homebuyer Loan Programs Wizard.
3. Prepare documentation for employment, income, and first-time buyer status before applying.

There is no fee to apply for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program. Any requests for upfront payment should be reported to the FHFC Inspector General’s Office at (850) 488-4197.