Hometown Heroes 2025: What’s New and Why It Matters for Florida Homebuyers

The Hometown Heroes Program is a Florida state initiative that helps eligible workers become homeowners. Here’s what you could get:

• Up to 5% of your loan amount, maxing out at $35,000, to cover your down payment and closing costs 0% interest loan with no monthly payments
• You only repay the assistance when you sell, refinance, or move out of the home
• This program works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans, and it’s available statewide

What Is the Hometown Heroes Program?

Hometown Heroes is a state-run initiative designed to help first-time homebuyers in community-serving professions purchase a primary residence in Florida. It provides:

• Up to 5% of the first mortgage amount, capped at $35,000, for down payment and closing costs
• A 0% interest, non-amortizing, deferred second mortgage
• No monthly payments—the loan is repaid only if the home is sold, refinanced, or no longer used as a primary residence

The program supports FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans, and buyers must work with a Florida Housing-approved lender and complete a homebuyer education course.

Major Changes for 2025

Florida Housing has implemented changes to the program for 2025. These adjustments affect who qualifies, when funds are available, and how much is in the funding pool.

1. Occupational Eligibility Is Narrower. In 2024, nearly all full-time Florida employees qualified. That’s no longer the case, though. Only Florida residents in select roles are eligible this year! 

2. Later Launch, Shorter Window. Although state funding typically begins July 1, the 2025 program officially opens August 18, pending the Governor’s approval and lender training completion.

   Pro tip: Borrowers should prepare now so that they can act fast on the 18th. With limited funds, speed is key.

3. Smaller Funding Pool. Last year’s program had nearly $100 million available. In 2025, the budget is cut in half to $50 million. Once it’s gone—it’s gone. This makes early application essential. Most of the funds may be claimed within just a few months.
4. Updated Income Limits. Each Florida county has its own income cap.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, don’t wait. Here’s how to get started:

1. Reach out to a TMF loan officer to check if your job qualifies
2. Get pre-approved with a lender who offers Hometown Heroes loans
3. Complete a homebuyer education course (required)
4. Gather your documents and budget
5. Be ready to act on August 18 when the program goes live

Benefits of the Program

Home prices and interest rates have made it harder for many hardworking Floridians to buy a home. The Hometown Heroes Program helps close that affordability gap—giving you thousands of dollars in help when you need it most. Whether you're a nurse in Naples, a school counselor in Sanford, or a deputy in Daytona Beach, this could be the boost that finally gets you into your own home.

 Ready to Find Out If You Qualify?

Let’s make 2025 the year you stop renting and start building equity. Reach out to a participating lender who understands the program and can walk you through the steps. You’ve earned this. Now let’s make home happen.