Who it’s for
For the 2026 program, Florida Housing limits Hometown Heroes to:
- People employed full time by a Florida-based employer as a health care worker, school staff member, first responder, public safety or court employee, or child care worker;
- Servicemembers of the U.S. military or reserves, the U.S. Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard; or
- Veterans employed full time by a Florida-based employer.
The program is for first-time, income-qualified buyers purchasing a primary residence.
Sources: Florida Housing: Hometown Heroes Program.
How much help, and how it’s repaid
- Amount: up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, with a $10,000 minimum and $35,000 maximum, toward down payment and closing costs.
- Form: a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. No monthly payment.
- Repayment: due in full when you sell, refinance the first mortgage, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home as your primary residence. It is not forgivable.
- First mortgage: FHA, VA, RD (USDA) or conventional, with reduced upfront fees and no origination or discount points.
Sources: Florida Housing: Hometown Heroes Program.
Program terms are summarized from Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s published 2026 guidelines and can change. This is general information, not an advertisement or offer of credit. Isaiah James is a real estate licensee, not a mortgage lender or loan originator. Confirm the annual percentage rate (APR), payments, fees and eligibility with a participating lender.
The usual Florida Housing requirements
Florida Housing’s homebuyer loan programs require a minimum 640 credit score, an approved participating lender, approved homebuyer education, and a purchase price and household income below the limits for the county where you buy. A “first-time homebuyer” generally means you haven’t owned and occupied a primary residence in the past three years. Confirm the current Hometown Heroes limits for St. Lucie County with a participating lender.
Sources: Florida Housing: Homebuyer Overview.
Watch out for fees to apply
Florida Housing says there is no cost to apply for Hometown Heroes assistance and warns about scammers who charge upfront fees. Start with the participating lender locator on Florida Housing’s site.
How it compares
Florida Housing also offers other assistance, such as FL Assist (up to $10,000). See first-time homebuyer programs in Florida.
More questions people ask
Is Hometown Heroes money forgiven?
No. Florida Housing says the Hometown Heroes second mortgage is not forgivable. It’s a 0% deferred loan due when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home.
How much can I get from Hometown Heroes?
Up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, according to Florida Housing’s 2026 program details.
Talk to Isaiah
If you work in health care, a school, public safety, child care or the military and you’re buying your first home, ask me and I’ll help you get connected with a participating lender and plan your search around the program’s limits.
Answered by Isaiah James, a licensed Florida real estate agent. A real person, not a chatbot.
Isaiah James · Coldwell Banker Realty