Imagine buying a home in Florida this year — without stressing over a hefty down payment or closing costs. That dream just became more attainable thanks to the newly updated 2025 Florida Hometown Heroes Down Payment Assistance Program from Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC). Here’s everything you need to know to take advantage of this powerful opportunity.
What Is the Hometown Heroes Program?
The Hometown Heroes Program is a state-run down payment assistance initiative that offers 0% interest, deferred, non-amortizing second mortgages to eligible homebuyers. Borrowers can use these funds toward down payment, closing costs, prepaid taxes, insurance, and even mortgage insurance premiums—making homeownership much more affordable
Funds range from 5% of the first mortgage, with a minimum of $10,000, up to a cap of $35,000.
What are the details for 2025?
- Amazing Assistance: Up to $35,000 or 5% of your loan—whichever is less
- Specific Eligibility: First time home buyers, meaning no primary ownership interest in the last three years. You must also be Full-time Florida worker, employed in a specific group of occupations or be a Veteran (no employment restriction for Veterans). You will qualify as long as you meet income, employment, credit and program requirements. Give us a call to find out about your specific eligibility.
- Loan Coverage: Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional mortgages
- Generous Income Limits: Up to 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) (e.g., $143,250 in Tampa Bay counties; $170,250 in Miami-Dade)
- Fund Allocation: The program kicks off with $50 million statewide; funding may run out within 2–3 months, so act fast
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a first-time homebuyer (no primary residence in the past 3 years) — veterans are exempt from the first time buyer requirement.
- Have a minimum credit score of 640 (660 for manufactured homes)
- Earn ≤150% of AMI for your county
- Work full-time, 35+ hours/week, for a Florida-based employer (veterans are exempt) as a Healthcare worker, School staff member, First responder, Public safety employee, Court employee or Childcare worker.
- Complete an approved homebuyer education course (HUD-certified; veterans using VA loans exempt)
- Buy a primary residence—eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, townhomes, modular or manufactured homes on a permanent foundation
How the Funds Work
- The assistance comes as a second mortgage at 0% interest, deferred for 30 years
- No monthly payments—repayment is due only if you sell, refinance, transfer ownership, or stop living in the home
Why It Matters Now
- Huge Savings at Closing: Waiving $10–$35K in upfront costs can be the difference between renting and owning.
- No Lost Time: Even if rates remain high, this immediate assistance makes buying now a prudent choice.
- Limited-Time Offer: With only $50 million available statewide—and high demand projected—funds won’t last long
Step-By-Step: How to Apply
- Get pre-approved with an FHFC-approved lender like us!
- Confirm eligibility: credit score, job, income, and property type.
- Start Shopping for a New Home: with a Realtor who is familiar with the program.
- Go Under Contract & Complete the Underwriting Process: secure your dream home and work with us throughout the underwriting process.
- Close on your home—the Hometown Heroes funds will be applied toward closing—no delay in disbursal.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Florida Hometown Heroes Program is a game-changer for aspiring Florida homeowners. The combination of significant savings, broad eligibility, and a deferred repayment structure makes it one of the most powerful DPA options in the state. But remember—acts fast: this limited funding is expected to be claimed quickly.
Ready to unlock homeownership in Florida?
📞 Contact Us today at 727-473-7734 to apply for this program.
📅 Work to take advantage of our Up Front Loan Approval so you can act quickly when funds become available.
✅ Be first in line to claim your share of this extraordinary $50M opportunity.
