Florida Hometown Heroes Program
Get Up to $35,000 Toward Your Home Purchase
Helping Florida's Everyday Heroes Become Homeowners
If you dedicate your career to serving Florida communities, you may qualify for one of the state's best homebuyer assistance programs.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program helps eligible full-time workers purchase a primary residence by providing up to 5% of the first mortgage amount (maximum $35,000) for your down payment and closing costs. The assistance is provided as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage with no monthly payment.
Whether you're a nurse, firefighter, teacher, police officer, veteran, healthcare worker, or another eligible professional, this program could significantly reduce the amount of money you need at closing.
What Is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program was created by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to help eligible workers become homeowners.
Instead of coming up with tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment and closing costs, qualified buyers may receive assistance that can be used toward:
- Down Payment
- Closing Costs
- Prepaid Taxes
- Homeowners Insurance
- Other eligible closing expenses
The assistance comes in the form of a 0% interest second mortgage that requires no monthly payment. Repayment is generally deferred until you sell the home, refinance the first mortgage, transfer ownership, or the home is no longer your primary residence.
How Much Money Can You Receive?
The program provides:
Up to 5% of Your First Mortgage
Maximum Assistance:
$35,000
Example
Purchase Price: $400,000
Potential Assistance:
✔ Down Payment
✔ Closing Costs
Up to $35,000
The exact amount depends on your loan amount and program guidelines.
Who Can Qualify?
To qualify, borrowers generally must:
- Be purchasing a primary residence in Florida
- Be a first-time homebuyer (unless exempt under current Florida Housing guidelines)
- Meet county income limits
- Meet lender credit and mortgage qualification requirements
- Be employed full-time in an eligible profession (or qualify under military/veteran provisions)
Eligible Occupations
Only one borrower on the loan must meet the eligible employment requirement. Eligible borrowers must be currently employed full-time by a Florida-based employer that meets program guidelines.
Examples include:
Healthcare Professionals
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- CNAs
- Medical Assistants
- Physicians
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Laboratory Technicians
- X-Ray Technicians
- Sonographers
- Mental Health Professionals
- Social Workers
- Many additional healthcare positions
First Responders
- Firefighters
- EMTs
- Paramedics
Must work for a Florida-based fire department, ambulance service, or hospital.
Public Safety
- Police Officers
- Sheriff's Deputies
- Correctional Officers
- Juvenile Detention Officers
- 911 Dispatchers
- Probation Officers
Must work for a qualifying Florida public safety agency.
Teachers & School Staff
Eligible employees include those working full-time at a Florida:
- Public School
- Private School
- Charter School
- Magnet School
Examples include:
- Teachers
- Principals
- Guidance Counselors
- Librarians
- Teacher Aides
- Cafeteria Staff
- Maintenance Staff
College and university employees are not eligible under these employment guidelines.
Court Employees
Including:
- Court Clerks
- Assistant State Attorneys
- Assistant Public Defenders
- Court Reporters
- Attorneys employed directly by eligible Florida courts
Childcare Workers
Employees working full-time at qualifying licensed Florida childcare facilities, including eligible home day care providers.
Military & Veterans
Eligible applicants include:
- Active Duty Military
- Reserve Members
- Florida National Guard
- Veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer and discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
Important Employment Rules
Many borrowers are surprised to learn that your employer matters just as much as your job title.
For example:
✅ A nurse working at a Florida hospital may qualify.
❌ A nurse working for a healthcare billing company may not qualify.
Similarly:
✅ A teacher working at a Florida K–12 public, private, charter, or magnet school may qualify.
❌ A professor employed by a college or university generally does not qualify under the occupation requirement.
Borrowers must generally work full-time at the employer's physical Florida location. Hybrid employees may qualify, but fully remote workers do not.
What Types of Loans Can Be Used?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program can often be combined with:
- Conventional Loans
- FHA Loans
- VA Loans
- USDA Loans (where eligible)
The mortgage must also meet Florida Housing program requirements.
How the Process Works
Step 1
Complete a mortgage consultation.
Step 2
We'll review your:
- Employment
- Income
- Credit
- Assets
Step 3
We'll verify your Hometown Heroes eligibility.
Step 4
Receive a mortgage pre-approval.
Step 5
Find your Florida home.
Step 6
Apply your Hometown Heroes assistance toward your purchase.
Step 7
Close on your new home.
Why Work With Coast Capital Mortgage Company?
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming—but you don't have to navigate it alone.
When you work with Coast Capital Mortgage Company, you'll receive:
- Personalized mortgage guidance
- Access to multiple wholesale lenders
- Competitive mortgage options
- Local Florida expertise
- Clear communication throughout the process
- Assistance from application through closing
Whether you're buying your first home or simply want to see if you qualify, I'm here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
Many borrowers do, although Florida Housing provides certain exceptions. I'll review your situation to determine your eligibility.
Can I use the money for closing costs?
Yes. The assistance may be used for down payment and eligible closing costs.
Is there a monthly payment?
No. The second mortgage carries 0% interest with no monthly payment while the assistance remains deferred under program terms.
How much assistance can I receive?
Up to 5% of the first mortgage amount, with a maximum of $35,000.
How do I know if my employer qualifies?
I'll review your employer, job title, and employment documentation to determine eligibility before you begin shopping for a home.
Ready to See if You Qualify?
Don't miss out on one of Florida's most valuable homebuyer assistance programs.
Whether you're a healthcare worker, teacher, first responder, military member, veteran, or another eligible professional, I'll help you determine whether you qualify and explain all of your financing options.
Contact Edwin Baptista today for a free Hometown Heroes consultation.
Begin Your Home Loan Process Today!
