Florida’s popular Hometown Heroes Housing Program is back for 2025 with $50 million in funding — and if it’s anything like last year, those funds will be reserved quickly.
Designed to help frontline workers and first responders become homeowners in the communities they serve, this program provides up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. The program officially reopens August 18, 2025, and now features a refined list of 56 approved occupations.
Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, firefighter, law enforcement officer, or one of many other eligible professionals, this is an opportunity worth acting on fast. If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, now is the time to get prepared — because when the doors open, funding may not last long.
🏡 Key Highlights of the 2025 Hometown Heroes Program:
- Program opens August 18, 2025
- $50 million available statewide — first-come, first-served
- Up to $35,000 in assistance (5% of the first mortgage, with a $10,000 minimum)
- Structured as a 0% interest loan with no payments unless you sell, rent, or refinance
- Must be a first-time homebuyer (or not have owned in 3 years); exception for veterans
- Must work full-time (35+ hrs/week) for a Florida-based employer
- Income limit: up to 150% of area median income (AMI)
- Only one borrower needs to work in an eligible occupation
- Over 50 frontline and essential careers qualify, including:
- Law enforcement officers
- Firefighters and paramedics
- Nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers
- Teachers and school staff
- Social workers, public defenders, and court employees
- Military service members and veterans