Hometown Heroes Program

The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is a program that makes homeownership affordable for eligible community workforce. This program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time, income-qualified homebuyers so they can purchase a primary residence in the community in which they work and serve. The program offers a lower first mortgage interest rate and additional special benefits to those who have served and continue to serve their country. Eligible full-time workforce, employed by a Florida-based employer can receive lower than market interest rates on an FHA, VA, RD, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac first mortgage, reduced upfront fees, no origination points or discount points and down payment and closing cost assistance. Borrowers can receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $35,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance. Down payment and closing cost assistance is available in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. This second mortgage becomes due and payable, in full, upon sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of deed or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as their primary residence. The program provides funding to help with a down payment and closing costs for first-time buyers. Recipients can get up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount for their down payment and closing costs. Down payment and closing cost assistance is available in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage.