You show up for Florida. This program helps you buy your first home.
Hometown Heroes gives Florida's full-time frontline workers up to $35,000 toward down payment and closing costs. If you are a teacher, nurse, first responder, or one of many other eligible workers, this could be your way in.
Questions before you start? Call (448) 202-7711.
5 stars across 53 Google reviews
A Florida lender who knows this program
I am Rich Preston, and I help Florida's frontline workers use Hometown Heroes without the confusion. The program has its own occupation rules, income limits, and funding windows, and I handle all of it. I confirm your eligibility, pair the assistance with the right first mortgage, and keep the money on the table through to closing.
Why Hometown Heroes is worth a look
Real down payment help built specifically for the people who keep Florida running.
Up to $35,000 in assistance
Get 5% of your first mortgage amount, from a $10,000 minimum up to a $35,000 maximum, to put toward your down payment and closing costs. On smaller loans that $10,000 floor can be more than 5%.
$0 monthly payment on the help
The assistance comes as a 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage. There is nothing to pay month to month. It simply sits quietly behind your first mortgage.
Nothing owed until you sell or move
The assistance is deferred, not forgiven. You repay it only when you sell the home, refinance your first mortgage, transfer the deed, or stop using the home as your primary residence.
Pairs with a great first mortgage
Hometown Heroes layers on top of a standard FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loan. You still get a competitive first mortgage, plus the assistance on top.
Built for first-time buyers
The program is designed for buyers who have not owned a primary home in the last three years. Active-duty military and veterans may be exempt from that rule, which I will confirm for you.
Keep more of your savings
Because the program covers down payment and closing costs, you walk into homeownership without draining your emergency fund. That cushion matters after you move in.
Who qualifies as a Hometown Hero?
If you work full-time for a Florida employer in one of these roles, there is a good chance you qualify.
- ★ Health care workers (nurses, CNAs, EMTs, paramedics, and more)
- ★ K-12 teachers and school staff
- ★ Law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders
- ★ Public safety and court employees
- ★ Child care workers
- ★ Active-duty military, reservists, and the Florida National Guard
- ★ Veterans employed full-time in Florida
Not sure if your job is on the list? That is the easiest thing for me to check. Reach me at (448) 202-7711.
How it works
Three simple steps from eligibility to closing.
Confirm your job and income
I check that your occupation is on Florida's eligible list and that your household income fits the limit for the county you are buying in. Only one borrower needs an eligible job.
Get pre-qualified
We pick the first mortgage that fits you (FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional) and lock in your Hometown Heroes assistance so you know exactly what you can spend.
Find your home and close
Make offers with a strong pre-approval in hand. Up to $35,000 goes toward your down payment and closing costs right at the closing table.
Common questions
How much money can I actually get? +
You can receive 5% of your first mortgage amount toward down payment and closing costs, with a $10,000 minimum and a $35,000 maximum. I will show you the exact dollar figure for your loan before you commit to anything.
Do I have to pay the assistance back? +
Yes. This is not a grant. The assistance is a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payment, and it is not forgivable. It becomes due when you sell the home, refinance your first mortgage, transfer the deed, or no longer live in the home as your primary residence.
What jobs qualify? +
The program covers a wide range of Florida frontline roles: health care, K-12 education, first responders, public safety and court staff, child care workers, active military, and veterans. You must be employed full-time by a Florida-based employer. Only one borrower on the loan needs an eligible occupation, so a co-borrower does not have to match. Send me your job title and I will confirm whether it is on the list.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer? +
In most cases, yes. The program is for buyers who have not owned a primary residence in the previous three years. Active-duty military members and veterans may be exempt from that rule. I will check your situation directly.
Is the funding limited? +
Yes. Hometown Heroes is funded by the state and the money is available on a first-come, first-served basis until it runs out. That is the main reason to get pre-qualified early rather than waiting.
Who do I call if I have questions? +
Me. Reach Rich Preston directly at (448) 202-7711 or rich@prestonlending.com. I am happy to review your job, income, and goals before you apply.
Ready to put up to $35,000 to work?
Funding is limited and goes fast. Check your eligibility now, or reach out and I will walk you through it.
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Down payment and closing cost assistance is provided as a 0% interest, non-amortizing, deferred second mortgage and is not forgivable. Assistance amounts, eligible occupations, income limits, and program funding are set by Florida Housing and are subject to availability and change. Eligibility depends on occupation, income, purchase location, and credit approval. This page is for informational purposes, is not an offer or commitment to lend, and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation or any government agency. All loans are subject to credit approval, income verification, and property appraisal. Rich Preston, Branch Manager, NMLS 1735238. NEXA Lending, AZ Broker License 0944059, NMLS 1660690. Equal Housing Lender.