JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing (HTH) Program reopened Monday, giving first-time homebuyers who serve their communities a chance to receive down payment and closing cost assistance.
The program’s funding has been reduced this year, with $50 million available in 2025 compared to nearly $100 million last year. Officials stress that once the money runs out, no additional funds will be added, making it important for eligible homebuyers to apply as early as possible.
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Here’s what’s available:
- Up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, capped between $10,000 minimum and $35,000 maximum, for down payment and closing cost assistance.
- Delivered as a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage (non-amortizing). Repayment is triggered upon sale, refinancing, deed transfer, or loss of primary residence status.
- Borrowers also benefit from competitive first-mortgage interest rates, reduced upfront fees, and no origination or discount points, on FHA, VA, USDA-RD, and Conventional loans. Additional perks for veterans and active service members also apply.
The program helps income-qualified workers including health care staff, teachers, first responders, child care employees, court workers, and public safety professionals, purchase a primary residence in the community where they work.
Members of the U.S. military, veterans, and members of the Florida National Guard are also eligible.
Qualified borrowers can receive up to 5% of their first mortgage loan amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, to help with upfront housing costs.
2025 Income Limits by County (Must Be Under 150% AMI)
To qualify, your household income must not exceed the 2025 income limit for your county—based on 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Here are the limits for your area:
| County | 2025 Income Limit (≤150% AMI) |
|---|---|
| Duval | $153,750 |
| St. Johns | $153,750 |
| Clay | $153,750 |
| Nassau | $153,750 |
| Baker | $137,250 |
| Putnam | $109,500 |
The aid comes in the form of a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage, which must be repaid when the home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or no longer occupied as a primary residence. Unlike some housing assistance programs, the Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.
Participants can also benefit from reduced fees, no origination or discount points, and competitive interest rates on FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.
The program is designed to make homeownership more affordable for the state’s workforce while also offering additional benefits to service members and veterans.
“The Hometown Heroes Housing Program is helping more Floridians turn the American dream of homeownership into reality, right in the communities they serve. Since 2022, this initiative has opened the door for more than 20,000 hardworking individuals and families by providing zero-interest loans for down payment and closing costs,” Tim Weisheyer said, the 2025 Florida Realtors® President. “The typical homeowner has a net worth nearly 40 times that of someone who rents. That’s the opportunity this program helps Floridians unlock. Homeownership builds wealth, creates stability, and gives families the foundations they need to grow their lives.”
Interested homebuyers can connect with a local loan officer through the Homebuyer Loan Programs Wizard and review income and loan limits on the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s website.
Florida Housing officials are urging applicants to be on the lookout for scammers. The agency warns that it never charges an upfront fee to apply for Hometown Heroes assistance. Any company or individual asking for money in exchange for access to the program should be reported to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s Inspector General at 850-488-4197.