Hometown Heroes Program Returns August 18, 2025

by Gemma Peterson

We're thrilled to announce that Florida’s Hometown Heroes Housing Program will officially reopen for reservation requests on August 18, 2025, with $50 million in new funding to support qualified frontline workers in their homebuying journeys

What Is the Hometown Heroes Program?

Created to help hardworking Floridians — including healthcare professionals, teachers, first responders, and veterans — this initiative provides significant assistance with down payment and closing costs when purchasing a primary residence in Florida. Eligible participants may receive up to 5% of their mortgage amount, capped at $35,000, through a 0% interest, second‑mortgage payable only upon sale, refinance, or transfer.

Who Qualifies?

Eligible professions include, but aren't limited to:

Healthcare workers
School staff and teachers
First responders and public safety personnel
Court and social services employees
Active-duty and reserve service members, veterans employed by Florida-based employers

Applicants must also meet standard requirements for mortgages—FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional—including a minimum credit score of 640, income limits based on county, and completion of a homebuyer education course (with some exemptions for military borrowers)

Key Dates & Application Process

August 18, 2025: Application window opens for reservations.
Early August: Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) conducts training sessions for lenders and real‑estate partners to prepare for the launch

The program is first‑come, first‑served, and many expect it to exhaust funding quickly given its popularity

Why the Relaunch Matters

Florida Realtors successfully advanced this funding through the 2025 legislative session. The new round of funding ensures that essential community-focused workers can get a leg up on homeownership—addressing affordability for those who serve the public every day

📝 Ready to Apply?

Confirm eligibility in your occupation and income range (limits vary by county).
Contact a participating lender and begin the process, including necessary homebuyer education.
Submit your reservation request on or after August 18, 2025.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t owned a home in the last three years (with some military exemptions) and live and work in Florida in an approved occupation, the August 2025 relaunch of the Hometown Heroes Program could be the boost you’ve been waiting for. The funding goes online August 18, so planning ahead and contacting a lender early is key.

Stay informed, as funds may run out if not renewed again later in the year