★ Florida Hometown Heroes · 2026

Up to $35,000 toward your first home.

Florida's Hometown Heroes program helps the people who keep our communities running buy their first home — with down payment and closing-cost help. See if you qualify in about a minute.

  • Up to 5% of your loan — capped at $35,000
  • For full-time Florida workers buying their first home
  • No credit pull and no cost to check your eligibility
  • Funds run out fast each year — get ready early
★ Limited state funding Step 1 of 5

Are you buying your first home in Florida?

First-time means you haven't owned your main home in the last 3 years.

How are you paid?

Hometown Heroes is for full-time W-2 employees. Other income types can still get great low-down options from us.

Roughly where is your credit?

The program needs about 640+. Not sure is perfectly fine — we'll guide you.

Where are you looking to buy?

Your city or ZIP helps us check local programs and price ranges.

No SSNNo credit pull100% free

Where should we send your eligibility answer?

We'll review your answers and send your honest, written next steps — including whether Hometown Heroes or another low-down option fits best. No pressure, ever.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Premier Home Funding about your inquiry by phone, text, or email. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. This is not a loan approval or commitment to lend.

What you could get

Real help for real first-time buyers

$35,000Maximum assistance
5%Of your loan amount
0%Interest on the assistance
640Minimum credit score
How it works

Down payment help that meets you where you are

Hometown Heroes is run by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. The assistance is a 0% interest second mortgage that's deferred — you don't make monthly payments on it. It's repaid only when you sell, refinance, transfer, or pay off your first mortgage. (It's not forgivable.)

Who it's built for

  • First-time buyers — no primary-home ownership in the last 3 years
  • Full-time W-2 employees of a Florida employer (veterans are exempt from the work rule)
  • A 640+ credit score and income under your county's limit (about 150% of area median)
  • Buying a primary residence — not an investment property

Self-employed or 1099? You don't fit this specific program — but that's our specialty. We'll show you bank-statement, low-down, and $0-down options that read your real income correctly.

Check my eligibility
Premier Home Funding

"We'll tell you honestly whether Hometown Heroes — or a better option — fits your goals."

Good to know

Common questions

Is funding still available in 2026?

Hometown Heroes is funded each year and demand is high — recent rounds ran out within weeks. Because availability changes, the smart move is to get pre-qualified now so you're ready the moment you find your home.

Do I have to be a teacher, nurse, or first responder?

No. Since 2023 the program covers any full-time Florida employee under the income limit, regardless of profession.

Will checking my eligibility hurt my credit?

No. Getting started takes no SSN and no credit pull. We review what you tell us and send honest written next steps.

What if I don't qualify for Hometown Heroes?

You still have great paths. We'll point you to other low-down and $0-down programs — including options built for self-employed and business-owner income.

Ready to find out what you qualify for?

Answer a few quick questions and we'll send your honest, written next steps — debt-smart, no pressure.

Check my eligibilityCall (407) 616-3433