How much assistance can I get?

Up to 5% of your first mortgage (minimum $10,000) capped at $35,000.

Is the second mortgage forgivable?

No. It’s 0% interest and fully deferred, but becomes due at sale, refinance, deed transfer, or if the home stops being your primary residence.

First-time buyers (veteran exemptions may apply) employed full-time by a Florida-based employer in eligible occupations, meeting income & loan guidelines.

Which loan types are allowed?

FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional through approved Florida Housing lenders.

Are there income limits?

Yes—county-specific limits (generally up to 150% of AMI). Your lender will verify the exact figure for your county.

Can I combine this with other Florida Housing DPA?

No—Hometown Heroes must be used with its paired first mortgage and cannot be combined with other FL Housing DPAs.

Florida Hometown Heroes Program (2025 Guide): Up to $35,000 for Down Payment & Closing Costs

Florida Hometown Heroes Program (2025 Guide)

Get up to $35,000 toward your down payment and closing costs in Poinciana (34758–34759), Kissimmee, and Davenport through Florida’s Hometown Heroes Program—built to help working Floridians buy their first home.

0% interest • deferred payment Up to 5% (max $35,000) • min $10,000 FHA • VA • USDA • Conventional First-time buyer (veterans see note)

How It Works Eligibility 2025 Income Limits How to Apply FAQs

Download: Become a Homeowner in 90 Days Get Pre-Approved Now

Need help in Spanish? Hablamos Español. Llámame al (321) 443-5582.

How the Program Works

Assistance type: 0% interest, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage.
Amount: Up to 5% of your first mortgage (minimum $10,000), capped at $35,000.
Repayment: No monthly payments; the balance is due if you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, or no longer live in the home as your primary residence.
Pairing: Must be used with an approved Florida Housing first mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional).

The program is enabled by Florida Statutes §420.5096 and administered through Florida Housing.

Who’s Eligible?

First-time buyer (no home ownership in past 3 years). Veterans may be exempt from the first-time buyer requirement; ask your lender for current guidance.
Florida resident purchasing a primary residence you will occupy within 60 days of closing.
Full-time employment by a Florida-based employer in eligible occupations (healthcare, education, first responders, public safety, court, childcare, active-duty military/Guard, veterans employed full-time, and more).
Meet income limits and first mortgage guidelines.

Exact occupation list and lender overlays apply—confirm with your approved lender.

Eligible Properties

Single-family homes, townhomes, condos (FHA/VA/USDA/Conventional rules apply)
Primary residence only (no second homes or investment properties)

Not ready to buy? See rentals.

Where We Help

Poinciana (34758–34759), Kissimmee, Davenport and across Central Florida. Ask about new-construction options and incentives.

Browse New Construction

2025 Income Limits (Examples)

Florida Housing publishes county-specific limits (generally up to 150% of Area Median Income). Recent examples discussed for 2025 include:

Osceola (Kissimmee/Poinciana): ~$144,750 (example)

Orange (Orlando): ~$144,750 (example)

Polk (Davenport): ~$123,000 (example)

Always verify the current official limits with your lender or Florida Housing before applying. Limits can update during the year.

Confirm Your County Limit

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1 Pre-Approval: Start your mortgage pre-approval.
Start Pre-Approval
2 Program Fit: Confirm eligible occupation and income band with your loan officer.
3 Homebuyer Education: Complete a program-approved course (online or in-person).
4 Home Search: We’ll target homes in Poinciana, Kissimmee, Davenport, including new construction and under-$300K lists.
5 Reservation & Docs: Lender reserves Hometown Heroes funds; we coordinate contract, appraisal, and underwriting.
6 Close: Bring reduced cash to close thanks to your assistance. Move in and start building equity.

Why Central Florida Buyers Use Hometown Heroes

Lower upfront cash: Assistance often covers most or all of the down payment + closing costs.
Competitive first-mortgage options: FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional with program pricing.
New-construction leverage: Combine builder incentives with Hometown Heroes for maximum savings.

Book a Strategy Call

FAQs: Florida Hometown Heroes (2025)

How much assistance can I get?: Up to 5% of your first mortgage (minimum $10,000) capped at $35,000.
Is the second mortgage forgivable?: No. It’s 0% interest and fully deferred, but becomes due at sale, refinance, deed transfer, or if the home stops being your primary residence.
Who qualifies?: First-time buyers (veteran exemptions may apply) employed full-time by a Florida-based employer in eligible occupations, meeting income & loan guidelines.
Which loan types are allowed?: FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional through approved Florida Housing lenders.
Are there income limits?: Yes—county-specific limits (generally up to 150% of AMI). Your lender will verify the exact figure for your county.
Can I combine this with other Florida Housing DPA?: No—Hometown Heroes must be used with its paired first mortgage and cannot be combined with other FL Housing DPAs.