Florida Hometown Heroes in 2026 and Florida Housing's other down payment loans: who qualifies, how much, and how it works for buyers in Broward and Aventura
October 31, 2026 · Zach Curtis, REALTOR®, Realty Hub
Short answer: the 2026 Florida Hometown Heroes program lends eligible first-time buyers in listed occupations, along with servicemembers and veterans, up to 5% of their first mortgage, between $10,000 and $35,000, as a 0% deferred second mortgage. It's repaid when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed or stop living there. Florida Housing has smaller options for buyers who don't qualify.
Who qualifies for Hometown Heroes in 2026
Florida Housing says the 2026 program is limited to (Florida Housing: Hometown Heroes):
- People employed full-time by a Florida-based employer as a health care worker, school staff member, first responder, public safety or court employee, or child care worker. Florida Housing publishes example eligible occupations.
- Servicemembers of the U.S. military or reserves, the Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard.
- Veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer.
Under the statute behind the program, borrowers must be buying a primary residence, be Florida residents, work full-time for a Florida-based employer, and be first-time buyers. The first-time rule doesn't apply to active-duty servicemembers or veterans. Household income can't exceed 150% of the state or local median income, whichever is greater (section 420.5096). Florida Housing publishes the county income and price limits; a participating lender will check yours.
How much, and on what terms
Per Florida Housing, borrowers can get up to 5% of the first mortgage amount, with a $10,000 minimum and a $35,000 maximum, for down payment and closing costs. It's a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage, so there's no monthly payment, but it isn't forgivable. It comes due in full when you sell, refinance the first mortgage, transfer the deed, or stop occupying the home as your primary residence. The first mortgage can be FHA, VA, USDA Rural Development or conventional, with no origination or discount points and reduced upfront fees.
| Example first mortgage | 5% of loan | Hometown Heroes amount |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $7,500 | $10,000 (minimum) |
| $400,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| $800,000 | $40,000 | $35,000 (maximum) |
Those are arithmetic examples of the 5%, minimum and maximum rules, not quotes. Your lender sets the actual amount.
Florida Housing's other down payment loans
Florida Housing's homebuyer programs require a 640 minimum credit score, a participating lender, approved homebuyer education, and price and income below your county's limits. You also have to meet the IRS first-time buyer definition, which means you haven't owned and lived in your primary residence in the prior three years (Florida Housing: homebuyer programs). Its down payment help works only with its own first mortgage:
| Program | Amount | Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Assist (FL Assist) | Up to $10,000 | 0% deferred second; not forgivable; due on sale, transfer, refinance or when you move out |
| FL HLP second mortgage | $12,500 | 3%, 30 years, monthly payment that may count in your debt-to-income ratio |
| HFA Preferred / HFA Advantage PLUS | 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan | Forgiven 20% a year over 5 years; conventional first mortgage only |
If your credit isn't at 640 yet, start with buying with low or no credit.
Condo buyers in Hallandale Beach, Hollywood and Aventura
The down payment loan doesn't change the rules for the first mortgage. If you're using FHA on a condo, the building generally has to be FHA-approved; see how to check if a condo is FHA-approved. Budget for the monthly fees as well; see condo down payments and why condo fees are so high.
County and city help in Broward
Broward County and several cities run their own purchase assistance with separate income limits and funding cycles. See down payment assistance in Broward County, and ask your lender whether county and state programs can be combined on your loan.
Watch for scams
Florida Housing warns buyers that scammers target people seeking help, and says to avoid anyone who asks for an upfront payment to apply for Hometown Heroes down payment assistance. It asks people to report those requests to its Inspector General's Office; the contact details are on its program page.
Steps
- Confirm that your job is on Florida Housing's eligible occupation list, or that you qualify as a servicemember or veteran.
- Find a participating loan officer through Florida Housing's lender locator.
- Complete the approved homebuyer education.
- Get preapproved and check the county price and income limits.
- Shop homes in Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Aventura or Boca Raton, and start at Ready to buy.
Zach Curtis, Realtor, Realty Hub, license SL3664129. Equal Housing Opportunity. General information, not legal, tax, insurance or lending advice. Program terms and funding can change; confirm with a participating lender and Florida Housing.
Questions? Ask Zach
I'm Zach Curtis, a REALTOR® with Realty Hub in Hallandale Beach. I help renters and buyers in Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Aventura and nearby. Zach replies personally within 15 minutes, 8 AM to 9 PM ET, 7 days. Outside those hours, by 9 AM.
Questions
Who is eligible for Florida Hometown Heroes in 2026?
Florida Housing says the 2026 program is limited to full-time employees of Florida-based employers working as health care workers, school staff, first responders, public safety or court employees, or child care workers; servicemembers and reservists, including the Coast Guard and Florida National Guard; and veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer.
How much is Florida Hometown Heroes?
Up to 5% of the first mortgage amount, with a $10,000 minimum and a $35,000 maximum, as a 0% non-amortizing 30-year deferred second mortgage.
Is Hometown Heroes forgivable?
No. It's due in full when you sell, refinance the first mortgage, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home as your primary residence.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer for Hometown Heroes?
Generally yes, under section 420.5096, but the first-time requirement doesn't apply to active-duty servicemembers or veterans.
What credit score do I need for Florida Housing programs?
Florida Housing's homebuyer loan programs require a minimum 640 credit score.
Can I use Hometown Heroes on a condo?
The down payment loan doesn't replace the first mortgage rules. With an FHA loan, for example, the condo building generally needs to be FHA-approved, so check the building early.
Sources
Published October 31, 2026 by Zach Curtis, REALTOR®, Realty Hub, license SL3664129. General information for South Florida, not legal, tax, insurance or lending advice. Laws, programs and prices change; check the official sources above, and ask a Florida attorney, CPA, insurance agent or lender about your situation. Listing numbers are asking prices and rents from BeachesMLS on the date shown. Equal Housing Opportunity. Zach Curtis and Realty Hub follow federal, Florida and Broward County fair housing law. Every listing is open to everyone. We never steer anyone by race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected class.