Question 1

Who qualifies for the Florida Hometown Heroes program?

Accepted Answer

Florida's Hometown Heroes program is available to full-time employees (35+ hours/week) of a Florida-based employer in qualifying occupations including healthcare workers, nurses, doctors, teachers, school staff, firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, childcare workers, court employees, and active military or veterans.

Question 2

How much down payment assistance can I receive with the Florida Hometown Heroes program?

Accepted Answer

Eligible borrowers can receive up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, equal to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount. Borrowers with loan amounts of $200,000 or less receive a minimum of $10,000 in assistance.

Question 3

Is the Hometown Heroes assistance a grant or a loan?

Accepted Answer

The assistance is a 30-year deferred second mortgage at 0% interest with no monthly payments. It is repaid only when you sell, refinance, pay off the home, or vacate it as your primary residence. It is not a grant — it must eventually be repaid.

Question 4

What credit score is required for the Hometown Heroes program?

Accepted Answer

A minimum credit score of 640 is required to qualify for the Florida Hometown Heroes program. Manufactured housing and manually underwritten loans require a minimum 660.

Question 5

Is the Hometown Heroes program available in Miami-Dade and Broward County?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Florida Hometown Heroes program is available in all 67 Florida counties, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, and every other county statewide. Income limits vary by county based on Area Median Income (AMI). Contact Carlos Carvajal at 305-331-0341 to check your specific county's limits.

Question 6

Can I use the Hometown Heroes program with an FHA, VA, or Conventional loan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Florida Hometown Heroes down payment assistance can be paired with FHA loans, VA loans for veterans and active-duty service members, and conventional loans. Your licensed mortgage broker will recommend the best loan type for your situation.

Question 7

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer for Hometown Heroes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must be a first-time homebuyer, meaning you have not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years. However, veterans are exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement when purchasing with a VA loan and providing a valid DD214.

Question 8

How much income can I earn and still qualify for Hometown Heroes?

Accepted Answer

Income limits range from approximately $142,950 to $195,450 depending on your county and household size. These limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI) set by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and are updated periodically.

Question 9

How long does it take to get pre-approved for the Hometown Heroes program in Miami?

Accepted Answer

With Carlos Carvajal at NXT LVL Lending, pre-approval typically takes 24–48 hours once documents are submitted. Funds are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so acting quickly is important.

Question 10

Are Florida Hometown Heroes funds available in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes, $50 million in Florida Hometown Heroes funds are allocated for 2026. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis statewide. Once the allocation is exhausted, no new reservations are accepted until the next funding round. Contact Carlos Carvajal at 305-331-0341 to secure your spot before funds run out.

Question 11

Do nurses and healthcare workers qualify for the Hometown Heroes program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nurses, doctors, medical assistants, pharmacists, therapists, EMTs, and all healthcare workers employed full-time by a Florida-based employer qualify for the Florida Hometown Heroes down payment assistance program.

Question 12

Can veterans use the Hometown Heroes program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer are eligible for the Hometown Heroes program. Veterans are also exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement and can combine the assistance with a VA loan for maximum benefit.