Question 1

Who qualifies for the Florida Hometown Heroes TBA program?

Accepted Answer

Only ONE occupying borrower must qualify by working full-time at a brick-and-mortar location of a Florida-based eligible employer. Qualifying occupations include healthcare workers, nurses, doctors, teachers, school staff, firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, childcare workers, court employees, and active military or veterans. Veterans must work full-time for a FL-based employer but are not restricted to a specific occupation. Remote workers are not eligible; hybrid workers (3+ days/week on-site) may qualify.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Eligible borrowers receive 5% of the first mortgage loan amount — minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000. Borrowers with a loan amount of $200,000 or less automatically receive $10,000. A $400,000 loan yields $20,000; loans above $700,000 are capped at $35,000.

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 TBA?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 TBA income limits (effective 5/6/2026) range from approximately $148,050 to $214,950 depending on your county. TBA uses credit qualifying income (AUS income) — not household income. All occupying borrower income that can be used in the AUS must be included.

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 TBA funds available in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Florida Hometown Heroes TBA program is active in 2026 with updated income limits effective 5/6/2026. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the allocation is exhausted, no new reservations are accepted until the next funding round. Contact Carlos Carvajal at 305-331-0341 to get pre-approved 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 TBA program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Veterans who are employed full-time by any Florida-based employer are eligible — they do not need to work in a specific occupation category. Veterans are permanently exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement when providing a valid DD214 (discharge other than dishonorable), and can combine the assistance with a VA loan.