Is Florida Hometown Heroes Still Available in 2026?
Yes — as of this writing. Here’s exactly where the funding stands and how fast you need to move.
✅ 2026 Round Open — $50M, First Come First ServedI answer this question almost daily, and I understand why — nobody wants to start the whole process only to find out the money’s gone. So let’s skip the run-around: here’s exactly where things stand, what you actually qualify for, and why moving quickly matters more with this program than almost any other.
Yes, Florida Hometown Heroes is currently funded. The 2026 round opened July 13, 2026 with $50 million, released first come, first served through participating lenders, and is expected to last roughly 7-8 months based on historical demand — though prior rounds have also been exhausted in as little as a few weeks. Eligible buyers can receive 5% of their loan amount ($10,000 minimum, $35,000 maximum) as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage with no monthly payment.
Funding moves fast once it’s open.
Get pre-approved now so you’re ready to reserve funds the moment your file is complete.
Check My Hometown Heroes EligibilityHow the Assistance Actually Works
- Amount: 5% of your first mortgage loan amount, with a $10,000 floor and $35,000 ceiling
- Structure: A non-amortizing, 0% interest second mortgage — no monthly payment
- Repayment: Deferred until you sell, refinance, pay off, or transfer the home
- Pairs with: Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA first mortgages
The Two Ways Your Income Gets Measured
This is where most buyers get tripped up. There are actually two versions of the program, and picking the wrong one on paper can be the difference between qualifying and not:
| Version | How Income Is Counted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TBA (borrower-income) | Only the income of borrowers on the loan | Higher limits; most buyers use this version |
| Bond (household-income) | All household occupants 18+, on the loan or not | Lower limits; opens up additional loan options in some cases |
Both versions cap eligibility at roughly 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your specific county, so the dollar figure varies significantly depending on where you’re buying.
What Happens When the Money Runs Out
Hometown Heroes isn’t a permanent program — it’s a fund. The Florida Legislature appropriates a set amount, buyers reserve assistance through participating lenders until it’s gone, and then new reservations pause until more funding is appropriated or recycled from repayments. Previous rounds have run out in anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on demand — which is exactly why being pre-approved and ready to move the moment your file is complete matters so much with this program specifically.
🏡 Hometown Heroes Assistance Estimator
Estimate your potential down payment assistance amount. This is a planning tool, not a funding reservation.
Ready before the funding is. That’s the goal.
Let’s get your file complete now so you can reserve funds the moment you’re under contract.
Start My Pre-ApprovalFAQ: Florida Hometown Heroes in 2026
Are Hometown Heroes funds available right now?
As of this writing, yes — the 2026 round opened July 13, 2026 with $50 million in funding, released first come, first served. Funding status changes as the money is reserved, so confirm current availability with a participating lender before assuming it’s open.
How much down payment assistance can I get?
5% of your first mortgage loan amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, structured as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage with no monthly payment.
Do I have to pay the assistance back?
Yes, but not on a monthly basis — it’s deferred until you sell the home, refinance, pay off the first mortgage, or otherwise transfer the property.
What credit score do I need?
A minimum of 640 for most property types, or 660 for manufactured homes.
Do I have to be a first responder or teacher to qualify?
No. The eligible occupation list has expanded significantly beyond frontline workers and now covers more than 50 professions — most full-time Florida employees in eligible fields can qualify.
Can I qualify if I’m 1099 or self-employed?
In some cases, yes, but with stricter rules — you generally need to work full-time for one 1099 employer with a physical Florida location, along with documentation such as a CPA letter confirming full-time status and your most recent tax return.