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Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program

Hometown Heroes for military members and veterans in Florida

Active-duty military, reservists and veterans working in Florida may get 5% of their loan, up to $35,000, at 0%. First-time buyer rule waived for most.

Who's covered

Active-duty members of any U.S. Armed Forces branch qualify, with no Florida employer requirement. Reservists, including the Florida National Guard and Coast Guard reserves, qualify when they work full-time for any Florida-based employer. Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable qualify when they work full-time for any Florida-based employer.

Active duty and reservists show a current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). Veterans show a DD214 plus proof of full-time Florida employment.

Florida Hometown Heroes pairs a Florida Housing 30-year fixed first mortgage with a second mortgage worth 5% of your loan (minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000) for down payment and closing costs. The second mortgage has 0% interest and no monthly payment, but it is not a grant: you repay it when you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage or stop living in the home. Funds are limited and handed out first-come, first-served through participating lenders.

The first-time buyer rule is waived

Veterans with a DD214, active military and reservists don't have to meet the 3-year first-time buyer rule. Eligible surviving spouses with a VA certificate of eligibility are also exempt on TBA VA loans.

Homebuyer education

Veterans and service members are exempt from the homebuyer course unless they choose one of the conventional HFA loans.

Any Florida employer

Unlike other buyers, veterans and reservists don't need a school, hospital or public safety job. Full-time work for any Florida-based employer is enough.

Paperwork to pull together

  • Active duty or reserves: current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
  • Veterans: DD214 showing a discharge other than dishonorable
  • Veterans and reservists: proof of full-time work for a Florida-based employer
  • VA certificate of eligibility, if using a VA loan

Questions we hear

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?

No. Veterans, active military and reservists are exempt from the first-time buyer rule.

Can I combine it with a VA loan?

Yes. VA is one of the eligible first mortgage types, and the Hometown Heroes second sits behind it.

I'm a veteran working in retail. Do I qualify?

Yes, if you work full-time for a Florida-based employer and meet the income and credit rules.

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