Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program

If you spend your days serving and supporting our local Florida communities, we believe you deserve an affordable place to call home. The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is a state-backed initiative designed to help full-time workforce professionals buy their first home by providing substantial down payment and closing cost assistance.



At Barry Hochberg Mortgage, we take pride in helping our local heroes navigate this program with clarity and confidence, ensuring you receive the maximum financial benefit you've earned.

A man is sitting at a table using a calculator and writing on a clipboard.

Program Benefits & What You Can Receive

The Hometown Heroes program pairs a stable 30-year or 15-year fixed first mortgage (FHA, Conventional, VA, or USDA) with a specialized second mortgage for upfront costs:


  • Up to $35,000 in Assistance: Receive up to 5% of your total first mortgage loan amount (with a guaranteed minimum of $10,000 for loans under $200,000) to cover your down payment and closing costs.
  • 0% Interest, Deferred Loan: The assistance is structured as a zero-interest, non-amortizing second mortgage. You make no monthly payments on this portion; it is simply repaid when you sell the home, refinance the first mortgage, or move out.
  • Reduced Fees: Enjoy lower-than-market interest rates and reduced upfront fees.

2026 Income Limits for Our Communities

To qualify, your gross household income must be at or below 150% of your county’s Area Median Income. The updated program guidelines for our primary service areas include:


  • West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County): Income limits up to $175,650
  • Tampa Bay Area (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco): Income limits up to $156,450
  • Greater Orlando (Orange, Osceola, Seminole): Income limits up to $158,100

Who Qualifies as a Hometown Hero?

To be eligible, you must be a first-time homebuyer working full-time (at least 35 hours per week) for a Florida-based employer. The program supports a massive variety of essential occupations, including:


  • Educators & School Staff: K–12 teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff.
  • Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, doctors, technicians, and licensed childcare workers.
  • First Responders & Public Safety: Law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and court employees.
  • Military & Veterans: Active-duty service members and veterans (who also receive a waiver on the first-time homebuyer requirement).


Important Funding Note: Because this program is highly sought after throughout Florida, state funding pools cap quickly each cycle.


Don't wait to claim your benefits—reach out to our Davie, FL team today to check current program availability and get pre-approved!