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What’s New in Florida’s 2025 Hometown Heroes Homeownership Program?

July 11, 2025 |

Florida’s popular Hometown Heroes Program is making a comeback for the 2025–26 fiscal year—with key updates homebuyers need to know. Whether you’re serving your community or purchasing a home for the first time, this program can provide up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Here’s what’s new and how to position yourself for success.

1. Blocks Still $35K – Funding Possibly Reduced

  • Assistance Cap: Still limited to 5% of your first mortgage, with a $35,000 max—unchanged from prior years

  • Funding Pool: State budget allocates $50 million for 2025, down from $100 million in 2024

2. Eligibility is Now Narrower

  • Stricter occupation requirements: Only specific frontline roles qualify—healthcare, teachers and school staff, first responders, public safety, childcare, court employees, active military/National Guard/veterans with Florida employment

  • Workers outside these fields are no longer eligible—even if they were eligible in 2024.

3. Launch Delayed — Timing Matters

  • Release delayed: Funding not available until after July 1, 2025, pending gubernatorial approval and updates from Florida Housing, including job list and lender training

  • First-come, first-served: Once active, approvals may go fast due to limited funding.

4. What Still Stays the Same

  • Zero-interest second mortgage, deferred repayment only upon sale, refinance, or payoff

  • First-time buyer status still required, except for veterans

  • Usable with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional mortgages

  • Requires homebuyer education and minimum credit score (640)

5. What You Should Do Now

  • Check occupation: Confirm that your job is on the approved 2025 list once it’s released.

  • Get prequalified: Speak with a participating lender now to assemble documentation.

  • Homebuyer education: Complete the HUD-approved course in advance—required upon launch.

  • Be ready: Watch the government announcements and apply immediately when funds go live

Why You Should Act Now

With half as much funding and more restrictive eligibility, timing and preparation are crucial. As soon as the Governor signs off and funds go active, buying power for eligible frontline Floridians could be significantly enhanced—but only for those ready to act.

How Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group Can Help

Our agents stay current on Florida Housing timelines and lender requirements. We can help you:

  • Verify occupational eligibility

  • Connect with approved lenders

  • Fulfill education prerequisites

  • Strategically plan your home search to align with program timing

Bottom line: If you work in an approved frontline occupation, purchasing your first home in Florida just got far more affordable—but only if you’re prepared when funds go live.

Ready to lock in your advantage when the program opens?  Contact Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group today to get started.

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