Up to $35,000 Toward Your Home —
Built for the People Who Serve Florida
Florida Hometown Heroes returns July 13, 2026. Down payment and closing cost assistance for healthcare workers, law enforcement, firefighters, educators, childcare workers, military, and veterans. You don't have to wait until July 13 to get started — and you shouldn't.
What the Program Actually Gives You
Hometown Heroes is designed to knock down the single biggest barrier to homeownership for working families — the cash needed to get in the door.
Of your first mortgage amount, toward down payment and closing costs.
The cap on the assistance amount, whichever is less than 5%.
The assistance is a second mortgage with no interest charged — ever.
No monthly payment. Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or move out.
"For most families we talk to, the rate isn't what's stopping them — it's the down payment and closing costs. This program goes right at that."
Craig Garcia | President, Capital Partners Mortgage ServicesA Zero-Interest, No-Payment Second Mortgage
The assistance isn't a grant — but it's about as close as it gets. Here's the plain-English version.
It sits quietly behind your first loan
The assistance is structured as a second mortgage that funds your down payment and closing costs. It carries no interest and requires no monthly payment, so it never touches your budget while you live in the home.
You repay it later — not month to month
The balance becomes due only when you sell the home, refinance the first mortgage, pay it off, or the home stops being your primary residence. Until one of those happens, it just waits.
It pairs with a normal first mortgage
Your first loan is a standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional mortgage. The Hometown Heroes assistance layers on top to cover the cash you'd otherwise need at closing.
Funds are limited — first in line wins
Each program year is funded with a set pool of money. When it's allocated, it's gone. Buyers who are pre-approved and under contract early are the ones who secure the assistance.
Built for Florida's Frontline and Public Service Workforce
Eligibility is tied to your occupation. You generally need to be employed full-time by a Florida-based employer in one of these fields — and in a household, only one buyer needs a qualifying occupation.
Healthcare Workers
Nurses (RN, LPN, APRN, CNA), medical technicians, and therapists employed by a Florida healthcare provider or facility.
Law Enforcement
Local, state, and federal law enforcement officers serving Florida communities.
Firefighters
Florida firefighters and first responders who keep our neighborhoods safe.
Educators
Teachers and education professionals working in Florida schools.
Childcare Workers
Staff employed full-time by a Florida-based licensed child care facility.
Court & Public Service
State attorney and public defender staff, court clerks, reporters, and related public service roles.
Military & Veterans
Active military and veterans qualify — and veterans are exempt from the Florida-employer requirement with a valid DD-214.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
The eligible-occupation list is detailed and covers many job titles. Send us your role and we'll confirm it for you — at no cost.
A Few Other Requirements to Know
Beyond your occupation, here are the standard guardrails. We'll walk you through every one.
- First-time homebuyer — generally, you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Veterans and active military are typically exempt.
- Income limits apply — set by county. South Florida's limits differ from other parts of the state.
- Purchase-price limits apply — also set by county.
- Primary residence only — not for investment properties or second homes.
- Homebuyer education course — a short, online course you complete before closing.
- Standard first-mortgage qualifying — credit and income standards of your FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first loan still apply.
You Do Not Have to Wait Until July 13 to Get Started
This is the message we want every eligible buyer to hear. The buyers who win this program are the ones who get ready before it opens.
Now
Get Pre-Approved and Under Contract Today
You can do almost everything right now: get pre-approved, find your home, write your offer, and go under contract. None of that has to wait for the program to open.
What does have to wait: program rates are posted in early July, but no rate can actually be secured until July 13 at the earliest, when the program opens — and you can't close until it's live and funded. But the families who start the day the program opens are already behind the ones who got ready first.
Three Dates to Circle
Here's how the 2026 program window lays out — and where you should be at each step.
Rates Post
Program interest rates are posted for reference in early July. Note: a rate still can't be secured until the program opens on July 13. If you're already pre-approved and under contract, you're ready to move the moment it does.
Program Opens
Hometown Heroes officially comes back online for the new funding round, and final 2026 guidelines publish. Funds are reserved on a first-come basis.
You Close
Realistically, buyers who start now are positioned to close in very late July or early August — among the first in line for the assistance.
We'll Get You Positioned to Win This Program
Capital Partners Mortgage Services works in this market every day. We'll confirm whether your occupation qualifies, get you fully pre-approved, and have your file ready so that the moment rates post and the program opens, you're first in line to lock and close — not scrambling to start.
"If you serve this community, this program was built for you. Call us today — don't wait for the 13th — and let's get you in position to use it."
Craig Garcia | NMLS #653593 | President, Capital Partners Mortgage ServicesHometown Heroes 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Let's Find Out If This Is You
Tell us your occupation and where you want to buy. We'll confirm whether you qualify and get you positioned to use this program the day it opens.
See If I Qualify →1515 N. University Dr., Suite D102, Coral Springs, FL 33071 | (954) 271-2024 | Equal Housing Lender
Florida Hometown Heroes is a program of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Capital Partners Mortgage Services is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Program details, occupation eligibility, income limits, and purchase-price limits for the 2026 program year are subject to the official guidelines published by Florida Housing (expected on or around July 13, 2026) and may change without notice. Assistance is provided as a repayable second mortgage. This page is for informational purposes. Loan approval is subject to credit review, income verification, and property eligibility. Not all borrowers will qualify.
