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Florida Hometown Heroes Program

Looking for Florida Hometown Heroes program? The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program, run through Florida Housing Finance Corporation, helps eligible full-time Florida workers with down payment and closing costs on a first mortgage. Funding opens in rounds and can run out quickly, so call Sam Gorniak (NMLS #1954721) at Atlantic Trust Mortgage (NMLS #239592) to check current availability before you shop.

Apply Online or Get Pre-Approved   Call Sam: (904) 687-9274

Who May Qualify

  • Full-time employees of a Florida-based employer (verified with recent pay stubs)
  • First-time homebuyers (generally no ownership in the past three years); veterans and active-duty service members may be exempt from this rule
  • Household income within the county limit set by Florida Housing
  • A primary residence in Florida
  • Completion of a homebuyer education course

The program was built for teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, health care workers, and military members, but many other full-time Florida workers also qualify.

How It Works

Assistance is a second mortgage that pairs with an eligible first mortgage, such as a FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loan through a Florida Housing participating lender. The assistance amount, terms, and repayment rules are set by Florida Housing and can change between funding rounds.

Other Florida Down Payment Help

If Hometown Heroes funding is paused, Florida Housing and some counties offer other down payment assistance programs. We will show you every option that fits. First-time buyers can also read our Florida first-time home buyer guide.

Schedule a free Florida Hometown Heroes program consultation with Sam.

Florida Hometown Heroes Program FAQ

Is Hometown Heroes funding available right now?
Funding is released in rounds and has run out quickly in past years. Call us for the current status before you write an offer.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Generally yes, but veterans and active-duty service members may be exempt. We confirm eligibility for your situation.

Can I combine it with a VA loan?
Hometown Heroes can pair with eligible VA, FHA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages through participating lenders.

What are the income limits?
Limits are set by county and household size and are updated by Florida Housing. We check the current limit for your county.

Serving all of Florida, including Jacksonville, St Augustine, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach, St Johns, Fleming Island, and the rest of Northeast Florida.

Talk to Sam

Apply online or call Sam Gorniak at (904) 687-9274. You can also estimate a payment with our Florida mortgage calculator.

Saverio (Sam) Gorniak, NMLS #1954721. Atlantic Trust Mortgage, NMLS #239592. Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, and property eligibility. Programs and terms may change without notice. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice.