Up to $35,000 in Down Payment Help for Florida’s Workforce
A 0% interest, no-monthly-payment second mortgage for Florida’s full-time workforce. Rich helps you reserve funds and close with confidence.
Assistance equals 5% of your first mortgage loan amount, capped at $35,000. Deferred repayment — no interest, no monthly bill until payoff triggers.
Verify Your Florida Hometown Heroes Eligibility
Receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (up to $35,000) for down payment & closing costs.
What will the property be used for?
Note: Hometown Heroes requires the home to be your primary residence.
What the Hometown Heroes Program Really Does
Hometown Heroes is a statewide Florida initiative that turns homeownership into a realistic goal for the people who keep the state running. It provides a 0% interest, no-monthly-payment second mortgage — up to $35,000 — that covers down payment and closing costs for eligible workforce buyers.
0% Interest, Always
The second mortgage never accrues interest. Borrow $25,000 and repay exactly $25,000 — no matter how long you stay.
No Monthly Payment
Repayment is deferred. Your monthly budget stays focused on your principal, interest, taxes, and insurance only.
Up to $35,000
Assistance equals 5% of your first mortgage amount, capped at $35,000 — usable for down payment and closing costs.
The Florida Workplace Requirement
Borrowers must work full-time (35+ hours/week) for a Florida-based employer at a physical Florida workplace. Fully remote workers employed by an out-of-state company with no Florida office are ineligible — unless they are active military or veterans.
Likely Eligible
- Full-time employee reporting to a Florida brick-and-mortar office
- Hybrid workers at a Florida facility 3+ days per week
- Active duty military, National Guard, or honorably discharged veterans
- Employed by an in-state company with a physical Florida location
Likely Ineligible
- Remote workers for an out-of-state company with no Florida office
- 1099 contractors or part-time workers (under 35 hrs/week)
- Fully remote employees with no physical Florida workplace
- Out-of-state employers without a registered Florida business location
Active military & veterans are exempt from the brick-and-mortar rule. Not sure where you stand? Use the eligibility survey above.
Who the Program Serves
Expanded under the Florida Live Local Act, the program now covers all full-time Florida workers who meet income and employment criteria.
Healthcare Workers
- • Registered Nurses & LPNs
- • Certified Nursing Assistants
- • Dental Hygienists & Techs
- • Physical & Occupational Therapists
- • Medical Assistants & Hospital Staff
Educators & School Staff
- • K-12 Classroom Teachers
- • School Counselors & Librarians
- • Certified Childcare Operators
- • VPK & Gold Seal Instructors
- • Educational Support Staff
Public Safety & First Responders
- • Police & Law Enforcement
- • Firefighters & Volunteers
- • EMTs & Paramedics
- • Corrections & Probation Staff
- • 911 Dispatchers
Military & Veterans
- • Active Duty Military Members
- • Florida National Guard & Reserves
- • Honorably Discharged Veterans
- • Surviving Spouses
- • Exempt from 3-yr first-time buyer rule!
Child Welfare & State Workers
- • DCF Case Managers & Social Workers
- • Court Clerks & Judicial Employees
- • Juvenile Justice Personnel
- • Florida State Agency Staff
The Broader Florida Workforce
- • Full-time workers (35+ hours/week)
- • Employed at a FL brick-and-mortar office
- • Trades, hospitality, retail, finance, tech
- • Meets county income limits
Do You Ever Have to Pay It Back?
Yes — eventually. The Hometown Heroes DPA is a deferred, 0% interest second lien. You never make monthly payments on it, but the balance comes due under specific trigger events.
When Repayment Triggers
- Selling the home: The balance is paid off from sale proceeds at closing.
- Refinancing the first mortgage: Triggers repayment unless subordination guidelines apply.
- Moving out or converting to rental: If the home stops being your primary residence.
- Reaching the 30-year term: Any remaining balance becomes due at the end of the term.
The Financial Upside
- No interest accrual: Borrow $25,000 today and repay exactly $25,000 years later. Zero interest charges, ever.
- Zero monthly bill: Keeps your monthly budget free for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI).
- No prepayment penalty: Pay it off early at any time without penalty if you choose.
How Rich Guides Your Hometown Heroes File
Funding pools sell out quickly. Rich makes sure your file is clean, complete, and submitted at the right moment to lock your reservation.
Pre-Qualify & Confirm Eligibility
We verify your employment, income, and county limits against current FHFC rules before you spend a dime.
Structure the Right First Mortgage
Hometown Heroes pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional first loans. Rich matches you to the best fit.
Reserve Funds & Close On Time
Once under contract, Rich reserves your DPA funds through FHFC and manages closing to the finish line.
Hometown Heroes Questions, Answered
What Our Amazing Clients Say
Verified 5-Star feedback from homebuyers across New Jersey and beyond
Jersey Shore Dream Team
"Rich was a pleasure to work with....communicated well and was able to help the client close within 30 days. We would happily work with him again and will recommend to others to do the same"
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Ready to Get Started?
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