Florida’s Hometown Heroes Program helps essential workers and first-time buyers overcome one of the biggest challenges to homeownership: upfront costs. Full-time healthcare workers, school staff, first responders, court and public safety employees, child care workers, military members, and veterans may qualify for up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance when purchasing a primary residence in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida.

Created by the Florida Legislature and administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, this program improves affordability through competitive mortgage rates, reduced upfront fees, and financial assistance equal to 5% of the loan amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000 applied toward your purchase.

The assistance is structured as a 0% interest, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments required. Repayment is only triggered if the home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or no longer used as your primary residence.

This program can be combined with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans through approved Florida Housing lenders, making it a flexible and powerful option for qualified buyers across the region.

For example, a nurse purchasing a $400,000 home in Orange County could receive up to $20,000 toward their down payment and closing costs. This assistance carries no interest and requires no monthly payment. Repayment only occurs if the property is sold, refinanced, transferred, or no longer used as a primary residence.

Florida Housing does not accept applications directly from buyers. To access this program, you must apply through a participating, approved lender familiar with the guidelines. Buyers are also required to complete a homebuyer education course before closing.

Aponte Group connects you with trusted lenders experienced in the Hometown Heroes Program and helps you search for homes that meet county price limits and loan requirements before you submit an offer. This guidance prevents common issues that can delay approval or disqualify a property.

Our team specializes in helping first-time buyers and essential workers throughout Orlando and Central Florida navigate Florida Housing programs with clarity, ensuring you move forward confidently toward homeownership.