Tallahassee, FL - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is pleased to announce the Florida Hometown Heroes housing program has committed all available funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, making homeownership a reality for over 3,000 Florida families in just six months.

The 2025 Hometown Heroes program officially opened on August 18, 2025, with $50 million in available funding. This investment was made possible thanks to the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis’ support of first-time homebuyers. The Hometown Heroes allocation was part of a $435 million appropriation to Florida Housing, representing the state’s ongoing commitment to ensuring all Floridians have a safe, affordable place to call home.

The Hometown Heroes program supports income-qualified, first-time homebuyers in eligible workforce occupations by offering down payment and closing cost assistance that empowers them to live in the communities they work hard to serve. The average first mortgage loan amount during this funding cycle was approximately $320,000, and the average down payment assistance amount per loan was around $16,000. More than 80 percent of the 2025 funding went to Floridians who provide the essential services necessary to keep our communities safe, healthy, and thriving, including:

• Over 500 first responders and public safety personnel
• More than 1,500 healthcare professionals
• Over 400 school staff members

The Hometown Heroes program also offers a competitive first mortgage interest rate and additional special benefits to those who have served and continue to serve our country. This year, Florida Housing leveraged Hometown Heroes program funding to help more than 200 military service members and veterans purchase a home, allowing them to take part in the American Dream they served to protect.

Since its first funding cycle in 2022-2023, the Hometown Heroes program has transformed the state’s investment into life-changing impact for Florida’s working families. To date, the program has generated over $7.6 billion in first mortgage financing and delivered more than $386 million in down payment assistance, helping nearly 25,000 Floridians purchase a home of their own. Those served reflect the very backbone of Florida’s communities, including more than:

• 5,200 veterans and military personnel
• 5,700 healthcare professionals
• 1,900 first responders and public safety personnel
• 2,000 teachers, school staff members, and childcare workers

Each year, Florida Housing has quickly and successfully committed all funds appropriated for Hometown Heroes, demonstrating both the efficiency of the program and the urgent need for workforce housing opportunities across the state. This swift and strong response highlights the critical role the Hometown Heroes program plays in meeting the housing needs of Florida’s communities.

These outcomes prove that Florida Housing and its partners are turning the state’s investment into measurable results for Floridians. Governor DeSantis’ budget recommendation this year includes an additional $50 million for Hometown Heroes, underscoring his strong commitment for the program’s continued success in advancing affordable housing opportunities for working families across our great state. Florida Housing is proud of this program’s proven results and remains committed to expanding its reach. Continued investment in successful programs like Hometown Heroes will help more hardworking families achieve homeownership, boost our economy, and create lasting benefits for communities throughout the Sunshine State.

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