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Kelly Lane (850) 488-4197

  • TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida Housing Finance Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexander Ruiz as its newest board member, effective June 29, 2026. With more than two decades of distinguished leadership in the real estate and finance sectors, Mr. Ruiz brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of driving growth and innovation to his new role with Florida Housing.

    Mr. Ruiz is currently Chief Operations Officer for Prestige and Pacifica Companies, where he has played a pivotal role in the organizations’ success and expansion. In his previous capacity as Director of Finance, he successfully coordinated financing for over $3 billion in real estate acquisitions and managed more than $1.8 billion in loans. Under his 17 years of guidance, these companies and affiliates have achieved total sales in excess of $500 million. Mr. Ruiz has maintained strong relationships with institutional and local lenders as well as agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

    Mr. Ruiz holds an MBA and graduate certificate in Finance and International Business from the University of Miami and graduated with honors and magna cum laude from Florida International University with a B.A. in Political Science. He is a member of the Founders Society of the Baptist Health Foundation and was honored by the South Florida Business Journal in 2023 as a recipient of the 40 Under 40 award. Additionally, Mr. Ruiz has served on numerous non-profit and governmental boards, including Kristi House and the City of Hialeah Personnel Board and Workforce Housing Taskforce.

    "As a Florida native, I am honored to join the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors," said Ruiz. "Affordable housing is fundamental to the strength and prosperity of Florida's communities, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to support initiatives that create lasting opportunities for families throughout our state."

    Florida Housing Finance Corporation is excited to welcome Mr. Ruiz to its board and looks forward to leveraging his leadership and industry experience to further its mission of providing affordable housing solutions for the people of Florida.

  • TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ken Pruitt to its Board of Directors, effective June 29, 2026.

    Mr. Pruitt brings decades of distinguished public service, policy leadership, and deep expertise in housing, economic development, and governmental affairs. He is the founder of The P5 Group, a governmental affairs and public policy consulting firm representing businesses, associations, and organizations before local and state governments. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation as a collaborative, bipartisan leader committed to strengthening Florida’s communities through sound public policy.

    Mr. Pruitt served nearly 20 years in the Florida Legislature, including as President of the Florida Senate from 2006 to 2008. He chaired the Senate Appropriations and Senate Rules Committees, as well as the House Appropriations Committee during his tenure in the Florida House of Representatives. His legislative accomplishments include passage of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, prime co-sponsorship of the Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act, the Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan, and reforms to Florida’s Administrative Procedures Act.

    Following his legislative service, Mr. Pruitt was elected St. Lucie County Property Appraiser. Under his leadership, the office received the 2014 International Association of Assessing Officers Distinguished Assessment Jurisdiction Award — the only assessment jurisdiction recognized worldwide that year.

    Mr. Pruitt’s extensive experience spans public policy, budget and appropriations, housing, economic development, environmental stewardship, higher education, and governmental relations. His leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2026 LeRoy Collins Lifetime Achievement Award from Leadership Florida, the Pete Hegener Award from the St. Lucie County Economic Development Council, and the Distinguished Assessment Jurisdiction Award from the International Association of Assessing Officers.

    Florida Housing looks forward to the insight and leadership Mr. Pruitt will bring to the Board. His extensive experience will be invaluable as the organization continues its mission to address Florida’s evolving housing needs and create more opportunities for Floridians to achieve safe, affordable housing.

  • 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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