Florida Hometown Heroes Program 2026 | Down Payment Assistance for First Responders & Eligible Homebuyers
Serving Miami-Dade, Broward County & the Florida Keys
Helping Florida's Hometown Heroes Become Homeowners
Are you a police officer, firefighter, nurse, EMT, paramedic, teacher, healthcare professional, or another eligible Florida worker thinking about buying a home?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program helps qualifying first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance, making homeownership more accessible to those who serve our communities.
Through the program, eligible buyers may receive up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, subject to loan amount, eligibility requirements, and available funding.
I'm Jackie Folgueira, a South Florida Realtor with over 20 years of real estate experience and 27+ years of service in law enforcement.
I understand the demands of public service, the importance of finding the right home, and the financial considerations that come with buying property in South Florida.
Whether you're buying your first home in Miami-Dade, Broward County, or the Florida Keys, I'm here to help you understand your options and navigate the homebuying process.
What Is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is a homebuyer assistance initiative administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
It is designed to help eligible Florida workers purchase a primary residence by providing financial assistance toward their down payment and closing costs.
Qualifying borrowers may benefit from:
Down payment and closing cost assistance of up to $35,000.
Assistance equal to up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, with a program minimum of $10,000.
Competitive first mortgage interest rates.
Eligible conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA Rural Development mortgage options.
Reduced upfront mortgage fees under applicable program guidelines.
The down payment assistance is provided as a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage. It is not a forgivable grant and generally must be repaid when the home is sold, the first mortgage is refinanced, the deed is transferred, or the property is no longer the borrower's primary residence.
Program participation is subject to current eligibility requirements and funding availability.
Who Qualifies for the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?
The program serves multiple categories of eligible workers throughout Florida.
Police Officers & Law Enforcement Professionals
Eligible public safety workers may include:
Police officers
Sheriff's deputies
State law enforcement officers
Federal law enforcement officers
Correctional officers
Correctional probation officers
Juvenile detention and probation officers
911 dispatchers and public safety communicators
If you work in law enforcement and are considering buying a home in South Florida, the Hometown Heroes Program may help reduce the upfront financial burden of homeownership.
With over 27 years of law enforcement experience, I understand the schedules, responsibilities, and lifestyle considerations that come with this profession.
Firefighters, EMTs & Paramedics
Eligible first responders may include:
Firefighters
Certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
Certified paramedics
Qualifying employment with an eligible Florida-based fire department, ambulance service, or hospital is required.
Nurses & Healthcare Professionals
Eligible healthcare workers may include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physicians, therapists, and other qualifying employees working for eligible Florida healthcare facilities.
Eligibility depends on the employer, employment status, and applicable program guidelines—not simply the employee's professional title.
Teachers & School Employees
Qualifying employees of eligible Florida K–12 schools may include teachers, school counselors, school nurses, and other school staff members.
Military Service Members & Veterans
The program also provides eligibility pathways for qualifying military service members, reservists, Coast Guard members, Florida National Guard members, and veterans who meet applicable program requirements.
Court Employees & Childcare Workers
Certain full-time employees of eligible Florida courts, State Attorney's Offices, Public Defender's Offices, and qualifying childcare facilities may also be eligible.
Not sure whether your profession qualifies?
Contact me, and we can review the current program guidelines and identify the next steps for determining your eligibility.
How Much Down Payment Assistance Can You Receive?
Under the published 2026 program guidelines, qualifying homebuyers may receive assistance equal to up to 5% of their first mortgage loan amount, subject to a $10,000 minimum and $35,000 maximum.
For illustration:
First Mortgage Amount | Potential Assistance |
$250,000 | $12,500 |
$350,000 | $17,500 |
$450,000 | $22,500 |
$550,000 | $27,500 |
$700,000 | $35,000 |
These examples illustrate the 5% calculation and do not guarantee qualification, approval, or funding.
A participating lender must determine the actual assistance amount and financing terms.
Hometown Heroes Program Requirements
To qualify, buyers generally must meet requirements involving:
Eligible employment: Applicants must satisfy the program's current occupation and employment rules.
First-time homebuyer status: Most applicants must meet the program's first-time homebuyer definition, subject to applicable exceptions.
Income limits: Household or borrower income must satisfy the program's applicable county and loan guidelines.
Credit and mortgage qualifications: Applicants must qualify for an eligible first mortgage through a participating lender.
Primary residence: The property must be purchased and occupied as the buyer's primary residence.
Program funding: Assistance is dependent on available funding at the time of the transaction.
A participating lender can review the specific requirements that apply to your situation.
Buying a Home in Miami-Dade, Broward County or the Florida Keys?
Finding the right home involves more than qualifying for a mortgage.
Homebuyers should also consider property taxes, homeowners insurance, condominium association requirements, monthly housing expenses, neighborhood preferences, commute times, and long-term financial goals.
I assist buyers throughout South Florida, including:
Miami-Dade County: Miami, Coral Gables, Miami Springs, Doral, Hialeah, Kendall, Homestead, and surrounding communities.
Broward County: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Plantation, Weston, and surrounding communities.
Why Work With Jackie Folgueira?
A Realtor Who Understands the People Behind the Uniform
After 27+ years in law enforcement and more than 20 years in real estate, I bring a perspective shaped by both public service and the South Florida real estate market.
I understand that first responders and healthcare professionals often work demanding schedules, long shifts, holidays, and unpredictable hours.
My goal is to make the homebuying process organized, informed, and responsive to your needs.
When you work with me, you receive:
Local real estate knowledge throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and the Florida Keys.
More than 20 years of real estate experience.
A professional who understands law enforcement and first responder lifestyles.
Guidance with property searches, offers, negotiations, inspections, and closing.
Coordination with your lender and other professionals involved in your transaction.
Personalized attention based on your goals, schedule, and budget.
While I have a special connection to law enforcement, first responders, and their families, my real estate services are available to all homebuyers and homeowners.
You don't have to be a first responder to work with me.
How to Get Started With the Florida Hometown Heroes Program
Step 1 — Contact Jackie
Tell me about your homebuying plans, your preferred location, and your general timeline.
Step 2 — Review Your Eligibility
We can discuss the program's requirements and connect you with an appropriate participating lender to evaluate your qualifications.
Step 3 — Explore Your Financing Options
Your lender can review available mortgage programs, down payment assistance, estimated closing costs, and your potential purchasing budget.
Step 4 — Find the Right Home
Once your financing options are established, I'll help you identify suitable homes in Miami-Dade, Broward County, or the Florida Keys.
Step 5 — Navigate the Purchase
From making an offer through inspections, financing, and closing, I'll guide you through the real estate transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Florida Hometown Heroes Program
What is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is a state-administered homebuyer assistance program that provides qualifying Florida workers with down payment and closing cost assistance when purchasing an eligible primary residence.
How much assistance can I receive?
Eligible buyers may qualify for up to 5% of their first mortgage loan amount, subject to a $10,000 minimum and $35,000 maximum under published 2026 guidelines.
Do police officers qualify for Hometown Heroes in Florida?
Sworn law enforcement officers employed by qualifying Florida-based law enforcement agencies are among the eligible public safety occupations. Applicants must also meet other program and mortgage requirements.
Can firefighters and paramedics qualify?
Yes. Firefighters, certified EMTs, and certified paramedics employed by qualifying Florida-based employers may be eligible, subject to the program's requirements.
Do nurses qualify for the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?
Nurses employed by qualifying Florida-based healthcare facilities may be eligible. Employment and mortgage requirements must be verified.
Do teachers qualify?
Eligible full-time employees of qualifying Florida K–12 schools may qualify, provided they meet the applicable program requirements.
Is the Hometown Heroes down payment assistance free money?
No. The assistance is a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage, not a forgivable grant. Repayment is required when specified events occur, including sale or refinancing.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
The program generally requires first-time homebuyer eligibility, although certain exceptions may apply. A participating lender can determine whether you qualify.
Can I use Hometown Heroes to buy a condo?
Potentially. The condominium and the borrower must satisfy the requirements of the selected first mortgage program, along with the Hometown Heroes guidelines.
Can I use the program in Miami-Dade, Broward County, or the Florida Keys?
The program operates statewide, including these South Florida counties. County-specific income and loan limits and property eligibility requirements apply.
Is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program accepting applications?
Program funding is limited and may be fully committed during a funding cycle. Florida Housing announced that the 2025–2026 allocation was fully committed. Buyers should verify current funding availability with a participating lender before relying on the assistance.
Can I work with my own Realtor?
Yes. Homebuyers can work with a real estate professional of their choice while coordinating program financing with an eligible participating lender.
Ready to Explore Your Homebuying Options?
Whether you're a police officer, firefighter, nurse, teacher, healthcare professional, military service member, or another eligible Florida worker, understanding your financing options is an important first step toward homeownership.
I'm here to help you navigate the South Florida real estate market and make informed decisions about your next move.
Jackie Folgueira
Broker Associate | Keller Williams Capital Realty
Lion International Group
Serving Miami-Dade, Broward County & the Florida Keys
Program information is subject to change. Eligibility, mortgage approval, assistance amounts, and funding availability are determined by Florida Housing and participating lenders. Lion International Group and Keller Williams Capital Realty do not administer or guarantee Hometown Heroes funding.
Official program information: https://www.floridahousing.org/live-local-act/hometown-heroes-program
The program amounts, qualifying occupation categories, and repayment terms above are based on Florida Housing's published 2026 program page and eligible-occupations guidance.
