The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program 2025 is designed to make homeownership more affordable for Florida’s workers, first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, military personnel, and veterans. As of August 1, 2025, both the Bond Program and TBA (The Bond Alternative) Program have been updated, providing clear guidelines, expanded eligible occupations, and competitive benefits for first-time homebuyers across the state.

What is the Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program offers competitive first mortgage rates plus down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible full-time workers employed by a Florida-based employer with a physical in-state location. The program is available in two formats:

  • BOND Program – Considers household income of all occupants 18+ and first-time homebuyer status of all borrowers, non-purchasing spouses, and anyone on the deed.
  • TBA Program – Considers only the borrower’s income and first-time homebuyer status (spouse’s information is not counted unless on the loan).

Hometown Heroes Loan Benefits

  • 5% Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance (capped at $35,000, minimum $10,000)
  • 0% interest, non-amortizing, repayable second mortgage (due upon sale, refinance, transfer, or when the home is no longer the primary residence)
  • No upfront 1% origination fee – saving borrowers thousands at closing
  • Available with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional mortgage options
  • Reduced mortgage insurance premiums for qualifying borrowers at or below 80% AMI

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program 2025:

  1. Employment Requirement – You must work full-time for a Florida-based employer with a physical location in Florida.
  2. Eligible Occupations – The program is open to hundreds of professions, including:
    • Healthcare – Nurses, therapists, technicians, physicians, pharmacists, mental health professionals
    • Education – K-12 teachers, principals, aides, librarians, cafeteria workers, custodial staff
    • First Responders – Firefighters, EMTs, paramedics
    • Law Enforcement & Public Safety – Police officers, correctional officers, 911 operators
    • Court Employees – Attorneys, court clerks, stenographers, public defenders, state attorneys
    • Childcare Workers – Licensed daycare and early education staff
    • Military & Veterans – Active duty, reserves, Florida National Guard, and qualifying veterans
  3. Income Limits & Purchase Price Caps – Vary by county and household size (updated August 1, 2025).
  4. First-Time Homebuyer Requirement – Applies unless you qualify for a veteran’s exemption or are buying in a federally designated targeted area.

Bond vs. TBA – Which is Right for You?

  • Choose the Bond Program if you have household income within the published limits and need full family eligibility review.
  • Choose the TBA Program if you prefer qualification based only on your income and first-time homebuyer status.

Why This Program Matters in 2025

With rising home prices and tight inventory, many essential workers struggle to save for a down payment. The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program directly addresses this by lowering upfront costs, offering competitive interest rates, and making it possible for those who serve Florida communities to buy a home in the same communities they work in.

How to Get Started

At North Star Mortgage Network, we specialize in helping buyers navigate the Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program 2025. We’ll:

  • Confirm your eligibility and help you select the right program (Bond or TBA)
  • Guide you through the income, purchase price, and occupational requirements
  • Secure the most competitive rates available under the program

Your best interest is my principal concern.

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