Hometown Heroes: Florida First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Program

Last week, Governor Ron Desantis announced the “Hometown Heroes” first-time homebuyer assistance program which has some amazing features. The bill budgets $100,000,000.00 in down payment assistance funds. Borrowers can receive up to 5% of their mortgage amount ($25,000 maximum). Also, the income limit for all borrowers is now $118,200.00. This means higher assistance amounts and higher qualifying income.

The Heroes bill specifies who is eligible to apply for this assistance, namely, frontline community workers such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, healthcare professionals, childcare employees, and active military or veterans. It is projected that the eligible number of employees is approximately 3,089,310.

This program also provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time, income-qualified homebuyers so they can purchase a primary residence in the community in which they work and serve.

Eligible frontline workers can potentially receive lower than market rates on an FHA, VA, RD, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac first mortgage, reduced upfront fees, no origination points or discount points and down payment and closing cost assistance.

Here's how it works:

Down payment and closing cost assistance is available in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. This second mortgage becomes due and payable in full upon sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of deed, or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as his/her primary residence. The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.

If you think you meet these requirements or are unsure if you do, visit our contact us page or reach out to Mike Hendrickson directly. We would love to assist you on your journey to home-ownership!

Article by:

Michael Hendrickson
Senior Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS 368372
p. 904.614.0309
c. 904-614-0309
michael.hendrickson@usbank.com