Florida Hometown Heroes Program

Helping Florida’s Frontline Workers Become Homeowners

The Hometown Heroes Housing Program was created by the state of Florida to help the people who serve our communities afford homeownership. Whether you’re a teacher, nurse, firefighter, police officer, veteran, or another type of frontline worker, this program offers valuable financial assistance to help with down payment and closing costs when buying a home.



At CTC Mortgage, we are proud to be an approved lender for this program and work closely with eligible buyers across Florida—including right here in West Palm Beach—to help make homeownership more accessible and affordable.

Program Benefits: 0% Interest Down Payment Assistance

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program offers eligible homebuyers up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount, or a maximum of $35,000, in the form of a 0% interest loan. This money can be used for down payment and/or closing costs, and repayment is deferred—meaning you don’t pay it back unless you sell, refinance, or transfer ownership of the home.

Additional highlights include:



  • No monthly payments on the assistance loan
  • Can be used with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loans
  • Reduces the upfront cash needed to close
  • Helps eligible workers purchase homes closer to where they serve

This assistance can make the difference between waiting to buy and getting into your first home today.

Who Qualifies for the Hometown Heroes Program?

To qualify, you must be a first-time homebuyer (meaning you haven’t owned a home in the past three years) and work in an eligible frontline occupation in Florida.


Qualified professions include, but are not limited to:


  • Law enforcement officers
  • Firefighters & EMTs
  • Nurses, CNAs, and other healthcare professionals
  • Teachers & school staff
  • Childcare workers
  • Active-duty military & veterans
  • Corrections officers, social workers, and other public servants

Other requirements include:


  • Must work full-time (35+ hours/week) for an eligible Florida employer
  • Meet income limits, which vary by county and household size
  • The property must be a primary residence and located in Florida
  • Must complete a homebuyer education course (if using down payment assistance)

We’ll help verify your eligibility and walk you through the documentation.

How the Program Works with Your Loan

The Hometown Heroes Housing Program is not a mortgage by itself—it’s an assistance program that works in combination with a primary mortgage, such as an FHA, VA, Conventional, or USDA loan.



CTC Mortgage handles both the main mortgage and the down payment assistance, ensuring a streamlined application and faster approval process. We’ll help you:


  • Determine if your profession and income qualify
  • Choose the best loan program for your needs
  • Submit all required documents to the Florida Housing Authority
  • Coordinate your closing so the assistance is applied properly

Many buyers using this program are also first-time buyers. If that’s you, be sure to explore our First-Time Home Buyer Loans page for additional tips and low-down payment options.

How to Apply for Florida’s Hometown Heroes Program

As an approved lender, CTC Mortgage will guide you through the entire process—from pre-approval to closing. Here’s how to get started:



  1. Contact us to determine if your job and income qualify
  2. Submit basic documents like pay stubs, proof of employment, and credit info
  3. Complete a homebuyer education course (if required)
  4. We’ll help you pair the assistance with the right mortgage loan
  5. Move forward with confidence knowing your down payment needs are covered

If you serve our community, let us serve you. Contact CTC Mortgage today to get started with your Florida Hometown Heroes loan.

Explore Other Loan Options

Looking for a different type of mortgage? Compare our other home purchase programs:

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Us today for a free pre-approval or to learn more about your mortgage choices.

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Faqs– Florida Hometown Heroes

Answers to common mortgage questions

  • What is the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program?

    The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is a state-funded initiative that provides 0% interest loans for down payment and closing costs to eligible frontline workers. The program helps community heroes like teachers, nurses, law enforcement, and military veterans afford their first home. It’s designed to reduce the upfront cost of buying a house and make homeownership more accessible to those who serve the public.

  • How much assistance can I get through the Hometown Heroes Program?

    Eligible borrowers can receive up to 5% of the mortgage amount, with a maximum cap of $35,000, through a deferred second mortgage. This loan is interest-free and requires no monthly payments. It’s only repaid if you sell, refinance, or transfer the property. The funds can be used toward both the down payment and closing costs, helping to reduce the cash you need at the time of purchase.

  • Do I have to be a first-time buyer to qualify?

    In most cases, yes. The program defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years. However, military veterans and certain other applicants may be exempt from this requirement. CTC Mortgage will help determine your eligibility and assist you with documentation to prove first-time buyer status or applicable exemptions.

  • What professions qualify for the Hometown Heroes Program?

    Eligible professions include law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, nurses, teachers, school staff, childcare workers, active-duty military, and veterans, among others. The program is designed to support those who serve Florida communities directly. You’ll need to show proof of employment in an eligible full-time role with a Florida-based employer.

  • Can I combine Hometown Heroes assistance with an FHA, VA, or Conventional loan?

    Absolutely. The Hometown Heroes assistance program is designed to be paired with primary mortgage loans like FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional financing. CTC Mortgage will help you find the best loan program to pair with your down payment assistance, making the process efficient and fully integrated. You’ll get one loan package and close on your home with confidence.