Receive up to $35K to buy a home in Florida with the Hometown Heroes Program
You worked hard to get where you are – now it’s time that hard work paid off. With the Hometown Heroes Program, eligible full-time Florida employees can get up to $35,000 in down payment assistance, making homeownership more affordable.
What is the Hometown Heroes Program?
The Hometown Heroes Program 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. Veterans do not have to be first-time homebuyers or employed full time.
Florida Housing estimates that the funding will only last up to 2-3 months after the program updates take effect on July 1, 2025. If you want to take advantage of this first-of-its-kind program, don’t wait – reserve your funds now!
How does the Hometown Heroes Program work?
It’s simple. Any eligible homebuyer can receive these funds at closing in the form of a second mortgage that has absolutely NO interest rate or monthly payment for the entire duration of the loan. It’s paid back only upon sale, refinance, total loan payoff, or if the borrower vacates the property.
All traditional loan programs and property types anywhere in the State of Florida are eligible!
Loan programs available: Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA
Single family homes, Townhomes, Condominiums, Villas, 2-4 units total are permitted
Down payment and closing cost assistance is available in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage
Available for any Florida-based worker who has not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years
Who is eligible?
Full-time employees of Florida-based businesses (including remote employees). Veterans are exempt from the employment requirement.
Self-employed buyers with a Florida business license
Real estate agents
640+ credit score
Qualifying buyer must be within the county income limits
Co-signers are permitted (if total combined income doesn’t exceed limit)
Ready to start your journey?
Hometown Heroes down payment and closing cost assistance
Homebuyers can purchase up to $800,000 with minimal to zero funds of their own. A good rule of thumb estimate is assistance will be 5% of the purchase price. Actual amounts will vary. See examples at right.
| Purchase price | Potential assistance |
|---|---|
| $200,000 | $10,000 |
| $300,000 | $15,000 |
| $400,000 | $20,000 |
| $500,000 | $25,000 |
| $600,000 | $30,000 |
| $700,000-$800,000 | $35,000 |
How to apply for the Hometown Heroes Program
We make applying easy and put home shoppers like you in the best position to secure funds and purchase a home.
Follow the steps below to apply!
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1
Call (850) 600-0929
8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET
7 days a week -
2
Complete a 10-minute application by phone and the Amy Harvell Team will help you gather all necessary documents.
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3
Once reviewed, the Amy Harvell Team will schedule a phone consultation to go over all your loan option details, monthly payments, and qualification status.
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4
Find your perfect home and get under contract before the program ends!
Amy Harvell
Branch Manager
NMLS #1752706
5210 South Ferdon Blvd, Suite A, Office 12, 13, 14
Crestview, FL 32536
Meet Amy Harvell
Amy Harvell is proud to be recognized as the #1 VA Loan Originator in Florida and #2 in the Nation. With over a decade of experience, she has dedicated her career to serving the mortgage needs of the real estate community—specializing in purchase transactions, supporting agents, and guiding their clients through the homebuying journey.
Known affectionately as “Captain Save-a-Loan,” Amy is renowned for her innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to getting deals closed. Her reputation for rescuing challenging transactions and championing her partners has made her a trusted name among agents across the country.
Together with her team, Amy has helped more than 3,000 families achieve their dream of homeownership nationwide. Team Harvell has a particular passion for assisting military families and first-time homebuyers, recognizing that homeownership lays the foundation for lasting financial security and generational wealth.
Clients enjoy an industry-leading pre-approval experience—trusted, agent-endorsed, and simplified—backed by a closing rate that’s second to none. The team operates seven days a week from 8 AM to 9 PM, answering all inquiries live during those hours, 364 days a year.
Team Harvell takes great pride in delivering kind, transparent, and consistent communication throughout every step of the mortgage process. Their close-knit approach ensures that each client receives a personalized, high-touch experience from application to closing.
Want to know if you’re eligible?
Find out more!