Helping Florida’s Workforce Buy a Home – Launching August 18, 2025

At SHL Residential, we’re excited to share that Florida Housing has officially announced the 2025 Hometown Heroes (HTH) Program, launching August 18, 2025, with a $50 million allocation to support Florida’s workforce in becoming homeowners.

Whether you're a nurse, teacher, first responder, or court employee, this program is designed to help those who serve our communities afford a home in the neighborhoods they work in.

What’s New in the 2025 HTH Program?

• Program Launch Date: August 18, 2025
• New Requirement: At least one occupying borrower must work in an eligible occupation
• Minimum Credit Score: 640
• Eligibility: First-time homebuyers OR those who haven’t owned in the past 3 years
• Property Type: Primary residence only
• Employment Status: Full-time (35+ hours/week) with a Florida-based employer

‍Important Notes:

• Only one borrower needs to meet the occupation requirement (co-signers do not count).
• Veterans and active-duty military must meet both military and occupational requirements.

Who Qualifies? | Eligible Occupations

You may qualify if you work full-time in any of the following sectors:

Healthcare Professionals

Includes those employed at hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, or healthcare offices.
Examples:

• Registered Nurse (RN), LPN, CNA, APRN
• Medical Technicians: ER Techs, Lab Techs, X-ray Techs
• Medical Therapists: Physical, Speech, Respiratory Therapists
• Mental Health Workers: Case Manager, Psychologist
• Doctors, Dentists, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants

K-12 School Staff

Full-time staff at public, private, charter, or magnet K-12 schools.
Examples:

• Classroom Teachers, Teacher Aides, Principals
• School Counselors, Librarians, Cafeteria Staff
• Janitors, Maintenance, Psychologists

First Responders

Must be employed full-time by a Florida-based fire department, ambulance service, or hospital.
Examples:

• Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics

Public Safety Workers

Full-time employees of local, state, or federal law enforcement, corrections, or emergency response agencies.
Examples:

• Law Enforcement Officers, 911 Dispatchers
• Correctional Officers, Probation Officers

Court System Employees

Employed full-time by a Florida-based court or legal office.
Examples:

• Attorneys, Court Clerks, Stenographers
• Employees of State Attorney or Public Defender offices

Childcare Workers

Full-time staff at licensed or exempt child care facilities in Florida.
Examples:

• Preschool Teachers, Daycare Providers, Care Assistants

Military & Veterans

• Active Duty / Reserves: All U.S. military branches including Florida National Guard
• Veterans: Must be employed full-time in Florida and discharged under honorable conditions

How Much Assistance Can You Get?

Hometown Heroes Second Mortgage Assistance:

• 5% of the loan amount, capped at $35,000
• Minimum of $10,000 available for down payment and closing costs
• Example: A $200,000 loan qualifies for a $10,000 benefit

Program Structure:

• 0% interest, non-forgivable, 30-year second mortgage
• Deferred payment unless the property is sold, refinanced, or vacated
• Cannot be combined with other Florida Housing down payment programs

Program Requirements Summary

RequirementDetailsCredit Score640 or higherHomebuyer StatusFirst-time buyer or haven’t owned in 3+ yearsEmploymentFull-time (35+ hours/week) with a FL-based employerEligible OccupationOnly one borrower needs to meet this requirementProperty TypePrimary residence only

Ready to Apply on August 18?

If you're a Florida hero working in healthcare, education, public safety, or similar fields — this is your opportunity to become a homeowner with significant assistance.

Contact SHL Residential today to pre-qualify, get matched with a lender, or ask any questions about the Hometown Heroes Program.