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Hometown Heroes of Florida - Down Payment Assistance Program
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Hometown Heroes of Florida - Down Payment Assistance Program
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How It Works

Confirm Eligibility & Pre-Qualify in seconds using AI → Apply for Preapproval → Shop With Confidence → Close With Up to $35K in Interest-Free Assistance

Have Questions About Qualifying?

Use the AI Assistant below — it’s the fastest, most effective way to see if you’re eligible for Florida’s #1 Down Payment Assistance Program. Get real-time, accurate answers 24/7.

Do You Qualify for Florida’s Hometown Heroes Program?

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Real Reviews from Florida Heroes

“Without this program, we wouldn’t have been able to buy our home. Todd made it seamless.”
– Maria T., Florida Teacher

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Florida’s Top Mortgage Broker Helps Eligible First-time Homebuyers, Teachers, Nurses, First Responders & Veterans Buy with Confidence

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Hometown Heroes Program - FAQ

Hometown Heroes Program – FAQ

Who must work in an eligible occupation?
Only ONE occupying borrower.
I'm active-duty military. Do I need an eligible occupation?
No. Provide a current LES; the occupation list doesn't apply.
Are veterans exempt from working full-time?
No. Veterans must still be employed full-time, but any occupation is fine.
Do remote employees qualify?
No. The employer must have a physical Florida location that the borrower works from or reports to. Hybrid is OK; 100% remote is not.
What counts as "full-time"?
40 hrs/week proven by paystubs or VOE. If paystubs show less than 40 hrs, get a written or verbal VOE. Offer letters are NOT accepted.
What is the first-time homebuyer definition?
No ownership interest in a principal residence during the 3 years before closing (unless exempt by statute such as targeted areas).
Does my non-purchasing spouse have to be a first-time buyer?
YES under Bond (household test); NO under TBA (borrowers only).
How is income calculated?
Bond = total household gross income (all occupants 18+). TBA = AUS/credit-qualifying income of the borrower(s) only.
What are the 2025 income limits?
County-specific. Example: Miami-Dade Bond = $154,800; TBA = $153,000. Check the 2025 tables.
What credit score do I need?
640 for standard AUS-approved loans; 660 for manufactured housing or any manual underwrite.
How much down-payment help can I get?
A 5% second mortgage up to $35,000, fully repayable, 0% interest, due on sale, refi, or transfer.
Is homebuyer education required?
Yes—one HUD-approved course OR Freddie Mac CreditSmart. Provide certificate at closing.
Can a non-occupying co-signor help me qualify?
Yes for income/credit, but the co-signor cannot satisfy the full-time occupation requirement.
What if I need manual underwriting?
Allowed with most first-mortgage types; minimum 660 FICO and follow Lakeview manual UW overlays.
Can I switch from Bond to TBA mid-process?
Yes, but you must cancel the existing lock and re-reserve; new rates/fees apply.
How long is my rate lock?
70 days standard for both programs.
What is the delivery deadline?
Closed first-mortgage & second-mortgage packages must be delivered to Lakeview within 45 days of closing; purchase by day 70.
Is there a recapture tax?
Bond loans ARE subject to federal recapture if the home is sold within 9 years and other tests are met; TBA loans are NOT.
Can I own another property at closing?
No for FHA/VA/USDA and Bond conventional; FNMA/FHLMC HFA products limit ownership to two properties max.
How many times can I use Florida Housing programs?
One-time only—including co-signing—across all Florida Housing first and second mortgages.
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The Todd Hanley Mortgage Team

NMLS ID #1013665

United Direct Lending NMLS ID #1749719

Phone: (954) 806-5114

Hours of Availability

Mon–Fri: 8am – 9pm

Sat–Sun: 9am – 9pm

United Direct Lending, LLC

5550 Glades Rd, Ste. 500
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Equal Housing Opportunity

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Disclaimer

Todd Hanley – Senior Loan Officer provides an Equal Housing Opportunity. This material is not from HUD or FHA and not approved by any government agency. Rates, Programs, Fees, and Guidelines are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. Not a commitment to lend. Not all will qualify.

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