Hometown Heroes Florida: Can You Use It on New Construction?
In this article
"Yes, you can use Florida's Hometown Heroes program on a newly built home, but the home has to be finished first. Florida Housing's lender guide says a Certificate of Occupancy must be issued before the loan can be reserved, and new-construction reservations cancel at 90 days. On Sept. 27, 2026, the program's reservation partner showed more than $25 million available, but funding changes, so check floridahousing.org before you count on it.
What is Hometown Heroes in Florida?
Hometown Heroes is a Florida Housing Finance Corporation program. Florida Housing's program page (checked Sept. 27, 2026) says it ""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.""
The same page says eligible borrowers can get an FHA, VA, RD or conventional first mortgage at competitive market rates, reduced upfront fees, and no origination points or discount points, plus the down payment help.
How much does Hometown Heroes give you?
Florida Housing's program page says borrowers can receive ""up to 5% of the total first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $35,000/minimum of $10,000)"" for down payment and closing costs.
It is a loan, not a grant. The help comes as a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. You make no monthly payment on it. It becomes due in full if you sell, refinance the first mortgage, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home as your primary residence. The page says plainly: ""The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.""
EXAMPLE ONLY: How the 5% rule works. Loan amounts are examples, not prices for any home. Your loan must also fit your county's 2026 loan limit.
Total first mortgage loan | 5% of the loan | Hometown Heroes help |
|---|---|---|
$150,000 | $7,500 | $10,000 (the minimum applies) |
$300,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
$400,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 |
For a real-world check, Florida Housing's February 2026 press release (checked Sept. 27, 2026) says the average first mortgage in the 2025 round was about $320,000 and the average assistance was around $16,000.
Who qualifies for Hometown Heroes in 2026?
Florida Housing's program page says the 2026 program is limited to:
People employed full-time by a Florida-based employer as a health care worker, school staff member, first responder, public safety or court employee, or child care worker.
Servicemembers of the U.S. military or reserves, the U.S. Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard.
Veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer.
Florida Housing's 2026 Hometown Heroes TBA Lender Guide (revised Sept. 17, 2026, checked Sept. 27, 2026) adds more rules:
First-time buyer. You cannot have owned your primary residence in the last three years. Veterans, active military, reserve and National Guard members, and buyers in federally designated targeted areas are exempt.
Credit. Minimum credit score of 640, or 660 if the loan is manually underwritten.
Where you work. You must work from or report to a Florida brick-and-mortar location. The guide says ""No remote workers."" Hybrid workers qualify if they report in at least three days a week.
Education. One occupying borrower must finish a program-approved pre-purchase homebuyer education course.
Limits. Your income and loan must be under the limits for the county where you buy. Florida Housing posts the 2026 Hometown Heroes income and loan limits (checked Sept. 27, 2026).
Can you use Hometown Heroes on new construction?
Yes, as long as the home is built and ready to close on time. Florida Housing's lender guide lists attached and detached one-unit homes, including townhomes, as eligible property types. It also has rules written just for new construction:
Certificate of Occupancy first. The guide says a Certificate of Occupancy ""must be issued prior to reservation/lock,"" and homes without one ""are not eligible for reservation/lock.""
A short clock. ""New construction will cancel at 90 days from reservation."" The guide's key reminders repeat it: ""No exceptions.""
No construction loans. The guide says construction-to-permanent loans ""are NOT permitted."" This program is for buying a finished home, not for financing the build.
A signed contract. The rates page of eHousingPlus, the company Florida Housing's guide names as running the program's reservation system, says a lender must have a fully executed purchase contract before locking a loan.
What this means in plain words: you can sign for a new home while it is being built, but your Hometown Heroes money cannot be reserved until the home has its Certificate of Occupancy. Then you need to close within the program's timeline.
Is Hometown Heroes funding open right now?
Here is what we could confirm on Sept. 27, 2026:
Florida Housing's program page lists the ""HTH 2026 Program"" and posts its 2026 income and loan limits (effective with reservations as of May 6, 2026). It does not show a live dollar balance.
The eHousingPlus rates page (checked Sept. 27, 2026) showed: ""Over $25 Million Available in Hometown Heroes 2026 DPA.""
Funding runs out. Florida Housing's February 2026 press release says the 2025 round opened Aug. 18, 2025, with $50 million and committed all of it in six months.
So funding status changes. Check floridahousing.org or ask a participating lender on the day you plan to apply. If the money runs out before your new home gets its Certificate of Occupancy, you may not be able to use the program on that home.
What this means for new-construction buyers in Florida
Hometown Heroes and new construction can work together, but timing is everything.
Pick a lender who participates. Florida Housing's homebuyer page says you must work with an approved, participating lender. Its Lender and Real Estate Agent Locator helps you find one. Also, the lender guide says this help is not stand-alone: it comes with a Florida Housing first mortgage.
Ask how builder offers fit. If a builder's offer depends on using a certain lender, ask whether that lender participates in Florida Housing's program, and get the answer in writing.
Ask for the Certificate of Occupancy date. Homes that are finished or close to finished line up best with the 90-day window.
Know the payback rule. The help is due in full when you sell or refinance. Plan for that before you sign.
If a townhome is on your list, see our guide to buying a new-construction townhome for the first time. After you close, the Florida homestead exemption can lower the property tax on the home you live in.
National House Search is builder-neutral. We can help you find new homes across Florida that are finished or near finished, so the timing can work with Hometown Heroes. Home prices and builder offers change often, so call 561-704-0091 for today's numbers.
Common Questions
Can I use Hometown Heroes on a new construction home in Florida?
Yes, if the home is finished. Florida Housing's lender guide says a Certificate of Occupancy must be issued before the loan can be reserved, and new-construction reservations cancel at 90 days. Construction-to-permanent loans are not allowed.
How much is Hometown Heroes assistance?
Up to 5% of the total first mortgage loan amount, with a maximum of \$35,000 and a minimum of \$10,000, according to Florida Housing's program page checked Sept. 27, 2026. It is a 0%, 30-year deferred second mortgage.
Do I have to pay Hometown Heroes back?
Yes. Florida Housing says the loan is not forgivable. It becomes due in full if you sell, refinance the first mortgage, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home as your primary residence.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
Usually. Florida Housing's lender guide says you cannot have owned your primary residence in the last three years. Veterans, active military, reserve and National Guard members, and buyers in federally designated targeted areas are exempt.
Is Hometown Heroes funding available now?
On Sept. 27, 2026, the eHousingPlus rates page showed over \$25 million available for Hometown Heroes 2026. Funding changes, and the 2025 round was fully committed in six months. Check floridahousing.org or a participating lender before you apply.
What credit score do I need for Hometown Heroes?
Florida Housing's 2026 Hometown Heroes lender guide lists a minimum credit score of 640 for all loan types, and 660 for manually underwritten loans. Your lender will also look at your income and debts.
Can remote workers use Hometown Heroes?
No. Florida Housing's lender guide says ""No remote workers."" Hybrid workers can qualify if they report to a Florida work location at least three days a week.
Ready to take the next step?
Call 561-704-0091 to talk with a National House Search specialist, or Schedule a visit.
Related reading: Buying a new-construction townhome for the first time · Florida homestead exemption on new construction · Condo vs. townhouse vs. single-family home
This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Figures checked September 27, 2026."