FLORIDA HOMETOWN HEROES IS BACK for 2026: What Central Florida Homebuyers Need to Know!

July 16, 20263 min read

If you've been waiting for help buying a home in Florida, now is the time to pay attention.

The Florida Hometown Heroes Program has reopened with new funding, giving eligible homebuyers access to up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

While the program is available throughout Florida, funding is limited and previous rounds have been exhausted quickly.

If you live or work in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Lake, Osceola, or Brevard County, it's worth finding out whether you qualify before you start shopping for a home.

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Wondering if You Qualify?

Every homebuyer's situation is unique. The fastest way to find out whether you're eligible for Florida Hometown Heroes is to complete our secure online application or schedule a quick conversation with our team.

Choose the option that's best for you:

Find Out if You Qualify - APPLY ONLINE: https://midfloridamortgage-rr.my1003app.com
Complete our secure online application. It takes about 10 minutes, there's no obligation, and we'll review your eligibility for Hometown Heroes and other available programs.

Prefer to Talk First?
Call or text Rayce Robinson at (321) 377-4211 and we'll answer your questions before you apply.

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What is Florida Hometown Heroes?

Florida Hometown Heroes is a state-sponsored down payment assistance program designed to help hardworking Floridians become homeowners.

Qualified buyers may receive assistance to cover:

  • Down payment

  • Closing costs

  • Prepaid expenses

The assistance is provided as a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payment. It becomes due when you sell the home, refinance, pay off the first mortgage, or no longer occupy the property as your primary residence.

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Who Can Qualify?

The program is available to many full-time employees working for Florida-based employers, including:

  • Teachers

  • Healthcare professionals

  • Firefighters

  • Law enforcement officers

  • First responders

  • Military members and veterans

  • Childcare workers

  • Court employees

  • Many other full-time Florida workers

Eligibility depends on several factors, including:

  • Employment

  • Income limits

  • Credit qualifications

  • Occupancy requirements

  • Loan program guidelines

Because the rules have changed from previous years, it's important to review your situation before assuming you do—or don't—qualify.

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How Much Assistance Can You Receive?

Eligible buyers may receive up to 5% of the loan amount, with assistance ranging from $10,000 to a maximum of $35,000, depending on the loan and program guidelines.

That money can often make the difference between continuing to rent and becoming a homeowner.

Why Timing Matters

One thing every buyer should know is that Hometown Heroes funding is limited.

When the state allocation is exhausted, new reservations cannot be made until additional funding becomes available.

If you're thinking about buying a home this year, getting pre-approved before you start house hunting can put you in a much stronger position.

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Buying in Central Florida?

At Mid Florida Mortgage Professionals, we've helped Central Florida families purchase homes for more than 20 years.

We work with buyers throughout:

  • Oviedo

  • Winter Springs

  • Orlando

  • Sanford

  • Lake Mary

  • Winter Park

  • Altamonte Springs

  • Casselberry

  • Longwood

  • Deltona

  • DeLand

  • Titusville

  • Melbourne

  • And surrounding Central Florida communities

As an independent mortgage broker, we have access to multiple wholesale lenders, allowing us to compare loan options and help determine which program best fits your goals—including Florida Hometown Heroes.

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Have Questions?

If you're wondering whether you qualify, we'd be happy to review your situation and explain your options before you begin your home search.

There is no obligation, and in many cases a short conversation can help you avoid surprises later in the buying process.

Rayce Robinson
Mid Florida Mortgage Professionals

📞 Call or Text: (321) 377-4211

🌐 www.meetraycerobinson.com


Continue Learning

If you are researching the Florida Hometown Heroes program, you will find these companion guides in our handbook highly helpful:

  • What is Florida Hometown Heroes? posted 7/16/2026

  • What Jobs Qualify for Florida Hometown Heroes? posted 7/22/2026

  • Florida Hometown Heroes Income Limits Explained: TBA vs. Bond?

  • FHA vs. Conventional vs. VA with Florida Hometown Heroes?

  • Is Florida Hometown Heroes Only for First-Time Homebuyers?

  • How to Apply for Florida Hometown Heroes?

  • Do You Have to Pay Back Florida Hometown Heroes?

  • Florida Hometown Heroes Underwriting Red Flags: Processing Errors and Repayment Realities

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Contact Info

We’re here to make your home financing experience smooth and stress-free. Contact our team anytime — we’re ready to guide you through every step of your homebuying journey.

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Location

235 S Central Ave, Oviedo Florida 32765

235 S Central Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765, USA

Mid Florida Mortgage Professionals
Company NMLS# 1587074

Rayce Robinson

LO NMLS # 322615
235 South Central Ave
Oviedo, Florida 32765

© 2026 Mid Florida Mortgage Professionals. All rights reserved. Mid Florida Mortgage Professionals is not affiliated with any government agencies. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS Consumer Access