More Than 800 Families Get House Down Payment Assistance
July 27, 2022 Updated 9:15 A.M. ET
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced more than $12 million in down payment assistance has been provided to 843 families since the Hometown Heroes housing assistance program launched in June.
The program provides downpayment and closing cost assistance to more than 50 different professions when buying their first home. The program supports law enforcement officers, educators, healthcare professionals, and active military or veterans.
“Our law enforcement, first responders, nurses, and other hometown heroes work hard every day to take care of their communities,” DeSantis said. “I’m proud that we have been able to give back by helping 800 families buy their first home in the communities they serve, and I look forward to seeing this project grow to help thousands more in the coming months.”
Florida Housing received $100 million from the state legislature this year to establish the Hometown Heroes program. The money is given out through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
“We’re extremely proud to share this milestone because it demonstrates how much the Hometown Heroes program is already helping hardworking Floridians throughout the state,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “In less than two months, we have provided hundreds of families with the necessary financial assistance to purchase their first home.”
Eligible homebuyers will receive up to 5% of their first mortgage loan amount (up to a maximum of $25,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage.
In order to qualify, homebuyers must connect with one of Florida Housing’s participating loan officers, have a minimum credit score of 640, provide certification for one of the eligible occupations, and meet the income threshold for their county.
