News & Media
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s Hometown Heroes Housing program, the popular initiative providing downpayment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time buyers, has fully committed the additional $100 million allocated by the state earlier this year, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation said.
Officials said 6,135 families used the 2024 funding that went into effect on July 1. Nearly 22,000 families have used the Florida Realtors®-backed program since it launched in 2022.
Gia Arvin, 2024 president of Florida Realtors, said the fact that the funds were reserved so quickly shows just how needed a program like this is in Florida.
“The Hometown Heroes Housing program continues to be incredibly successful in helping Floridians purchase their first home in a challenging affordability climate,” Arvin said. “The fact that it took less than two months for the additional funding that was approved this year to be reserved speaks volumes for just how needed this program continues to be.”
The program provides zero-interest downpayment and closing cost assistance home loans to first-time buyers who meet employment and income criteria.
To date, the Hometown Heroes Housing program has helped 21,707 families (some 2024 loans are still undergoing the compliance process):
Year Amount Families served
2022 $100 million 6,717
2023 $136 million 8,855
2024 $100 million 6,135
Arvin said Florida Realtors plans to continue its efforts to bring affordable housing options to Floridians.
“We look forward to working with the Florida Legislature during the 2025 session to see if more funding can be allocated to this valuable program,” she said.
© 2024 Florida Realtors®
