By Phil Ganz
Edited by Ryan Skerritt
Florida offers 26 programs to help first-time homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership, but some are designed specifically for first responders.
These programs provide unique benefits like down payment assistance, grants, and discounted home prices to support those who serve our communities.
See Which Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
This guide will show you the options available exclusively for first responders.
Homebuyer Program Requirements for First Responders in Florida
To qualify for these homeownership assistance programs, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements.
Most programs require you to work full-time in eligible professions like law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, education, or healthcare.
You’ll also need to live in the home as your primary residence, complete a homebuyer education course, and meet income limits based on your household size and location.
Credit score requirements typically range from 640 to 680, and some programs may ask for a minimum personal contribution toward the purchase.
If you’re considering a program for homes in revitalization areas, the property must meet specific location criteria.
Be sure to review the details for each program to see which one is the best fit for you.
See Which Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
Florida Hometown Heroes Program
The Florida Hometown Heroes Program is designed to support first responders like you in achieving homeownership.
It provides up to $35,000 in assistance for down payments and closing costs, along with a lower first mortgage interest rate for eligible borrowers.
Backed by over $100 million in state funding, the program helps first-time homebuyers who work in or serve the community they plan to call home.
To qualify, you’ll need to meet certain income limits based on your household size and location, have a credit score of at least 640, and complete a homebuyer education course.
See Which Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
FCB Community Partners Product
The Community Partners Product offers up to $15,000 in assistance for home purchases.
It’s available to current and retired law enforcement officers, educators, healthcare workers, firefighters, other first responders, veterans, active-duty military members and their surviving spouses, as well as COVID-related essential workers.
The program supports both first-time and non-first-time homebuyers who meet eligibility requirements.
Assistance can be used for down payments and closing costs when purchasing a primary residence.
To qualify, you need to meet income limits, contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase, and complete a homebuyer education course.
See Which Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
Florida Heroes Mortgage Program
The Florida Heroes Mortgage Program provides down payment assistance through a grant of up to 3.5% of the purchase price for eligible individuals.
This assistance can be paired with FHA or FHA Renovation Programs and is specifically available for EMS workers, military personnel, coaches, educators, firefighters, law enforcement, and medical professionals.
The program has no repayment or resale restrictions on the grant and allows for up to 6% seller concessions to help with closing costs.
To qualify, you’ll need a credit score of at least 680, a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 48.99%, and a Homebuyer Counseling Certificate.
See Which Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Program
The Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND) Program offers a 50% discount off the list price of homes located in designated revitalization areas.
This program aims to promote community revitalization and homeownership.
To qualify, you must be employed full-time as a teacher, law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician (EMT).
Participants agree to live in the home as their sole residence for at least 36 months. Eligible properties must be single-family residences located in HUD-designated revitalization areas.
See Which Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
Bottom Line
If you’re a first responder, there are many programs designed to make homeownership more affordable for you.
From grants and down payment assistance to discounted home prices, these options can help you achieve your goals.
Contact MakeFloridaYourHome today to explore the grants and programs you qualify for and take the first step toward owning your home.
See Which Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs You Qualify For
With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.
About Author - Phil Ganz
Phil Ganz has over 20+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over a billion dollars of funded loans, Phil helps homebuyers configure the perfect mortgage plan. Whether it's your first home, a complex multiple-property purchase, or anything in between, Phil has the experience to help you achieve your goals.
About Editor - Ryan Skerritt
Ryan Skerritt has over 10+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over two hundred and fifty million of funded loan volume, Ryan has the skill set to help any homebuyer configure the perfect mortgage plan.
