🏡 HOMETOWN HEROES 2025 – NEW FUNDING, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

by Ryan Tesnow

Great news for Florida’s essential workers and local heroes! The Florida Legislature has approved $50 million in funding for the 2025 Hometown Heroes (HTH) Loan Program — a powerful initiative that helps frontline and community-based professionals achieve their dream of homeownership.

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of helping multiple clients use the Hometown Heroes program to secure down payment and closing cost assistance — allowing them to become homeowners when they didn’t think it was possible. Whether they were teachers, nurses, or veterans, this program has made a real difference in people’s lives.

And now it’s coming back — with some important updates.

✅ What We Know About Hometown Heroes 2025

While the budget is still awaiting final approval from Governor DeSantis, here’s what’s expected for the 2025–2026 fiscal year:

$50 million allocated for the new HTH program
Only available to full-time employees of Florida-based employers
Eligible professions expected to include:
1. Healthcare workers
2. School staff
3. First responders
4. Public safety employees
5. Court employees
6. Childcare workers
7. Active duty servicemembers or Guard/Reserves
8. Veterans employed full-time in Florida

🚫 Key Change This Year:

HTH funds will NOT be available on July 1st as they were in the past. Once the Governor approves the budget:

Florida Housing will finalize the list of eligible occupations
A new lender guide and training schedule will be released

💬 Why This Matters

This program has already helped thousands of Florida residents step into homeownership — and I’ve seen it firsthand with my own clients. It’s not just about financial support — it’s about recognizing the people who serve our communities every day and giving them a path to build long-term stability and wealth through real estate.

If you’re in one of these fields — or know someone who is — now is the time to prepare. Let’s talk about:

Getting pre-approved
Creating a personalized homeownership plan
What documents you’ll need to qualify
Understanding your payment options with or without assistance

🗓️ What’s Next

As soon as Florida Housing releases final details, I’ll be the first to let you know.

Want to be the first to get updates when the new Hometown Heroes program goes live?
Shoot me a quick message, and I’ll make sure you’re on my insider list.

Let’s get you home — and make sure you get every dollar of help you’ve earned.