The $100M program, a top Florida Realtors priority, will provide zero-interest loans to be used toward down payment and closing costs – up to 5% of the loan or $25K.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – During a press conference in Southwest Florida on Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the launch of Florida Realtors® top 2022 legislative priority, the Hometown Heroes Housing Program (HHHP).
Administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), HHHP would reduce the upfront costs for qualifying hometown heroes by providing zero-interest loans to help with down payment and closing costs, up to a limit of 5% of the first mortgage loan or $25,000.
Florida Realtors worked closely with the Florida Legislature throughout the 2022 session to create HHHP. Funded at $100 million, the program is designed to help some of the state’s most essential workers become homeowners.
“During the pandemic and beyond, our hometown heroes – the nurses, EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement officers and educators – were the ones who kept us safe, cared for our loved ones, and taught our children,” says 2022 Florida Realtors President Christina Pappas. “Unfortunately, with skyrocketing home prices, they often can’t afford to live in the communities where they work. The Hometown Heroes Housing Program is a great way to help address this issue.”
The program will be available to more than 50 occupations, and is subject to certain income and purchase price limits that vary by county. DeSantis said mortgage loan officers throughout the state would begin accepting applications for the program beginning June 1, 2022.
“There are 1,000 lenders involved in the program to start providing assistance to essential workers, such as police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses and teachers, among other professions,” says Florida Realtors Vice President of Public Policy Andy Gonzalez.
More details about the program can be found on FHFC’s website.
“We are extremely grateful to the governor and the Florida Legislature for recognizing the tremendous housing burden that our hometown heroes face,” adds Pappas. “These professionals perform such a vital role in our daily lives. W“These professionals perform such a vital role in our daily lives. We should be doing everything possible to help them achieve the dream of homeownership.”
