Florida Hometown Heroes Program in North Miami
A Buyer's Guide to Down Payment Assistance for North Miami's Community Professionals.
AI Overview Summary
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible frontline community workers in North Miami, including educators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement. This guide explains how the program works, who qualifies in Miami-Dade County, and the key steps for applying.
Key Takeaways
- The program offers a loan of up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $35,000).
- It is for first-time homebuyers who are full-time employed in an eligible profession.
- Buyers must meet income and loan limits for Miami-Dade County.
- The assistance can be used for the down payment and closing costs.
- The assistance is a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage, forgivable after 5 years if you remain in the home.
Stacking Compatibility (Educational)
In some cases, buyers may be able to "stack" the Hometown Heroes loan with other local assistance programs from Miami-Dade County or the City of North Miami. This can further reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- Compatibility depends on lender policies and the specific rules of each program.
- Not all programs can be combined; verification is essential.
- Return to the main North Miami Buyer hub to learn more about down payment assistance stacking.
What is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program?
The Hometown Heroes program is a state-sponsored initiative designed to make homeownership more affordable for essential community workers. It provides a down payment and closing cost assistance loan to help qualified first-time homebuyers purchase a primary residence in the community where they work. For North Miami residents, this program can significantly reduce the upfront cash needed to buy a home.
Who Qualifies as a 'Hometown Hero' in North Miami?
The program has an extensive list of over 100 eligible professions. Key categories relevant to North Miami include:
- Educators: Teachers, administrators, and support staff in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
- Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, paramedics, EMTs, and other medical staff.
- Law Enforcement & First Responders: Police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers.
- Childcare Professionals: Full-time employees of licensed childcare facilities.
- Veterans and Active-Duty Military.
You must work full-time for a Florida-based employer to be eligible.
Disclaimer
Program guidelines, income limits, and eligible professions are subject to change. Always confirm your eligibility with an approved loan officer and the official Florida Housing Finance Corporation resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Hometown Heroes program to buy a home in Keystone Point?
Yes, the program can be used to purchase a home in any North Miami neighborhood, including Keystone Point, as long as the purchase price and your income fall within the program's limits for Miami-Dade County.
Is the down payment assistance a grant or a loan?
It is a 0% interest, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. It is not a grant. The loan becomes forgivable if you maintain the home as your primary residence for five years; otherwise, it must be repaid upon sale or refinance.
Where do I apply for the Hometown Heroes program in North Miami?
You must apply through a Florida Housing-approved loan officer. Not all lenders are certified to offer this program. We can connect you with lenders who are experienced with this specific program in the North Miami market.
Ready to See If You Qualify?
Understanding your down payment assistance options is the first step. Contact us for a list of approved lenders familiar with the North Miami market.
Get Help with Hometown Heroes