Is Hometown Heroes a grant?

No. It is a 0% deferred second mortgage repaid when you sell or refinance.

Do I have to work in Port St. Lucie?

You must work full time for an employer with a physical Florida address.

Can veterans use it if they have owned before?

Yes, veterans do not have to be first-time buyers.

Can I use it on new construction?

Yes, if the home meets the price limit and you meet all other requirements.

Through a participating lender, not directly through the state.

Illustrative portraits of a nurse, teacher, firefighter, police officer and service member in their workplaces

All Guides

Florida Hometown Heroes Program

Florida Hometown Heroes for Port St. Lucie Homebuyers

You take care of our community. Let us help you own a home in it. Up to $35,000 toward your down payment and closing costs.

This program applies to homes purchased in Florida.

Am I a Hometown Hero?Talk to Pete & Kate

Healthcare
Schools
First Responders
Public Safety
Courts
Childcare
Military & Veterans

2026-27 funding opened July 13, 2026. Funds are first come, first served and have run out early in past years.

Last updated: October 2026

Explore All Treasure Coast Homebuyer Programs

Who Are Hometown Heroes?

Eligibility is based on where you work, not just your job title. If you work full time at one of these Florida employers, you may qualify.

Healthcare

Nurses (RN, LPN, CNA), physicians, therapists, technicians, pharmacists, mental health professionals, and other staff at qualifying hospitals and healthcare facilities

School Staff (K-12)

Teachers, principals, counselors, librarians, teacher aides, cafeteria staff, and maintenance staff

First Responders

Firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics

Public Safety

Law enforcement officers, correctional officers, probation officers, and 911 dispatchers

Court Employees

Court clerks, court reporters, assistant state attorneys, and assistant public defenders

Childcare Workers

Anyone working at a licensed Florida childcare facility or registered home daycare

Military & Veterans

Active duty, reserves, Coast Guard, and Florida National Guard. Veterans qualify working full time for any Florida-based employer.

Illustrative teacher and nurse together on a palm-lined Florida neighborhood sidewalk

Thank You for Serving

Pete & Kate are proud to help the teachers, nurses, first responders and service members who keep the Treasure Coast running. It would be an honor to help you find your home.

Start the Conversation

How it works

Up to $35,000

5% of your first mortgage, minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000

0% interest

No monthly payment on the assistance loan.

Illustrative light coastal Florida home with sage shutters, a covered porch and palms

Not a grant

It is a second mortgage repaid when you sell, refinance, pay off the loan, or move out.

Illustrative airy coastal living room opening onto a sunny palm-lined terrace

Approved lenders

Works with FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans through approved lenders.

Illustrative family walking along a sunny palm-lined Florida residential street

Hero Checklist

First-time homebuyer (veterans are exempt)
Full-time employee of a Florida-based employer
Meet the St. Lucie County income limit
Minimum 640 credit score
Home will be your primary residence

Many more job types qualify than people expect. Ask us or your lender.

St. Lucie County numbers

Income limit, 1-2 person household: $114,856
Income limit, 3+ person household: $132,085
Purchase price limit: $631,710

Limits change. Confirm current figures with a participating lender.

Illustrative Florida lagoon waterfront with a boardwalk, palms and coastal homes

Step by step

Get pre-approved with a Florida Housing participating lender
Confirm eligibility and income
Find your Port St. Lucie home with Pete & Kate
Get under contract; your lender reserves the funds
Close and move in

Avoid scams

There is no fee to apply for Hometown Heroes. Anyone charging you for access is not legitimate.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about buying on the Treasure Coast? Call Pete or Kate

Call Pete Call Kate Contact

Ready to use your Hero benefit? Let's find your home.

Talk to Peter and Kate.

Peter White 772-284-1419 Kate Ward 772-342-4006

REMAX Gold

Program terms, limits and funding are set by Florida Housing Finance Corporation and may change at any time. Pete & Kate are Realtors, not lenders. Confirm details with a participating lender.

Eligible occupations are set by Florida Housing and may change. Confirm your eligibility with a participating lender.