How to qualify for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program in Tallahassee and Leon County
Like many other cities and counties across America, affordable homeownership has become more difficult. In June of 2022, the Florida Hometown Heroes Program was introduced. This program is designed to provide down payment and closing cost assistance to our men and women who serve on the frontlines of our community. Active military, childcare employees, educators, firefighters, healthcare professionals, law enforcement and police officers and veterans who live in Tallahassee and Leon County now have access to the state-funded program which includes $100 million in Florida’s 2022-2023 budget.
Who is eligible for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program in Tallahassee and Leon County?
Essential workers living in Tallahassee and Leon County are facing a housing crisis as the challenge to find affordable housing has become more and more difficult. For the last several years the median price of a single residence home in the Tallahassee metro statistical area has hovered around $290,000 (see the recent housing market report). The average salary needed to afford the median-priced home would be approximately $62,000 annually. Unfortunately, our emergency medical technicians and paramedics earn just above $33,000 and our licensed practical nurses just over $46,000 while teachers and firefighters all earn below $58,000.
The goal of owning a home is an important financial step for many families and individuals. The Hometown Heroes Housing Program is available to first-time home buyers who have income of no more than 150% of the state or local media income. In 2022, that income level is $121,800 combined household income.
What are the eligible occupations for the Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program in Tallahassee and Leon County?
Sworn Law Enforcement Officer, Certified Correction Officer, Correctional Probation Officer
Must provide copy of VOE validating full-time employment. (Sworn Law Enforcement and Certified Correction and Correctional Probation Officers are not required to hold license or certification.) Include “N/A” in license and certification section of the Attestation Form.
Juvenile Detention Officer, Juvenile Probation Officer
Must provide a copy of VOE validating full-time employment. (Juvenile Detention & Probation Officers are not required to hold license or certification.) Include “N/A” in license and certification section of the Attestation Form.
Firefighter
Must provide copy of Firefighter Certificate of Compliance or Special Certificate of Compliance issued by FL Division of State Fire Marshal.
Certified Paramedic, Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Must provide a copy of certification issued by the FL Department of Health.
911 Public Safety Communicator
Must provide a copy of certification issued by the FL Department of Health.
Certified K-12 Educators to include: Classroom Teacher, Career Specialist, Librarian/Media Specialist, School Counselor, Social Worker, School Psychologist
Must provide a copy of temporary or professional certification issued by the FL Department of Education.
Licensed or Registered Childcare Operator (Owner of Childcare Facility)
Must provide a copy of license or registration issued by FL Department of Children & Families.
Childcare Instructor (employed by a LICENSED childcare facility or LICENSED or REGISTERED home childcare provider
Must provide a copy of employer’s license or registration issued by FL Department of Children & Families. (Childcare Instructor is not required to hold license or certification.) Include and indicate “Employer License/Registration” in license and certification section of the Attestation Form.
Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Nursing.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Must provide a copy of certification issued by FL Board of Nursing.
Home Health Aide (employed by a LICENSED home health agency)
Must provide a copy of employer’s license issued by FL Agency for Health Care Administration.
Health Care Practitioner to include: Physician, Physician Assistant, Anesthesiologist
Must provide a copy of license issued by the FL Board of Medicine.
Anesthesiologist Assistant
Must provide a copy of license issued by the FL Board of Medicine.
Psychiatrist
Must provide a copy of license issued by the FL Board of Medicine.
Certified Medical Assistant
Must provide a copy of certificate issued by an accredited national or state medical association, Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or entity approved by Board (FL Board of Medicine.)
Acupuncturist
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Acupuncture.
Osteopathic Physician
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
Chiropractic Physician
Must provide a copy of license issued by the FL Board of Chiropractic Medicine.
Podiatric Physician
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Certified Podiatric XRay Assistant
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Naturopathic Physician
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Medicine.
Pharmacist, Nuclear Pharmacist
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Pharmacy.
Pharmacy Technician
Must provide a copy of registration issued by FL Board of Pharmacy.
Dentist, Dental Hygienist
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Dentistry.
Dental Assistant
Must provide a copy of VOE or letter from employer validating supervisor is a licensed Dentist. (Dental Assistant is not required to hold license or certification.) Include “N/A” in license and certification section of the Attestation Form.
Speech Language Pathologist or Audiologist
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Speech Language Pathology & Audiology.
Nursing Home Administrator
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Nursing Home Administrators.
Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapist Assistant
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Occupational Therapy.
Occupational Therapist Aide
Must provide a copy of VOE or letter from employer validating supervisor is a licensed Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapist Assistant. (Occupational Therapist Aide is not required to hold a license or certification.) Include “N/A” in the license and certification section of Attestation Form.
Certified Respiratory Therapist, Registered Respiratory Therapist
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Respiratory Care.
Licensed Dietician or Nutritionist, Licensed Nutrition Counselor
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Department of Health.
Registered Dietician or Nutritionist
Must provide a copy of registration issued by FL Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Dietetic Technician
Must provide a copy of VOE or letter from employer validating supervisor is a Licensed Practitioner, Licensed Dietician or Nutritionist or Licensed Nutrition Counselor. (Dietetic Technician is not required to hold a license or certification.) Include “N/A” in the license and certification section of Attestation Form.
Athletic Trainer
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Athletic Training.
Prosthetist, Orthotist, Prosthetist Orthotist, Pedorthist, Prosthetist, Orthotic Fitter, Orthotic Fitter Assistant
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Orthotists & Prosthetists.
Electrologist
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Department of Health.
Massage Therapist
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Massage Therapy.
Clinical Laboratory Personnel to include: Laboratory Director, Supervisor, Technologist, Blood-Gas Analyst Laboratory Testing Technician
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel.
Phlebotomist (employed as a full-time phlebotomist and has successfully completed an accredited phlebotomy course)
Must provide a confirmation of CURRENT employment as a Phlebotomist and proof of COMPLETED ACCREDITED PHLEBOTOMY COURSE. (Phlebotomist is not required to hold a license or certification.) Include “N/A” in the license and certification section of Attestation Form.
Licensed Medical Physicist (Radiologic) which works with diagnostic application and safe use of x-rays, ultrasonic radiation or magnetic fields.
Must provide a copy of certificate issued by FL Department of Health.
Genetic Counselor
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Department of Health.
Certified Optometrist
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Optometry.
Hearing Aid Specialist
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Hearing Aid Specialists.
Hearing Aid Specialist Trainee
Must provide a copy of VOE or letter from employer validating supervisor is a Licensed Hearing Aid Specialist. (Hearing Aid Trainee is not required to hold a license or certification.) Include “N/A” in the license and certification section of Attestation Form.
Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Physical Therapy.
Psychologist, School Psychologist
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Psychology.
Clinical Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapist, Mental Health Counselor
Must provide a copy of license issued by FL Board of Clinical Social Work; Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling.
Child Protective Services’ Enforcement, Adult Protective Services’ Enforcement
Must provide a copy of VOE or letter from employer validating employment with DCF. (Child Protective Services’ Enforcement & Adult Protective Services’ Enforcement employees with DCF are not required to hold a State of FL license or certification.) Include “N/A” in the license and certification section of Attestation Form.
Veterinarian
Provide copy of license issued by FL Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Veterinarian Assistant or Technician *(employed by a permanent or mobile veterinary practice)
Provide copy of VOE or letter from employer validating employment with a permanent or mobile veterinary practice. (Veterinarian Assistants and Technicians are not required to hold a State of FL license or certification.) Include “N/A” in the license and certification section of Attestation Form.
Active Military Personnel & Veterans (formerly the Salute Our Soldiers Program)
Active Military Personnel
– Active-duty personnel from the military (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Space Force or the Reserves) are exempt from the First
Time Homebuyer Requirement.
– Must provide a copy of his/her military ID to validate eligibility.
Veterans
-Veterans are exempted from the First Time Homebuyer Requirement when they provide a valid DD-214 that reflects discharge status as other than dishonorable.
-Surviving spouse may participate in a VA first mortgage ONLY when providing a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
What are the lending requirements for the Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program in Tallahassee and Leon County?
Below are frequently asked questions about this HHHP (Hometown Heroes Housing Program)
- Are all eligible applicants required to contact an office loan officer for qualifications? YES.
- What is the minimum credit score to qualify for HHHP? 640.
- What is the maximum percentage of mortgage loan amount? 5 percent.
- What is the maximum down payment assistance dollar amount? $25,000
- Can eligible borrowers receive a 0%, non-aromatizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage for the down payment and closing costs assistance? Yes.
For more information visit Florida Housing website.
What are the loan and income limits for the Hometown Heroes Program and how do they apply to Leon County and Tallahassee first-time homebuyers?
The amounts vary based on the number of people in the home along with other factors. This can only be for primary resident homes. There are credit stipulations based on the lender requirements and loan type.
For Leon County:
2022 FL Hometown Heroes FHA & USDA Loan Limits – $420,680
2022 FL Hometown Heroes Conventional and VA Loan Limits – $647,200
2022 FL Hometown Heroes Income Limits – $121,800
Using the wizard: https://apps.floridahousing.org/StandAlone/FTHBWizard
