FL S0772

Creates the Florida Hometown Hero Housing Program administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to assist frontline emergency workers, medical and health care personnel, and educators in purchasing a primary residence.

Allows eligible borrowers to reduce down payment and closing costs by a maximum of 5 percent of the first mortgage loan or $25,000, whichever is less, with loans made available at 0 percent interest rate.

Requires full loan balance to be due at closing if the property is sold, refinanced, rented, or transferred unless otherwise approved by the corporation.

Establishes income eligibility at no more than 150 percent of state or local median income and requires full-time employment as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, educator, paramedic, EMT, health care practitioner, physician assistant, medical assistant, home health aide, prekindergarten instructor, or utility company employee.

Excludes other-personal-services and temporary employees from program eligibility and applies to home purchases on or after July 1, 2023.