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Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program

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Eligible Occupations

Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program Eligible Occupations: Official 2025 List

Do you work in an essential profession in Florida? The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations list includes specific healthcare workers, teachers, first responders, law enforcement, and other critical professions—but the requirements are more specific than many buyers realize.
This comprehensive guide provides the official list of Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations, explains the full-time employment requirement, and answers common questions about who qualifies for this valuable down payment assistance program.

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Critical Eligibility Requirements

Before reviewing the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations, understand these essential requirements:
Full-Time Employment Required

ALL participants must be employed FULL-TIME and CURRENTLY employed by a Florida-based employer. This is non-negotiable. Part-time workers, even in eligible occupations, do not qualify.

Only One Borrower Must Qualify

Good news for couples: Only ONE borrower on the loan needs to work in one of the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations. If you’re buying with a spouse or co-borrower who doesn’t work in an eligible field, you can still qualify as long as one of you does.

Florida-Based Employer Required

You must be employed by a Florida-based employer. Remote workers for out-of-state companies typically do not qualify, even if performing work in Florida.

Current Employment at Application and Closing

You must be actively employed in your eligible occupation at:

  • Time of application
  • Time of loan closing
  • All points in between

Complete Official List of Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program Eligible Occupations

The following represents the official list from Florida Housing Finance Corporation. If your occupation is not listed here, you likely do not qualify.

Healthcare Workers

Healthcare professionals represent the largest category of Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations. You must be employed full-time by a Florida-based healthcare provider, physician practice, hospital, assisted living facility, mental health facility, or healthcare facility.

Nursing Positions


The following nursing positions are Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations:

  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Nurse Anesthetist
  • Nurse Midwife
  • Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Nursing Technician
  • Registered Nurse (RN)

Medical Therapists

Therapy positions recognized as Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations:

  • Audiology Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Speech Therapist

Doctors, Physicians & Pharmacists

Physician and pharmacy roles among Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations:

  • Anesthesiologist
  • Anesthesiologist Assistant
  • Dentist
  • Nuclear Pharmacist
  • Pharmacist
  • Physician (all specialties)
  • Physician Assistant

Employment requirement: Full-time employment by a Florida-based healthcare provider, hospital, clinic, assisted living facility, mental health facility, or healthcare facility.

Medical Technicians

Medical technician positions included in Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations:

  • Anesthesia Support Technician
  • Cardiology Technician
  • Clinical Technician
  • Computed Tomography (CT) Technician
  • Emergency Room (ER) Technician
  • Laboratory Technician (including Phlebotomist)
  • Music Technician
  • Neurology Technician
  • Nuclear Medicine Technician
  • Monitor Technician
  • Orthopedic (Ortho) Technician
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Radiation Technician
  • Rehabilitation (Rehab) Technician
  • Sonographer
  • Surgical Technician
  • X-ray Technician

Mental Health Workers

Mental health professionals included in Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations:

  • Behavioral Health Specialist
  • Behavioral Health Technician
  • Behavioral Health Therapist
  • Case Manager (in healthcare/mental health settings)
  • Mental Health Specialist
  • Mental Health Technician
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker (in healthcare settings)

Other Healthcare Workers

Additional healthcare positions in the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations list:

  • Dental Assistant
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Medical Assistant (CMA or MA)
  • Patient Care Assistant
  • Patient Transporter (Orderly)
  • Phlebotomist

School Staff Members

Education professionals working in K-12 schools are prominent Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations. You must be employed full-time by a Florida-based K-12 public, private, charter, or magnet school.

All School Staff Positions

The following positions are Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations when employed by K-12 schools:

  • Assistant Principal
  • Career Specialist (Guidance Counselor)
  • Classroom Teacher (all grades and subjects)
  • Food Service / Cafeteria Staff (employed by schools)
  • Librarian / Media Specialist
  • Maintenance / Janitorial Staff (employed by schools)
  • Principal
  • School Counselor
  • School Psychologist
  • Social Worker (employed by schools)
  • Teacher Aide

Important limitations:

  • K-12 ONLY – College professors and university staff do NOT qualify
  • Must be employed by the school (not contract workers through outside agencies)
  • Includes private, charter, and magnet schools—not just public schools
  • Does NOT include preschools (see Childcare Workers category)

Employment requirement: Full-time employment by a Florida-based K-12 public, private, charter, or magnet school.

First Responders

Emergency medical professionals are critical Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations. You must be employed full-time by a Florida-based fire department, ambulance service, or hospital.

First Responder Positions

 

  • Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Certified Paramedic
  • Firefighter

Employment requirement: Full-time employment by a Florida-based fire department, ambulance service, or hospital.

Note: Volunteer firefighters typically do NOT meet the full-time employment requirement unless they also hold full-time paid positions.

Public Safety Workers

Law enforcement and corrections professionals are included in Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations. You must be employed full-time by a Florida-based local, county, state, or federal law enforcement department, juvenile detention facility, correctional facility, or emergency operations center.

Public Safety Positions

  • 911 Public Safety Communicator (911 Operator or Dispatcher)
  • Correctional Officer
  • Correctional Probation Officer
  • Juvenile Detention Officer
  • Juvenile Probation Officer
  • Sworn Law Enforcement Officer (Local, State, or Federal)

Employment requirement: Full-time employment by a Florida-based law enforcement department, correctional facility, juvenile detention facility, or emergency operations center.

Federal law enforcement: Federal officers (FBI, DEA, ATF, Border Patrol, etc.) qualify if stationed in Florida and employed full-time.

Childcare Workers

Childcare professionals are recognized as Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations. You must be employed full-time by a Florida-based licensed childcare facility pursuant to Florida Statutes S.402.301-402.305 or exempt from licensure pursuant to S.402.313 and 402.316.

Childcare Positions

  • Any worker at a licensed childcare facility
  • Any worker at a licensed or registered home daycare

Employment requirement: Full-time employment by a state-licensed or legally exempt childcare facility in Florida.

Does NOT include: Unlicensed babysitters, nannies, or informal childcare providers.

Military & Veterans

Military service members have special status among Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations, but with important distinctions.

Active Duty Service Members

All active duty or reserve service members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces qualify, including:

  • United States Army
  • United States Navy
  • United States Air Force
  • United States Marine Corps
  • United States Coast Guard
  • United States Space Force
  • Florida National Guard

Employment requirement: Must be on active duty or active reserve status.

Veterans - CRITICAL REQUIREMENT

This means:

  • Veteran working full-time in Florida = Qualifies
  • Retired veteran not currently employed = Does NOT qualify
  • Veteran working part-time = Does NOT qualify
  • Veteran with dishonorable discharge = Does NOT qualify

Discharge status: “Other than dishonorable conditions” includes:

  • Honorable discharge
  • General discharge
  • Medical discharge (if not dishonorable)

Does NOT include:

  • Dishonorable discharge
  • Bad conduct discharge (in most cases)

Occupations That Do NOT Qualify

The following are NOT Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations, despite common misconceptions:

Education (Non-Qualifying)

 

  • College professors and university staff
  • Preschool teachers (unless at licensed childcare facilities)
  • Private tutors
  • Educational consultants
  • Student teachers (not employed)

Healthcare (Non-Qualifying)

  • Veterinarians and veterinary staff
  • Chiropractors
  • Massage therapists
  • Alternative medicine practitioners
  • Fitness trainers
  • Nutritionists (unless employed by hospitals/clinics)

Government (Non-Qualifying)

  • General government office workers
  • DMV employees
  • Postal workers (USPS)
  • Public works employees (unless in specific eligible categories)
  • Building inspectors
  • Code enforcement officers

Other Professions (Non-Qualifying)

  • Retired professionals (even from eligible occupations) unless employed full-time
  • Part-time workers in eligible occupations
  • Self-employed professionals (even in healthcare/education)
  • Contract workers through staffing agencies
  • Volunteers (even firefighters, unless also employed full-time)
  • Business owners
  • Real estate professionals
  • Retail workers
  • Restaurant/hospitality workers
  • Transportation workers (bus drivers, truck drivers)
  • Sanitation workers
  • Public transit employees

How to Verify Your Eligible Occupation

To confirm you work in one of the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations, you’ll need proper documentation.

Required Employment Documentation

  1. Employment Verification Letter

Your employer must provide a letter on company letterhead confirming:

  • Your full name
  • Your job title (matching eligible occupation list)
  • Your employment status (must state “full-time”)
  • Your hire date
  • That you are currently actively employed
  • Employer’s name and address in Florida
  1. Recent Paystubs

Provide the most recent 30 days of paystubs showing:

  • Your employer’s name and Florida address
  • Your position/title
  • Your hours worked (demonstrating full-time status)
  • Year-to-date earnings
  1. Professional License or Certification (if applicable)

For licensed professions among Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations:

  • Current Florida RN/LPN license (nurses)
  • Florida teaching certificate (teachers)
  • Law enforcement certification (police officers)
  • EMT/Paramedic certification (first responders)
  • Medical licenses (doctors, therapists)
  1. For Active Duty Military:
  • Current military ID
  • Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
  • Orders showing Florida station assignment (if applicable)
  1. For Veterans:
  • DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
  • Must show discharge status as “other than dishonorable”
  • PLUS employment verification showing current full-time employment with Florida-based employer

Who Verifies Eligible Occupations?

Your mortgage lender will:

  • Review your employment documentation
  • Verify your job title matches the official Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations list
  • Confirm you meet full-time employment requirements
  • Submit verification to Florida Housing Finance Corporation for approval

Full-Time Employment Requirement Details

occupations.

What Qualifies as Full-Time?

  • Typically 30-40+ hours per week
  • Your employer must classify you as full-time
  • Must receive full-time employment benefits (when applicable)
  • Seasonal workers generally do NOT qualify

What Does NOT Qualify?

  • Part-time employment (even in eligible occupations)
  • Temporary positions
  • Seasonal work
  • Per diem positions (common in healthcare)
  • Contract positions (unless employer considers you full-time W-2 employee)
  • Multiple part-time jobs adding up to full-time hours

Exception: If you work two part-time jobs for the same employer totaling full-time hours AND the employer verifies you as full-time, you may qualify. Verify with your lender.

Special Circumstances and Common Questions

Multiple Jobs – Which One Counts?

 

If you work multiple jobs, only ONE needs to be among the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations—and that job must be full-time.

Example:

  • You work full-time as a teacher (eligible) + part-time retail (not eligible) =  Qualifies
  • You work full-time in retail (not eligible) + part-time as a nurse (eligible) =  Does NOT qualify (nurse position isn’t full-time)

Career Transitions

Starting a new eligible job: You must be employed at the time of closing. If you switch jobs during the loan process, immediately notify your lender.

Leaving an eligible occupation: If you leave your eligible occupation before closing, you will lose program eligibility.

Surviving Spouses of Military

The official Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations document does not specifically mention surviving spouses. Verify with your lender whether special provisions exist.

Teachers – Summer Break

 

Teachers on summer break typically still qualify because they’re under contract and considered employed. Your employment verification letter should confirm ongoing employment status.

Healthcare Workers at Multiple Facilities

 

If you work full-time hours across multiple healthcare facilities, you may qualify if:

  • Combined hours equal full-time status
  • All facilities are in Florida
  • You can provide employment verification
  • Your primary employer confirms full-time status

Verify with your lender.

Frequently Asked Questions

No—not based on their retired status alone. The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations require current full-time employment. However:

  • ✅ If a retired teacher returns to full-time teaching = Qualifies
  • ✅ If a retired nurse works full-time at a hospital = Qualifies
  • ❌ If retired and not currently employed full-time = Does NOT qualify

Exception: Veterans with qualifying discharge status who are employed full-time (in any occupation) do qualify.

Only if you're employed full-time as a substitute teacher by a school district. Most substitute teachers are part-time or on-call and would not meet the full-time requirement for Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations.

No. The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations list specifically states "K-12 public, private, charter or magnet school." University and college staff are not included.

Yes! Only ONE borrower on the loan needs to work in one of the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations. If your spouse qualifies, your household is eligible even if you work in a non-eligible field.

Possibly, but it's complex. You must:

  • Be employed full-time by a Florida-based healthcare facility (not just an out-of-state agency)
  • Meet all documentation requirements
  • Maintain employment through closing

Verify with your lender, as travel nurse assignments may not meet the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations requirements.

No. School bus drivers are not listed among the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations. Only the specific school staff positions listed (teachers, counselors, cafeteria staff, maintenance, etc.) qualify.

Only if they fall into one of the listed categories. General administrative workers, billing staff, and office workers typically do NOT qualify even if employed by hospitals. The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations for healthcare are specific to clinical and patient care roles.

Yes, if they're employed full-time by a Florida-based medical practice. The requirement is "employed full-time by a Florida-based healthcare provider/physician." Private practice doctors who own or work for Florida medical practices qualify.

The official documentation does not address self-employment. The emphasis on "employed by a Florida-based employer" suggests W-2 employment is required. Self-employed professionals should verify with their lender, but this is likely not allowed for Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations.

Yes! 911 Public Safety Communicators (911 operators or dispatchers) are specifically listed among Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations under Public Safety Workers.

Yes! Correctional officers, correctional probation officers, juvenile detention officers, and juvenile probation officers are all Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations.

Federal employees can qualify if they're in one of the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations:

  • ✅ Federal law enforcement officers stationed in Florida
  • ✅ Active duty military stationed in Florida
  • ✅ Federal court employees (in eligible positions)
  • ❌ General federal office workers (not listed as eligible)

Yes, as long as you're currently employed full-time in one of the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations at the time of application and closing. There's no minimum tenure requirement mentioned in the official documentation.

Yes, VA hospital employees in clinical and eligible healthcare roles are employed by healthcare facilities and qualify if their specific position is on the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations list (nurses, doctors, technicians, etc.).

How to Apply Based on Your Occupation

Step 1: Confirm Your Occupation Is Listed

Review the official Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations list above. Your specific job title must match or fall clearly within one of the listed categories.

Step 2: Verify Full-Time Employment Status

Confirm with your employer that:

  • You’re classified as full-time
  • You work 30+ hours per week
  • They can provide written verification

Step 3: Gather Documentation

Collect required documents for your specific occupation:

  • Employment verification letter (on company letterhead)
  • Recent paystubs (30 days)
  • Professional licenses (if applicable)
  • Military discharge paperwork (veterans)
  • Military ID and LES (active duty)

Step 4: Contact a Hometown Heroes Lender

Work with a lender approved for the Florida Hometown Heroes program. They will:

  • Verify your occupation meets requirements
  • Review your documentation
  • Confirm you meet income limits and other criteria
  • Submit your application to Florida Housing

Step 5: Maintain Employment Through Closing

Stay employed full-time in your eligible occupation throughout the entire loan process. Employment will be re-verified before closing.

Why Only These Occupations?

The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations were selected based on:

Essential service designation: Professions critical to public health, safety, education, and welfare

Workforce retention: Helping Florida retain essential workers by making homeownership accessible

Pandemic recognition: Acknowledging frontline workers who served during COVID-19

Public benefit: Occupations that directly serve Florida communities

The program is designed to support those who support Florida communities, which is why the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations list focuses on education, healthcare, public safety, and emergency services.

Official Program Resources

For the most current information and official program guidelines, visit these resources:

The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations include healthcare workers, K-12 school staff, first responders, law enforcement, court employees, childcare workers, and active military/employed veterans. Full-time employment with a Florida-based employer is required for all occupations. Only one borrower on the loan needs to qualify. If you work in one of these essential professions, gather your employment documentation and connect with a Hometown Heroes lender to start your path to homeownership in Florida.

Income Limits Also Apply

Even if you work in one of the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program eligible occupations, you must also meet income requirements. Income limits vary by county and loan type.

See our complete guide on Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program income limits to verify you meet all eligibility criteria.

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