Thank you for attending the Florida Housing Hometown Heroes Program

Lunch & Learn on Aug. 29th!

To view the recording click on this link.

The Lunch & Learn focused on compliance reminders, required documentation, eligibility clarifications, and common mistakes in the Florida Housing Hometown Heroes Program. We emphasized proper employer verification, first-time buyer rules, and borrower eligibility to ensure loans are purchased within program deadlines.

Here are the key takeaways:

Critical Missing Documents

·       Employer name on the 1003 must match VOE/pay stubs.

·       VOE must state full-time or 40 hours (not just 'active').

·       Borrower Certification Form and VOE are mandatory.

Timeline

·       Loans must be purchased within 60 days of reservation.

·       Maximum 90 days with extension; after day 91 loans cancel.

Employer & Full-Time Verification

·       Must confirm Florida-based employer via VOE and 1003.

·       Employer’s physical address required (not just city/Google).

·       If pay stubs don’t show 40 hrs → VOE or employer letter required.

First-Time Buyer Requirement

·       DU’s new 'first-time homebuyer determination' not acceptable.

·       Bond programs require 3 years tax returns/transcripts (borrower & spouse).

·       TBA loans – declaration on 1003 is sufficient (no tax returns).

Eligibility by Occupation

·       Full-time employment required with Florida-based healthcare provider, physician, hospital, assisted living, K-12 school, or qualifying public safety employer.

·       Dentists, dental staff, and hospital-based healthcare workers qualify.

·       Independent optometrists/chiropractors do NOT qualify unless employed by eligible facility.

·       Hybrid employees must be on-site at least 3 days/week; remote workers not eligible.

Non-Occupant Parties

·       Co-signers allowed (sign note only, no ownership interest).

·       Non-occupant co-borrowers not permitted.

·       Spouses (including non-purchasing) must provide tax returns and sign documents.

Other Clarifications

·       Assistance (5%) calculated on total loan amount (not base).

·       Borrowers with rental property may qualify if not occupied in last 3 years.

·       Assistance funds must be repaid in full upon refinance (no subordination allowed).