$35,000 Assistance Cap
Receive up to 5% of your total loan amount (max $35,000) to cover down payments and closing costs.
Salute Our Soldiers Housing Program
Salute Our Soldiers
Loan Program
Get up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. A 0% interest, deferred second mortgage for eligible Florida military & veterans.
Up to 5% Assistance
0% Interest Rate
JP
MR
TK
Funds are Limited
Allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Check Program Availability
Verify your county income limits & eligibility
Your information is secure and encrypted.
Eligible Mortgage Types
VA Loans
FHA Loans
USDA
Conventional
How The Program Works
The "Salute Our Soldiers" initiative offers specific financial benefits layered on top of your first mortgage.
Deferred 0% Interest
This is a non-amortizing second mortgage. You pay $0 monthly on this assistance while you live in the home.
Repayment Terms
The assistance balance is due only when you sell, refinance, or move. (Exceptions apply for Active Duty relocation).
Your Path to Homeownership
1
Check Eligibility
Complete the quick form to see if you meet the basic military and income requirements.
2
Connect with Lender
We match you with a participating Florida lender who verifies your documents.
3
Shop & Educate
Find your home and complete the required homebuyer education course.
4
Close & Move In
Funds are wired directly to closing. You move in with $0 down payment.
Flexible Assistance
What Can The Funds Be Used For?
The Salute Our Soldiers assistance is versatile. It is specifically designed to reduce the upfront cash burden on military families.
- Down Payment Requirements
- Closing Costs (Title, Recording, etc.)
- Pre-paid Escrows (Taxes & Insurance)
- Reducing Principal Balance
Example Scenario
Home Price
$350,000
Program Assistance (5%)
+$17,500
Down Payment (VA Loan)
$0
Closing Costs (Est)
-$10,000
Cash Remaining
$7,500
Remaining funds applied to principal reduction.
Program Eligibility
To qualify for the Salute Our Soldiers assistance, applicants generally must meet the following criteria:
-
Military Status Active Duty, Reservists, Guard, or Veteran (honorable discharge).
-
Credit Score Minimum ~640 credit score required by most participating lenders.
-
Employment Veterans must have full-time employment with a FL-based employer. Active duty meets this via service.
-
First-Time Homebuyer Rule Required for Active Duty (no home owned in last 3 years). Waived for Veterans.
Income Limits (2026)
Household income generally must not exceed 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Limits vary by county.
| County | Max Income |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | $185,850 |
| Broward | $172,950 |
| Monroe | $195,450 |
| Other Counties | Varies (Check Form) |
*Limits subject to change. Use the eligibility checker to verify your specific county.
Are You A "First-Time" Buyer?
Understanding the specific "First-Time Homebuyer" requirement is key to the Salute Our Soldiers eligibility.
For Veterans
Great news: The first-time homebuyer requirement is typically WAIVED for veterans. This means you can use the Salute Our Soldiers assistance even if you currently own a home or have owned one recently, as long as you are purchasing a new primary residence in Florida.
- No 3-year ownership rule
- Must be primary residence
For Active Duty
Active duty personnel are generally considered "First-Time Homebuyers" if they have not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years. This is a standard HUD definition used by most down payment assistance programs.
- 3-year lookback period applies
- Exceptions may exist for non-occupying
Serving Florida's Military Communities
The Salute Our Soldiers program is available throughout the entire state of Florida. We are proud to assist service members stationed at our state's vital military installations and veterans living in every county.
North Florida
- • NAS Pensacola
- • Eglin AFB
- • Tyndall AFB
- • NAS Jacksonville
- • NS Mayport
Central & South Florida
- • MacDill AFB (Tampa)
- • Patrick SFB (Space Coast)
- • US Southern Command (Miami)
- • NAS Key West
- • Coast Guard Stations
Why Florida Veterans Choose Us
We specialize in navigating the specific requirements of the Salute Our Soldiers program. Whether you are in Duval, Hillsborough, Escambia, Okaloosa, Orange, or Miami-Dade county, our network of lenders understands the local limits and guidelines.
Find a lender in your county →Maximize Your Purchasing Power
Combining a VA Loan with the Salute Our Soldiers assistance is the most powerful way to buy a home in 2026.
100%
VA Loan Financing
+
$35k
Down Payment Assistance
=
$0
Out of Pocket
*Scenario assumes full eligibility and sufficient assistance to cover all closing costs. Individual results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this assistance a grant that I don't have to pay back?
No, it is technically a "Deferred Second Mortgage." It has 0% interest and you make no monthly payments on it. However, the principal amount must be repaid if you sell the home, refinance the first mortgage, or no longer live there as your primary residence.
Can I use this with a VA Loan?
Yes! This program pairs perfectly with VA loans. Since VA loans already require $0 down, you can use these funds to cover all your closing costs and prepayments, often resulting in bringing nearly $0 cash to the closing table.
Are there purchase price limits?
Yes, the program has purchase price limits that vary by county. These are determined by HUD and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Our eligibility checker can help determine the limits for your specific area.
Important Program Notes
Funding is Limited: This program operates on a pool of state funds. Once the allocation is exhausted for the fiscal year, new applications may be paused. It is critical to work with a loan officer early to reserve your funds.
Layered Benefits: This assistance is "layered" on top of a standard first mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional). You must qualify for the first mortgage based on credit, income, and property standards.
Education Requirement: At least one borrower must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course prior to closing.
Did You Know?
Active Duty service members who receive permanent relocation orders may have the remaining second-mortgage balance forgiven if the sale of the home is due to that relocation.