Florida offers a state-funded home loan program specifically for military service members and veterans called the Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program. Run through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing), this program provides below-market interest rates and down payment assistance to eligible buyers. It is separate from the federal VA loan and can sometimes be used alongside it.

What is the Salute Our Soldiers program and who qualifies?

The Salute Our Soldiers program is one of the few truly state-funded veteran home loan options in Florida. It is administered by Florida Housing, not the VA. To qualify, you generally need to meet these requirements:

  • Service status: Active-duty military, veteran, or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty.
  • Homebuyer status: You must be purchasing a primary residence in Florida.
  • Income limits: Your household income must fall within Florida Housing's county-specific limits, which vary by area and household size.
  • Purchase price limits: The home price must stay within the program's cap, which is adjusted by county.
  • Credit score: Most participating lenders require a minimum 640 FICO score.
  • Debt-to-income ratio: Typically capped at 45%, though some flexibility may exist.

You do not need to be a first-time homebuyer to use this program, which sets it apart from many other Florida Housing products.

How does the state-funded loan differ from a federal VA loan?

A common point of confusion is thinking that every veteran home loan comes from the VA. The federal VA loan is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it offers no down payment requirement and no private mortgage insurance. The Florida state-funded program works differently:

  • It offers reduced interest rates set below the market average through Florida Housing.
  • It can include down payment and closing cost assistance through a separate Florida Housing grant or second mortgage.
  • It works with conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA first mortgages, depending on what the borrower qualifies for.
  • It does not replace the VA loan you can sometimes pair the state program's benefits with a VA-guaranteed first mortgage.

The biggest advantage of the state program is the below-market interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan compared to a standard market rate.

Can Florida veterans get down payment assistance through the state?

Yes. Florida Housing offers down payment assistance (DPA) that eligible military borrowers can use with the Salute Our Soldiers program. This typically comes in two forms:

  • Florida Assist: A deferred second mortgage of up to $10,000 at 0% interest. You don't make monthly payments. It becomes due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
  • HFA Preferred Grant: A forgivable grant that does not need to be repaid if you stay in the home for a set period.

The exact amount and terms depend on your loan type and county. These options help cover the gap for veterans who have steady income but haven't saved enough for upfront costs.

How do you apply for a Florida state-funded veteran home loan?

You don't apply directly to Florida Housing. Instead, you work through an approved participating lender. Here's the process:

  1. Find a participating lender. Florida Housing maintains a list of approved lenders on its website. Not every lender offers every program, so ask specifically about the Salute Our Soldiers program.
  2. Get prequalified. The lender will check your income, credit, and military service documentation (DD-214, leave and earnings statement, or equivalent).
  3. Complete a homebuyer education course. Florida Housing requires this for most borrowers. It's free and available online.
  4. Find a home within the price limits. Your lender will confirm the purchase price cap for your county.
  5. Close the loan. The lender handles the paperwork and coordinates with Florida Housing to lock in the reduced rate and any DPA.

    6. What are the most common mistakes veterans make with these programs?

    Several issues come up repeatedly:

    • Assuming the VA loan is the only option. Many veterans don't know the state program exists, so they miss out on the lower interest rate or DPA.
    • Not shopping approved lenders. Rates and service vary between lenders. One lender might quote you a higher rate or miss the DPA option entirely.
    • Skipping the homebuyer education course. This is a hard requirement, not a suggestion. Without it, your application stalls.
    • Waiting too long after service. There is no time limit on veteran eligibility for the state program, but income or life changes can push you out of qualifying ranges.
    • Confusing state and federal programs. The state program and the VA loan have different rules. Mixing them up can cost you money or delay closing.

    What if you're a surviving spouse of a Florida veteran?

    Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty may qualify for the Salute Our Soldiers program. Florida also offers additional housing support through property tax exemptions and other state-level benefits. If you're navigating these options as a surviving spouse, our guide on veteran housing benefits for surviving spouses by state covers what's available beyond Florida.

    Do other states offer similar programs for comparison?

    Florida's program is competitive, but other states have their own approaches. For example, Utah has invested in housing-first programs for homeless veterans, while Michigan focuses on property tax relief as a housing support tool. Massachusetts offers property tax exemptions aimed at senior veterans. And some states tie utility assistance directly to housing programs, which can indirectly help with affordability.

    Understanding how Florida compares can help if you're deciding where to settle after service, or if you have family in multiple states.

    What documents do you need to apply?

    Gather these before you contact a lender:

    • DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge) for veterans
    • Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) for active-duty members
    • Two years of tax returns and W-2s
    • Recent pay stubs (30 days minimum)
    • Bank statements (two months, all pages)
    • Valid government-issued ID
    • Homebuyer education course completion certificate

    Having these ready speeds up the process and reduces back-and-forth with your lender.

    Practical checklist for Florida veteran homebuyers

    1. Confirm your military service eligibility (active, veteran, or surviving spouse).
    2. Check your county's income and purchase price limits on the Florida Housing website.
    3. Pull your credit report and address any errors before applying.
    4. Complete the required homebuyer education course online.
    5. Contact at least two or three Florida Housing-approved lenders and ask specifically about the Salute Our Soldiers program.
    6. Ask each lender whether you qualify for down payment assistance alongside the reduced rate.
    7. Compare the state program rate with a standard VA loan rate the state rate is often lower, but run the numbers.
    8. Gather all required documents before your first lender meeting.
    9. Stay in communication with your lender during processing to avoid delays.

    Tip: Florida Housing updates its rate sheets regularly. If your lender quotes a rate that seems high, ask whether they're using the most current Florida Housing rate for the Salute Our Soldiers program. Smaller lenders sometimes lag behind on updates. For the most accurate and current information, visit Florida Housing's official website or call the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-727-319-7400.