Credit Unions
What is Suncoast Credit Union's Community Heroes Mortgage program?
4 min read
Suncoast Credit Union’s Community Heroes Mortgage program is a Florida-only home loan designed to help qualifying members buy a home with lower upfront costs and smaller monthly payments. It stands out with no origination fee, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and low-rate mortgage options for teachers, first responders, nurses, military personnel, veterans, and other qualifying heroes.
As Florida’s largest credit union, Suncoast pairs those savings with local service across 39 counties and 79+ branch locations, making the program especially relevant for members in Tampa Bay, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Central Florida, Brevard County, and along the Gulf Coast.
At a glance
The Community Heroes Mortgage program is built to help eligible members:
- Save money upfront with no origination fee
- Lower monthly housing costs with no PMI
- Choose from fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage options
- Finance up to 97% of the home’s value in many cases
- Buy a qualifying Florida property only
Who qualifies for the program?
Suncoast created this program for everyday heroes who serve Florida communities. Eligible groups include:
- Teachers
- First responders
- Nurses
- Military personnel
- Active duty
- Reservists
- National Guard
- Veterans
- Excluding dishonorable discharge
- In some cases, surviving spouses of qualifying military members or public safety workers
- Suncoast employees may also qualify
If you work in a helping profession or serve the community in uniform, this program may be worth checking.
What makes it different?
The biggest advantages are simple: less money due at closing and less money due each month.
No origination fee
Suncoast does not charge an origination fee on this program, which can reduce the amount you need to bring to closing.
No PMI
Many mortgages require private mortgage insurance when the down payment is below 20%. With Community Heroes, PMI is not required, which can help keep your monthly payment lower.
Low down payment options
Qualifying members may be able to finance up to 97% of the home’s value, which can make homeownership more accessible.
What mortgage options are available?
Suncoast offers several ways for qualifying heroes to structure their mortgage:
Heroes 3/3 ARM
This is an adjustable-rate mortgage that keeps the same interest rate for the first three years, then may change every three years after that.
Heroes 7/1 ARM
This option keeps the same rate for the first seven years, then may change every year afterward.
Fixed-rate mortgages
If you prefer predictable payments, fixed-rate options are also available.
Six Month SafeLock
Suncoast also offers Six Month SafeLock, which lets you lock in a rate for up to six months. If rates rise, you’re protected. If rates drop, you may be able to take advantage of the lower rate.
What kinds of homes are eligible?
The program is available for these Florida property types:
- Single-family homes
- Planned unit developments (PUDs)
- Townhomes/villas
- Condos
Not eligible:
- Manufactured homes
- Duplexes
Why this program matters for Florida members
For many members, the Community Heroes Mortgage program is about more than a low rate. It’s about making homeownership feel more reachable.
That matters in markets like Tampa Bay, Orlando, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg, where affordability can be a challenge. A mortgage with no PMI and no origination fee can make a meaningful difference when members are budgeting for a down payment, closing costs, and monthly expenses.
It also reflects Suncoast’s broader community mission. The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has donated more than $61 million since 1990 to support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children across Florida. And every time a member uses a Suncoast debit or credit card, four cents goes to the Foundation.
How to apply
Members can apply in a few simple ways:
- Apply online at Suncoast.com
- Call the Suncoast Mortgage Contact Center at 800.999.5887 ext. 87008
- Visit a local branch for help from a Suncoast team member
If you’re a Florida hero looking for a home loan with lower upfront costs and no PMI, the Community Heroes Mortgage program is a strong place to start.