Finding an affordable path to homeownership in Florida has become one of the greatest challenges facing everyday families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Rising real estate prices, high mortgage interest rates, and soaring down payment requirements have left millions feeling locked out of the housing market. While specialized housing initiatives often focus on specific professions—such as teachers, first responders, or military personnel—everyone deserves a fair opportunity to secure a safe, permanent, and mortgage-free home.

To ensure that our mission of expanding housing accessibility reaches every corner of the community, Homes With Heart25 created The Nicholas. As part of our charitable home giveaways in Fort Pierce, Florida, The Nicholas serves as our open-category “Heart Home,” giving eligible adults from all walks of life a chance to achieve the dream of homeownership. Here is everything you need to know about The Nicholas initiative, who can enter, and how you can participate with no purchase necessary.

The Nicholas: A Home Open to Everyone

Located within the private, low-density Pine Hollow community in Fort Pierce, Florida, The Nicholas is a brand-new construction single-family home situated on a spacious one-acre lot on Lot 306. Surrounded by natural Florida pines and peaceful greenery, this property offers rare space, privacy, and long-term equity.

Unlike our demographic-specific homes reserved for educators, veterans, first responders, or young adults, The Nicholas was created as an open-category initiative. This means you do not need a specific job title, military service record, or professional certification to qualify. Whether you are a retail worker, self-employed entrepreneur, stay-at-home parent, or retired senior, The Nicholas is designed for you.

Who Qualifies for The Nicholas Giveaway?

Because The Nicholas is open to the general public, the eligibility criteria are straightforward and accessible:

• Age Requirement: Entrants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of entry.
• Residency Status: Participation is open to legal residents of the United States. Please note that the sweepstakes is void where prohibited by law, including New York, Rhode Island, and California.
• Verification Process: If your entry identification number is drawn by our independent third-party sweepstakes administrator, you will simply need to verify your identity, age, and U.S. residency status using standard government-issued identification.
• Non-Affiliation: Entrants must not be employees, officers, directors, or immediate family members of Homes With Heart25 or the independent drawing agency.

How to Enter for Free (No Purchase Necessary)

Homes With Heart25 is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a Florida charitable organization operating under registration number CH80094. Under federal and state consumer protection laws, charitable sweepstakes must be accessible to everyone regardless of financial status.

No purchase or donation is necessary to enter or win, and making a voluntary financial contribution does not increase your odds of selection.

You can enter for The Nicholas through two secure methods:

• Online Digital Entry: Visit our official website and select The Nicholas initiative page. Complete the digital entry form with your contact details. You will have the option to make a voluntary donation to support our nonprofit partner housing programs, or you can choose to submit your entry without donating.
• Free Mail-In Entry: You can submit a free entry via traditional mail by downloading the Free Entry Request Form for The Nicholas from our website. Fill out the required information, hand-sign the form, and mail it to our Florida headquarters as instructed in the official disclosures.

Every valid entry, whether submitted with an optional donation or through the free mail-in method, receives an equivalent entry identification number in our audited, computerized random drawing system.

Financial Responsibilities to Keep in Mind

Transparency is fundamental to our charitable mission. Winning a custom-built home in Pine Hollow provides you with real estate completely free of a purchase price or a traditional bank mortgage, but owning property carries ongoing financial responsibilities.

Before accepting physical title to The Nicholas, the selected recipient should prepare for:

• Federal Income Taxes: The Internal Revenue Service taxes sweepstakes awards as ordinary income based on the property’s Fair Market Value. You will receive an IRS Form 1099 for your tax return.
• State Income Taxes: Florida residents pay zero dollars in state personal income tax on prize winnings. Out-of-state winners should verify their local state tax obligations.
• Local Property Taxes: Annual property taxes assessed by St. Lucie County to fund local infrastructure and public services.
• Closing Costs: Standard deed recording fees, title insurance premiums, and Florida documentary stamp taxes required to transfer the title legally.
• HOA Dues and Insurance: Ongoing Homeowners Association dues for Pine Hollow and standard homeowners hazard and windstorm insurance policies.

If a selected entrant determines that they cannot manage the tax and maintenance responsibilities of the physical home, our published rules may offer a cash alternative option based on net sale proceeds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to live in Florida to enter The Nicholas home giveaway?

No. You do not need to be a current Florida resident to enter. Legal U.S. residents aged 18 and older from eligible states can participate. However, if you win, you will be responsible for Florida property taxes and closing costs associated with the Fort Pierce location.

How is the winner of The Nicholas selected?

The recipient is selected through an automated, random drawing managed by an independent, certified third-party sweepstakes administrator. The sponsoring nonprofit does not manually pick winners or influence the selection software.

Can I enter The Nicholas if I also entered another home category?

Yes. You can enter different initiative categories provided you meet the specific eligibility criteria for each home. However, each participant is subject to entry limits outlined in our official guidelines.

Take Your Chance on Homeownership Today

The Nicholas represents an incredible opportunity for anyone dreaming of a fresh start in a mortgage-free home on Florida’s Treasure Coast. By participating, you support a transparent nonprofit mission dedicated to expanding housing access for all.

To take your chance, visit hwh25.org today. From there, you can view the details for The Nicholas, learn more about the Pine Hollow community, and submit your entry. Be sure to review the complete Official Rules and Disclosures on our website before participating.