Forgivable loans for first-time buyers purchasing in Tampa's inner-city redevelopment neighborhoods. Zero interest. No monthly payments. Forgiven after 20 years.
0%Interest Rate
$0Monthly Payment
20 yrsUntil Forgiven
8CRA Districts
DowntownChannel DistrictTampa HeightsWest TampaDrew ParkCentral ParkEast TampaYbor City
How It Works
Three Steps to Up to $50K
1
Check Your Income Tier
Use the Fannie Mae AMI Lookup Tool to find your household's percentage of Area Median Income. Your tier determines whether you receive $30K, $40K, or $50K — and whether you qualify at all.
2
Find a Home in a CRA District
Browse active listings in Tampa's eight CRA districts using the tool below. Confirm the property address falls within the official boundary — the City verifies this. Any eligible property type (single-family, condo, townhome) qualifies.
3
Apply Through a HUD Counselor
Contact one of four HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. They process the application, verify your eligibility, and submit it to the City. Funds are delivered at closing — no separate disbursement needed after the fact.
Assistance Amounts
How Much Can You Receive?
Your maximum award is set by your household income as a percentage of Hillsborough County's Area Median Income (AMI). Look up your AMI percentage →
$50,000
Very Low Income
50.01% – 80% AMI
Maximum Award
$40,000
Low Income
80.01% – 120% AMI
Mid-Tier Award
$30,000
Moderate Income
120.01% – 140% AMI
Base Award
Not eligible: Households below 50% AMI or above 140% AMI do not qualify for this program. See the City of Tampa SHIP program for other options.
Eligibility
Who Qualifies?
✅
Income 50–140% AMI
Household income must fall between 50% and 140% of the Hillsborough County Area Median Income.
✅
Property in a CRA District
The home must be located within one of Tampa's CRA district boundaries — confirmed by address lookup with the City.
✅
FHA, VA, or Conventional Loan
Eligible loan types include FHA, VA, and conventional affordable housing products. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are not permitted.
✅
$1,000 Borrower Investment
You must contribute at least $1,000 of your own funds toward the purchase.
✅
Owner-Occupied Primary Residence
The property must be your primary home — not a rental or investment property.
Official City of Tampa Document
FY2025 CRA Down Payment Assistance Program Flyer
Full program details, income limits, and application checklist — directly from the City of Tampa.
Select a district to see active listings within that area, sourced live from the MLS. Always confirm the specific address falls within the CRA boundary with the City before making an offer — boundaries follow legal descriptions, not ZIP codes.
You must work through one of these four HUD-approved agencies to apply. They provide free housing counseling and process the CRA DPA application on your behalf.
CRA Director: Cedric McCray — 306 E Jackson St, Tampa FL 33602 — (813) 274-8325
Common Questions
CRA Down Payment Assistance FAQ
No. The CRA Down Payment Assistance program is separate from the City of Tampa SHIP program. CRA DPA is administered specifically through Tampa's Community Redevelopment Areas and is only available for properties within CRA district boundaries. SHIP funds are available citywide. Both programs can potentially be stacked — call Mike to discuss.
The assistance can be applied toward down payment and/or closing costs. The total cannot exceed $50,000 (for the 50–80% AMI tier). Speak with your HUD-approved counselor about how to allocate the funds.
The CRA DPA program does not specify a first-time homebuyer requirement in the published guidelines. However, lender requirements on your primary mortgage (FHA, VA, or conventional) may impose their own first-time buyer rules.
Potentially yes. Program stacking depends on the primary lender and specific program rules. For example, FL Assist ($10,000 deferred second) and CRA DPA ($30,000–$50,000) could theoretically be combined — check with your lender and the HUD counseling agency. Call Mike for a current assessment.
The outstanding balance becomes due and payable at the time of sale or refinance. The amount owed may be prorated depending on program terms — ask your HUD counselor for the current forgiveness schedule.
Looking for other Tampa Bay DPA programs? FL Assist, Hillsborough County SHIP, Pinellas programs, and more are covered on our Down Payment Assistance Guide →
Ready to Buy in a Tampa CRA District?
Mike Valdes works with buyers using CRA assistance across all eight districts. Call to check current program availability and find eligible listings in your price range.