First-Time Buyer Programs

Tampa Bay Down Payment Assistance Programs

Many Tampa Bay first-time buyers don't realize thousands of dollars in grant money and low-interest loans are available — often with no repayment required. Here's what's available in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties in 2026.

Programs change frequently. Call Mike at (813) 548-5618 for current availability and income limits before starting your search.

Statewide Programs
Florida Housing Finance Corporation

Florida Housing offers statewide programs available to eligible buyers in every county, including Hillsborough and Pinellas. These programs are typically used in combination with a Florida Housing first mortgage (HFA Preferred or HFA Advantage).

FL Assist — $10,000 Deferred

A $10,000 deferred second mortgage at 0% interest with no monthly payment. Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Available statewide including all of Tampa Bay. No income cap, but purchase price limits apply.

Best for: Buyers who plan to stay in the home 5+ years

FL HLP Second Mortgage

A $10,000 second mortgage at 3% interest with a monthly payment over 15 years (~$69/month). Unlike FL Assist, this loan is fully amortizing. Can be combined with FL Assist in some programs for maximum assistance.

Best for: Buyers who want a structured payment vs. balloon at sale

HFA Preferred / HFA Advantage

Florida Housing's preferred conventional and FHA first mortgage programs with below-market interest rates. Required in combination with most DPA programs. Can include 3–5% down payment grant assistance layered on top.

Best for: Buyers with 640+ credit score seeking below-market rate

Salute Our Soldiers

Florida's military loan program offers below-market interest rates plus down payment assistance for active duty military, veterans, and surviving spouses. Available across all Florida counties. Not limited to first-time buyers.

Best for: Veterans, active duty, surviving spouses
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County DPA Programs

Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa administer their own SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) programs in addition to the statewide Florida Housing programs. These can often be layered with state programs for maximum benefit.

Hillsborough County SHIP

Down payment and closing cost assistance for income-qualified buyers purchasing in unincorporated Hillsborough County. Amount varies annually based on state funding — typically $7,500–$20,000. Properties must be owner-occupied.

Administered by: Hillsborough County Community Development

City of Tampa SHIP

The City of Tampa administers its own SHIP funds for properties within Tampa city limits. Ideal for buyers looking in Seminole Heights, Ybor City, East Tampa, and other city neighborhoods. Separate eligibility from county program.

Administered by: City of Tampa Housing Division

Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance

The City of Tampa's CRA program offers up to $50,000 as a forgivable silent second mortgage for buyers purchasing in one of Tampa's nine Community Redevelopment Areas — Downtown, Ybor City, East Tampa, West Tampa, Drew Park, and more.

Income range: 50–140% AMI  ·  0% interest  ·  Forgiven after 20 years
Learn more & browse CRA listings →

Purchase Assistance Program (PAP)

Targeted at moderate-income buyers in Hillsborough County. Offers forgivable loans that convert to grants after a set period if the buyer remains in the home as their primary residence. Amount and availability vary by year.

Forgiven over: typically 5–10 years of occupancy

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Available in specific target areas within Hillsborough County — often neighborhoods near downtown Tampa and historically underserved communities. May offer enhanced assistance amounts for buyers purchasing in these zones.

Best for: Buyers open to purchasing in targeted revitalization areas
Pinellas County
Pinellas County & St. Pete Programs

Pinellas County has its own set of DPA programs for buyers purchasing in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, and other Pinellas communities.

Pinellas County SHIP

Down payment and closing cost assistance for income-qualified buyers in Pinellas County. Administered by Pinellas County Community Development. Amount and eligibility criteria change annually — current year funding is announced each spring.

Contact: Pinellas County Community Development (727) 464-8210

St. Petersburg HAP

The City of St. Petersburg's Homebuyer Assistance Program offers forgivable loans for down payment and closing costs for buyers purchasing within St. Pete city limits in targeted neighborhoods. Typically $10,000–$15,000.

Contact: City of St. Pete Housing Authority

Clearwater DPA

City of Clearwater periodically offers down payment assistance through HUD-funded programs for buyers purchasing within city limits. Eligibility requirements are income-based and subject to annual funding availability.

Contact: City of Clearwater Neighborhood Services

St. Pete Community Land Trust

An affordable homeownership program that reduces purchase prices through land trust arrangements in St. Petersburg. Ideal for buyers who qualify income-wise but are priced out of St. Pete's rising market.

Best for: Low-to-moderate income buyers in St. Petersburg
⚠️ Important: You Need a Realtor to Access These Programs

Most DPA programs require that your home purchase be facilitated by an approved real estate professional. Mike Valdes is experienced with all of the above programs and can help you determine which ones you qualify for — at no cost to you as the buyer.

Programs have limited funding and often run out mid-year. Don't wait — call Mike today to check current availability and start your eligibility assessment.

📞 Call (813) 548-5618
Common Questions
DPA FAQs
Most programs define "first-time buyer" as someone who has not owned a home in the past 3 years. You may still qualify even if you previously owned a home. Veterans and surviving spouses may be exempt from the first-time buyer requirement on military programs.
Yes — this is where working with an experienced agent matters most. For example, some buyers combine FL Assist ($10,000) with a Hillsborough County SHIP grant ($10,000–$20,000) and an HFA Preferred first mortgage for maximum benefit. Not all programs can be stacked, so call us to walk through your specific situation.
Income limits vary by program and are based on Area Median Income (AMI) for the county. For Hillsborough County, AMI for a family of 4 is approximately $90,000–$95,000 (2026). Most programs target buyers earning 80–120% AMI. We'll run your income against current limits when you call.
It depends on the program. FL Assist is a deferred loan — no payment while you live there, but repaid when you sell or refinance. Many county SHIP programs are forgivable after 5–15 years of occupancy, converting to an effective grant. Some programs are true grants with no repayment required.
Florida Housing programs typically require a minimum 640–660 FICO score. County SHIP programs vary — some accept scores as low as 620. If your credit needs work, we can refer you to a HUD-approved housing counselor who provides free credit improvement guidance as part of the program process.

Find Out What You Qualify For

Call Mike — he'll check current program availability, income limits, and how to maximize your assistance in today's Tampa Bay market.

Call (813) 548-5618 Affordability Calculator