2026 Hometown Heroes funds are open now, first-come, first-served. Last year's money ran out by February.See where you stand
Take the quiz

Pinellas, Pasco, Polk Counties

Home Key Plus down payment assistance (Pinellas, Pasco, Polk)

The Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County's Home Key Plus adds a deferred second mortgage of $10,000 in Pinellas County or $7,500 in Pasco and Polk counties to its first mortgage for first-time buyers. It is open.

Home Key Plus Program

Taking applications

Pinellas, Pasco, Polk Counties

Amount
$10,000 Pinellas; $7,500 Pasco and Polk
Kind of help
Deferred loan, due at sale or refinance
Who it's for
First-time buyers using the HFA first mortgage
Income cap
See HFA limits
First-timers only
Yes
Also note
FICO 660; homebuyer education

Lock rates 11/6/2026: government 6.750%, conventional 7.000%.

Checked against the official page, November 2026. How we fact-check

Check whether I fit

How Home Key Plus works

Home Key Plus is a two-loan package: an HFA first mortgage plus a deferred second for down payment and closing costs. The second is a flat amount based on county ($10,000 Pinellas, $7,500 Pasco and Polk). Rates on November 6, 2026 were 6.750% for government loans and 7.000% conventional, among the lower posted HFA rates in the state that day.

Who qualifies?

  • First-time buyers.
  • Income under HFA of Pinellas County limits.
  • A credit score of at least 660 (higher than the 640 many Florida programs use).
  • Homebuyer education and a participating lender.

Where Home Key Plus fits locally

In Polk County, the County's Gap Financing page says funding is unavailable, so Home Key Plus is one of the few open choices outside Lakeland. In Pasco and unincorporated Pinellas, the County programs are open and far larger ($50,000-$65,000 in Pasco; up to $75,000 in Pinellas), but have tighter income and price caps. Whether those County loans can sit behind a Home Key Plus first is something a participating lender confirms.

Home Key Plus vs. Hometown Heroes

Each requires its own first mortgage, so choose one. For an eligible worker, Hometown Heroes' 5% of the loan (at least $10,000, up to $35,000) is usually more cash, but it is repaid in full later and needs a qualifying job. Home Key Plus is open to any first-time buyer who meets the income and 660 score requirements.

How to apply

  1. Pick a lender approved for the HFA of Pinellas County program.
  2. Confirm the HFA income limit for your county.
  3. Complete homebuyer education.
  4. The lender reserves both loans after you sign a contract.

Polk buyers inside Lakeland should also check the City of Lakeland program, which is open for households at or below 80% AMI.

Because the second mortgage is deferred, ask your lender for the note and read what makes it due, such as a sale, refinance or move-out. Ask, too, how the HFA measures income for its limits, since household versus borrower income can change whether you qualify.

County guides: Pinellas, Pasco, Polk. Read the credit score guide or check your eligibility.

Florida counties it covers: Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County.

Home Key Plus Program: your questions

How much is Home Key Plus?

$10,000 in Pinellas County and $7,500 in Pasco and Polk counties, as a deferred second mortgage.

What credit score does Home Key Plus need?

At least 660.

Can I combine Home Key Plus with Hometown Heroes?

Generally no; both need their own first mortgage. A lender can compare them.

Find out if I fit this program

Programs to compare

Our summary of the official program page as of November 2026. Funding and terms change; get the current version from the program or a participating lender. Florida Down Payment Assistance has no tie to this program.