Which Tampa programs are taking applications?
Both of the City of Tampa's programs are open. Dare to Own the Dream (DARE), run by Tampa Housing & Community Development through approved counseling agencies, pays $50,000 at 50.01-80% AMI, $40,000 at 80.01-120% and $30,000 at 120.01-140%. Buyers at or below 50% AMI are not eligible. With 2026 limits, 140% AMI for four people is $160,580. The loan is a 0% silent second, fully forgiven after 20 years of owner occupancy. City news on October 28, 2026 reported a record 71 closings in FY2026 and said applications are open.
DARE has firm rules: start with an approved counseling agency before going under contract, use a City-approved lender and realtor, invest at least $2,000 ($1,000 of your own), keep liquid assets at $20,000 or less, stay at or under a 50% debt-to-income ratio and have a 600 middle credit score. The price cap is $450,000. Buying inside one of Tampa's Community Redevelopment Areas opens the Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance Program, which uses the same tiers but has no maximum purchase price and a $1,000 minimum investment, according to a July 23, 2026 flyer. CRA buyers also complete post-purchase education after closing. Ask your counseling agency to confirm whether an address sits inside a CRA boundary before you pick a house, since the price cap disappears there.
Hillsborough County adds Home Sweet Home Hillsborough, whose chart lists $5,000 for City of Tampa buyers, and the HFA of Hillsborough MCC. Hillsborough County Public Schools teachers and Tampa Police or Tampa Fire Rescue staff can check Florida Hometown Heroes too. The Hillsborough County guide has the full county picture.
Run by Tampa
City of Tampa
- Amount
- $50,000 (50.01-80% AMI), $40,000 (80.01-120%), $30,000 (120.01-140%); 0-50% AMI not eligible
- Kind of help
- Forgivable second loan
- Who it's for
- First-time buyers 50.01%-140% AMI buying inside Tampa city limits
- Income cap
- 2026 limits: 80% = $91,750; 120% = $137,640; 140% = $160,580 (4 persons)
- Price cap
- $450,000
- First-timers only
- Yes
- Also note
- Start with an approved counseling agency before going under contract; City-approved lender and realtor; min $2,000 buyer investment ($1,000 own funds); max liquid assets $20,000; DTI max 50%; mid credit score 600; HQS inspection
0% deferred 'silent second', fully forgiven after 20 years of owner occupancy. City news 10/28/2026: record 71 closings in FY2026, applications currently open.
Checked against the official page, November 2026. How we fact-check
Read our full write-upCheck whether I fitTampa Community Redevelopment Areas
- Amount
- $50,000 / $40,000 / $30,000 by AMI tier (same tiers as DARE)
- Kind of help
- Forgivable second loan
- Who it's for
- First-time buyers up to 140% AMI purchasing within a Tampa CRA boundary
- Income cap
- Up to 140% AMI (2026 limits as DARE)
- Price cap
- No maximum purchase price
- First-timers only
- Yes
- Also note
- Approved counseling agency; City-approved lender/realtor; min $1,000 investment; post-purchase education
Flyer dated 7/23/2026. 0% deferred, forgiven after 20 years.
Checked against the official page, November 2026. How we fact-check
Read our full write-upCheck whether I fitCounty money Tampa buyers can use
Hillsborough County (also Brevard, Clay, Duval)
- Amount
- DPA $15,000 in Hillsborough, $5,000 City of Tampa, $15,000 Brevard, $10,000 Duval (per eHousingPlus chart); LHAP allows SHIP awards up to $100,000
- Kind of help
- Deferred loan, due at sale or refinance
- Who it's for
- First-time buyers using the HFA's FHA/VA/USDA first mortgage
- Income cap
- See HFA income limits
- First-timers only
- Yes
- Also note
- Participating lender; homebuyer education; FICO 640
County page says first-time buyers have two DPA options (Home Sweet Home and 'Affordable Income Subsidy Grant'). LHAP 2025-28 strategy 'Purchase Assistance HFA': 0% deferred, 30-year, repaid on sale or payoff of first mortgage. Lock rate 7.125% on eHousingPlus 11/6/2026.
Checked against the official page, November 2026. How we fact-check
Read our full write-upCheck whether I fitHillsborough and Clay Counties
- Amount
- Federal tax credit equal to 20% of annual mortgage interest
- Kind of help
- Federal tax credit (MCC)
- Who it's for
- First-time buyers (borrower and spouse)
- Income cap
- See MCC income & sales price limits
- First-timers only
- Yes
- Also note
- 2026-2028 MCC guidelines; participating lender
Local MCC - relevant because Florida Housing no longer issues MCCs.
Checked against the official page, November 2026. How we fact-check
Read our full write-upCheck whether I fitState programs on top
Buyers in Tampa also have 3 statewide programs to draw on, Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program among them. Browse every Florida program or let the program search narrow it down.
Matching county guide: Hillsborough County.
Homebuyer classes near Hillsborough County
Nearly every down payment program makes you finish a homebuyer class before closing. These HUD-approved agencies around Hillsborough County teach one or offer one-on-one counseling before you buy.
From HUD's list of housing counseling agencies. A given program may accept only certain classes.
Which class counts for you? Your loan officer knows which courses each Florida program accepts and can start your pre-approval in the same conversation.
Start with the 2-minute check
Tampa, asked and answered
How much does Tampa's DARE program pay?
$50,000 at 50.01-80% AMI, $40,000 at 80.01-120% and $30,000 at 120.01-140%, forgiven after 20 years of owner occupancy.
What is the price limit for DARE in Tampa?
$450,000. The Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance Program has no maximum purchase price for homes inside a CRA boundary.
Can I sign a contract before applying for DARE?
No. Start with an approved housing counseling agency before you go under contract.
