SeatTampa
Residents1,574,115
Income cap, 3+$131,905
Price cap$566,354
The Hillsborough picture
Hillsborough County Public Schools' teachers, aides, counselors and support staff all fit the school rule. On the public safety side, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Tampa Police, Tampa Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Plant City Police Department employ eligible workers.
Buyers looking in Riverview, Brandon or Temple Terrace should note the Bond price limit: $566,354, the standard figure in most of Florida. Five percent of a loan under that price lands below the $35,000 maximum, so most Bond buyers here will see something between $10,000 and the high $20,000s.
The Bond income limits are $114,700 for 1 to 2 people and $131,905 for 3 or more. If you're over those, ask about TBA, which uses the single higher limit.
Caps that apply in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough's Bond limits are $114,700 and $131,905 with a $566,354 price limit, and its TBA limit is $172,050. Compare with the statewide table or run the budget calculator.
Local employers whose staff can qualify
- Hillsborough County Public Schools
- Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
- Tampa Police Department
- Tampa Fire Rescue
- Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
- Plant City Police Department
Full-time hospital, clinic and assisted living staff in Tampa and the suburbs qualify alongside teachers and first responders. The eligible jobs list has the full set of roles.
Local money in Hillsborough County
County, city and employer programs here can sometimes sit behind the state loan, or replace it. Each has its own rules about combining, and a loan officer sorts out which ones fit together.
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 fitCity 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 fitThe full statewide list is on every Florida program.
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
Hillsborough County, asked and answered
What's the Hometown Heroes income limit in Tampa?
Hillsborough uses $172,050 under TBA for any household size, or $114,700 and $131,905 under Bond.
Can I buy a $600,000 home in Hillsborough with Hometown Heroes?
Not with a Bond loan, which caps the price at $566,354 outside targeted areas. TBA has no price cap but does have loan limits.
Does a Tampa Fire Rescue firefighter qualify?
Yes, if employed full-time. Your lender verifies employment with paystubs or a verification of employment.
Nearby guides: Miami-Dade · Broward · Palm Beach · Orange · Duval · Pinellas · Lee · Polk. Or browse all counties.
