A Reference Guide by Caroline Burgess · Tampa Bay, Florida

Your Buyer's Guide to
Homeownership Assistance
in the Tampa Bay Area

Down payment programs, deferred loans, and grants that may be available to buyers in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, and Sarasota counties — organized for general reference, with plain-English guidance.

Programs change frequently. Funding can open, pause, or close with little notice. The fastest way to know what you may qualify for right now is to request a current program review.

Check What I May Qualify For Explore the Programs
Before You Apply

What Buyers in Tampa Bay
Should Know First

Most homebuyer assistance programs don't advertise themselves. Funds exist at the state, county, and city level — but they're tied to specific income thresholds, property locations, and participating lenders. Without guidance, most buyers simply never find them.

This guide is a reference to the types of assistance programs that have existed for buyers across the Tampa Bay region. Use it to understand what may be available for your situation — then reach out so we can check what's currently funded, open, and a fit for you.

Program details, funding, and eligibility change throughout the year. I stay current on what's available so you don't have to — and getting pre-approved with the right lender is usually the first step where I can make the biggest difference.

"The right program can mean the difference between reaching your goals this year — or waiting another three."

  • 01
    Filter Your Options Use the program finder below to sort by county, profession, income range, and buyer status.
  • 02
    Check Your Eligibility Most programs require a minimum credit score, income within set limits, and a HUD-approved homebuyer education class.
  • 03
    Contact Me First Before applying anywhere, reach out. Some programs can be stacked together — a strategy most buyers never discover on their own.
  • 04
    Close With Confidence Assistance is applied at closing. I'll make sure you're working with a lender who participates in your chosen programs.
Program Reference Guide

Explore What May Be Available

Filter by what applies to you to see programs that may be relevant to your situation. Details are for general reference — contact Caroline for current funding status and availability.

County or Coverage Area
All Areas
Pinellas
Hillsborough
Pasco
Manatee
Sarasota

Your Profession
Any
Teacher / Educator
Healthcare Worker
First Responder
Veteran / Military
Childcare Worker

Buyer Status
Any Buyer
First-Time Buyers
Repeat Buyers Welcome

Household Income
Any Income
Low (≤ 80% AMI)
Moderate (80–120% AMI)
Above-Moderate (120–150% AMI)
No Income Limit

2026 Tampa MSA reference: 80% AMI ≈ $66,750 for a family of four · 100% AMI ≈ $83,450 · 150% AMI ≈ $125,175


Program availability, funding, eligibility, and guidelines are subject to change. Information on this page is for general education only and does not guarantee approval, funding, or eligibility. Always verify current status directly with the program provider or contact Caroline for a current program review.

Official Resources

Housing Authorities & Key Agencies

These are the official government bodies that administer assistance programs across the Tampa Bay region. Always verify current availability directly with the source.

Your St. Petersburg Expert

Request Your
Current Program Review

Program funding opens and closes throughout the year — sometimes with very little notice. The only way to know what you actually qualify for right now is to have a conversation. I'll check current availability, identify which programs fit your situation, and connect you with the right lender.

Office
710 94th Ave N, Ste 302
St. Petersburg, FL 33702