Curated by Caroline Burgess · Updated June 2026 · Tampa Bay, Florida

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

Down payment programs, deferred loans, and grants available to buyers in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, and Sarasota counties — organized simply, with plain-English guidance.

Explore Buyer Programs Ask Caroline Where to Start
Before You Apply

What Buyers in Tampa Bay
Should Know First

Most homebuyer assistance programs don't advertise themselves. Qualifying 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.

That's where this guide comes in. I've compiled every active assistance program available to buyers across the Tampa Bay region into one filterable resource, so you can quickly identify what applies to your situation and act before funds run out.

One important thing to know: most programs require you to work through an approved lender who will apply on your behalf. Getting pre-approved is usually the first step — and it's also the step where I can help you the most.

"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 Finder

Check Your Options

Filter by what applies to you. Click any program to read full eligibility details.

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


Curated for You

Ten Programs Worth Knowing About
in 2026

These are the programs I recommend most consistently to buyers in Pinellas County and the broader Tampa Bay area — based on availability, assistance amount, and what I see working right now.

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

Let's Find the Right
Program Together

These programs move quickly and details change — sometimes mid-year. Before you apply to anything, let's spend fifteen minutes reviewing your situation. I'll help you identify which programs make the most sense for you and connect you with the right lender to make it happen.

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