Down Payment Assistance in Pinellas and Hillsborough: Fall 2026 Guide

Most first-time buyers I talk to in Tampa Bay ask the same thing. Is there money to help with the down payment? Often, yes. It comes from the state, the county, or the city. Each one has its own rules, its own lender list, and its own way of getting paid back.

This is the fall 2026 version for Pinellas and Hillsborough. I'm a Realtor at Realty of America and a Loan Originator through PMF, Inc. Program terms change.

Hometown Heroes is not Homes for Heroes

These two get mixed up every week. Florida Hometown Heroes is a state down payment loan run by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Homes for Heroes is a private, nationwide savings program that works through participating agents and lenders. It's not a state loan. You can read how I handle that one in Homes for Heroes in Florida.

Florida Hometown Heroes (state)

As of October 2026, Hometown Heroes gives up to 5% of the first mortgage amount toward down payment and closing costs, with a $10,000 minimum and a $35,000 maximum. It's a 0%, 30-year deferred second mortgage. It's due when you sell, refinance, transfer the deed, or stop living in the home. It's not forgiven.

For 2026, it is limited to people employed full-time by a Florida-based employer as a health care worker, school staff member, first responder, public safety or court employee, or child care worker. It also covers U.S. military, Coast Guard, reserve, and Florida National Guard members, and veterans employed full-time by a Florida-based employer. Buyers must be first-time and income-qualified.

On October 16, 2026, the program administrator's page said over $20 million was still available. Funds are first come, first served. A participating lender reserves them against a signed contract. Pre-approval alone doesn't hold money. I can originate Hometown Heroes loans through PMF, Inc.

Florida Assist and HLP (state)

If your job doesn't fit Hometown Heroes, Florida Housing has other second mortgages. As of October 2026, Florida Assist provides up to $10,000 at 0% with no monthly payment. The HLP second mortgage provides $12,500 at 3% over 30 years, with a monthly payment. Both sit behind a Florida Housing first mortgage. Income and purchase price limits apply by county.

Pinellas County programs

Pinellas County Down Payment Assistance. As of October 2026, the county offers an interest-free, deferred loan of up to $75,000 for income-eligible buyers. It is forgiven after 30 years. It is repaid in full if you sell before then. The purchase price must be $394,000 or less. Liquid assets cannot exceed $50,000. You need an 8-hour homebuyer class, one hour of HUD-approved counseling, and a HUD condition inspection. Your first mortgage lender submits the application. The county updated terms on August 1, 2026.

It covers unincorporated Pinellas and most cities. St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo run their own programs. Check the address on the county site before you count on it.

HFA of Pinellas County Home Key Plus. As of October 2026, this is a $10,000 second mortgage in Pinellas at 0%, deferred, paired with the HFA's first mortgage. It's repaid when you sell, refinance, rent, or move out. It's never forgiven.

Hillsborough County and City of Tampa programs

Home Sweet Home Hillsborough. As of October 2026, the Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County offers $15,000 outside Tampa city limits and $5,000 inside them. It's a 0%, 30-year deferred second mortgage paired with its first mortgage. It's never forgiven. It's repaid on sale, refinance, transfer, or rental within 30 years. The program lists a 640 minimum credit score, first-time buyer rules with veteran and targeted-area exceptions, homebuyer education, and a required Mortgage Credit Certificate in Hillsborough.

City of Tampa Dare to Own the Dream. As of October 2026, inside Tampa city limits, the city offers a 0% deferred loan of up to $50,000 for income-eligible first-time buyers. The amount depends on household income: $50,000 at 50.01% to 80% of area median income, $40,000 at 80.01% to 120%, and $30,000 at 120.01% to 140%. It is forgivable after 20 years if you still live there. The price cap is $450,000. You must start with an approved housing counseling agency and must not be under contract before you get a reservation number. The city also requires a lender and agent from its approved lists. I'm on the city's approved Realtor list through Realty of America.

Side by side

Amounts and limits come from each program's published terms as of October 2026. They change, so confirm at consult.

What trips files up

Order matters. Some programs need counseling or a reservation before you sign a contract. Others need a signed contract before the lender can reserve. Price caps, asset caps, and income limits count the whole household. Stacking two programs is sometimes allowed and sometimes not. The first mortgage still has to qualify on its own. Florida insurance and condo approval can still stop a file, same as any other loan. See FHA Loan Requirements in Florida for that side.

What to do next

Bring your employer, your household income, and the area you want. I'll tell you which programs your file may fit. I'm on the Home Sweet Home Hillsborough lender list through PMF, Inc., and each other program has its own lender list.

Start with Florida down payment assistance programs, how much down payment you need, and what credit score you need. Then book a consultation. When you're ready, apply for a loan.

Sources, checked October 19, 2026: Florida Housing Finance Corporation Hometown Heroes and homebuyer pages; eHousingPlus program highlights and Hillsborough HFA lender guide; Pinellas County Down Payment Assistance and HFA First-Time Homebuyer pages; Home Sweet Home Hillsborough program site; City of Tampa 2026 Dare to Own the Dream flyer. Education, not a commitment to lend.

Jonathan Loescher, Tampa Bay Realtor and Loan Originator (SL3546365, NMLS 2621894).

Real estate services through Realty of America. Mortgage loans originated through PMF, Inc., NMLS 1980. You don't have to use both. Equal Housing Opportunity. All loan approvals are conditional on lender review.