What down payment assistance is available in Tampa FL?

Tampa buyers have access to 5+ programs. The City of Tampa Dare to Own program just reopened in March 2026 offering up to $50,000 forgivable. Hillsborough County Home Sweet Home provides up to $15,000. Florida Hometown Heroes covers up to $35,000 statewide. FL Assist adds $10,000. Credit from 640.

Is the Tampa Dare to Own program open?

Yes. Dare to Own was paused on January 7, 2026 due to funding constraints. It reopened on March 30, 2026 and is now accepting reservation packages. Contact the city at 813-274-7954 to confirm current availability.

What is the Dare to Own program?

The City of Tampa Dare to Own the Dream program provides up to $50,000 as a forgivable loan. Assistance is tiered by income: up to $50,000 for 50-80% AMI, up to $40,000 for 80-120% AMI, and up to $30,000 for 120-140% AMI. First-time buyer required. Property must be in Tampa city limits.

What is Florida Hometown Heroes?

Florida Hometown Heroes provides up to 5% of the first mortgage (max $35,000) as a 0% deferred second loan. Available to Florida workers in qualifying occupations including law enforcement, education, healthcare, and military. First-time buyer required. 640 credit minimum. Income capped at 150% AMI.

What credit score do I need for DPA in Tampa?

Florida Housing programs require 640 minimum. Dare to Own and Hillsborough County programs have their own requirements. Most Tampa buyers with 640+ credit have access to the full program suite.

What is the FHA loan limit in Tampa?

The 2026 FHA limit for Hillsborough County is $541,287. Tampa's median of around $400,000-$448,000 is well below this limit.

Can I combine Tampa DPA programs?

Hometown Heroes includes its own first mortgage, which may limit compatibility with Dare to Own. City and county programs may or may not stack. Confirm with all programs and your lender before assuming.

What income limits apply?

Dare to Own: up to 140% AMI (approximately $134,000 for a family of 4). Hometown Heroes: 150% AMI. Hillsborough Home Sweet Home: contact HFA for current limits.

What is the difference between city and county programs?

Dare to Own ($50K) is a City of Tampa program for properties within city limits. Home Sweet Home ($15K in the county, $5K in Tampa) is a Hillsborough County HFA program. Hometown Heroes is statewide. Each has different eligibility and application processes.

How much help can I get on a $400K home?

Dare to Own: up to $50,000 (income-tiered). Hometown Heroes: $20,000 (5%). FHA down payment: $14,000. Dare to Own alone covers the full down payment plus $36,000 for closing costs at the highest tier.

Down Payment Assistance Tampa FL 2026 | 5+ Programs, Dare to Own Reopened ($50K)

Last updated: April 2026 · Program availability changes frequently

Down Payment Assistance in Tampa: Overview

Tampa's DPA landscape just shifted. The city's flagship program, Dare to Own the Dream, was paused on January 7, 2026 when funding ran out. It reopened on March 30, 2026 with new reservation packages being accepted. If you have been waiting to buy, the window is open now. It will not stay open indefinitely.

Dare to Own provides up to $50,000 as a forgivable loan, tiered by income. That is one of the largest city-level DPA programs in the state. Tampa's median home price sits around $420,000. A 3.5% FHA down payment on that is $14,700. The Dare to Own program at the highest tier covers the full down payment plus $35,300 for closing costs and reserves. At the lowest tier ($30,000), it still covers the down payment twice over.

Beyond the city program, Hillsborough County's Home Sweet Home program adds up to $15,000 for buyers outside Tampa city limits (and up to $5,000 within Tampa). Florida Housing's Hometown Heroes covers up to $35,000 statewide for qualifying workers. Together, Tampa buyers have multiple paths to cover the full cost of entry.

The FHA limit for Hillsborough County is $541,287. Tampa's median is well below that. Every FHA-based program works on the vast majority of Tampa purchases. This guide covers what just reopened, what is currently accepting applications, and how to move quickly before Dare to Own pauses again.

Quick Answer

Yes. Tampa has 5+ DPA programs across city, county, and state levels. Dare to Own the Dream just reopened (March 30, 2026) offering up to $50,000 forgivable. Hillsborough Home Sweet Home adds up to $15,000. Hometown Heroes covers $35,000 statewide.

On a $420,000 home: FHA down = $14,700. Dare to Own at the highest tier ($50K) covers everything. Hometown Heroes at 5% = $21,000. Either program alone handles the down payment with room for closing costs.

Credit starts at 640 for Florida Housing programs. Dare to Own requires first-time buyer status and income under 140% AMI. Hometown Heroes is limited to qualifying occupations (law enforcement, education, healthcare, military, childcare).

Dare to Own the Dream (City of Tampa)

Verify Funding City of Tampa Reopened March 2026

Dare to Own the Dream (DARE)

Amount: Up to $50,000 (income-tiered)

Type: Forgivable loan (20-year forgiveness period)

Income limit: 140% AMI (~$134,000 for family of 4)

First-time buyer: Required (no ownership in 3 years)

Coverage: Tampa city limits only

Contact: 813-274-7954

Income Tier	Max Assistance
50.01% - 80% AMI	Up to $50,000
80.01% - 120% AMI	Up to $40,000
120.01% - 140% AMI	Up to $30,000

Timing matters. Dare to Own paused once this year already (January 7). It reopened March 30. When funding runs out, it pauses again. If you are considering this program, start the application process now. Do not wait to find a property first. Get your reservation package submitted while funding is available.

Hillsborough County Programs

Verify Funding Hillsborough County HFA

Home Sweet Home Hillsborough

Amount: Up to $15,000 (county) / up to $5,000 (City of Tampa)

Type: 0% interest second mortgage

First-time buyer: Required

Contact: 813-425-5959

Important geographic note: Buyers within Tampa city limits get up to $5,000 from this program. Buyers in unincorporated Hillsborough County or other cities get up to $15,000. This is because Tampa has its own program (Dare to Own). The two may complement each other. Processing typically takes 30-45 days.

Florida Hometown Heroes

Open Statewide

Florida Housing Hometown Heroes Program

Amount: Up to 5% of first mortgage (max $35,000)

Type: 0% interest deferred second loan

Income limit: 150% AMI

First-time buyer: Required (veterans exempt)

Credit score: 640 minimum

Employment: Qualifying FL occupation (35+ hrs/week)

2025-2026 update: Hometown Heroes now requires qualifying occupations (law enforcement, fire, education, healthcare, childcare, military). Previously it was open to all FL workers. If you qualify, the 0% deferred loan is repaid only when you sell, refinance, or transfer. On a $420K purchase: 5% = $21,000. Funding is $50M for 2025-2026, half the prior year's allocation. Apply early.

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Florida DPA Programs DPA in St. Petersburg DPA in Orlando DPA in Jacksonville DPA in Miami DPA in Cape Coral First-Time Buyer Guide: Florida Eligibility Tool

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. Program availability, terms, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Verify all details with the administering agency or an approved lender. DownPaymentScout is an independent resource. Last updated April 2026.

Down Payment Assistance in Tampa, Florida