Tampa, Hillsborough & Pasco First-Time Buyer Programs Explained

by Santy Kumar

First-Time Homebuyer Help in Tampa, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties

Buying your first home is exciting — but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming. Between saving for a down payment, paying

closing costs, and navigating lenders, it’s tough to know where to start.

The good news? If you’re a first-time buyer in Tampa, Hillsborough, or Pasco County, there are local, county, state, and federal programs designed to make homeownership more affordable. Here’s a quick guide you can actually use.

🏡 Quick Comparison of First-Time Buyer Programs

Program	Area Covered	Assistance Max	Key Features	More Info
Dare to Own the Dream (DARE)	City of Tampa	Up to $50,000	0% “silent second”; forgiven after 20 years; $450,000 purchase price cap; minimum 600 credit score; buyer contribution $2,000 (min $1,000 from your own funds)	DARE Program
Home Sweet Home / Hillsborough HFA	Hillsborough County (outside Tampa city limits)	Up to $15,000	Forgivable second mortgage or deferred second; minimum 640 credit score; $250,000-$254,000 purchase price cap; income limits around $58,000–$68,000 depending on household size	Hillsborough HFA DPA & Hillsborough County Info
Pasco County DPA	Pasco County	Up to $65,000 (very low income); up to $50,000 (low income); up to $35,000 (moderate income)	Forgivable after 30 years for low incomes; moderate incomes get deferred/payback after 5 yrs; purchase price cap $330,000; buyer contribution $500-$1,500 depending on income tier; max Debt-to-Income ratio ~45%	Pasco County DPA
Florida Statewide Programs (Florida Housing)	All of Florida	FL Assist up to $10,000; Hometown Heroes up to 5% of loan (max $35,000)	Deferred second; eligibility depends on county and income; only one Florida Housing assistance program per purchase	FL Assist & Hometown Heroes

🌆 City of Tampa – Dare to Own the Dream (DARE)

0% “silent second” loan up to $50,000.
Forgiven after 20 years if you stay in the home.
Must complete HUD-approved homebuyer education and use an approved lender.

🏘 Hillsborough County – Home Sweet Home

Up to $30,000 for down payment and closing costs (outside Tampa city limits).
Pairs with a fixed-rate mortgage.
Many buyers also qualify for a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) for annual tax savings.

🌴 Pasco County – Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

Assistance amounts vary: up to $65,000 for very low-income buyers.
For low income: loan is forgiven after 30 years.
For moderate income: deferred loan with payback terms after 5 years.
Homes must be ≤ about $330,000 in purchase price.
Requires homebuyer education and use of approved lenders.

Contact Pasco County Community Development at (727) 834-3445 for details.

🌎 Florida Statewide Programs

First-Time Homebuyer Program — Affordable 30-year fixed mortgages.
FL Assist — Up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs (repaid when you sell/refi).
Hometown Heroes — Up to $35,000 for teachers, nurses, first responders, veterans, and more.

🪖 FHA and VA Loans – Federal Options

FHA Loans

As little as 3.5% down.
Flexible credit requirements.
Includes mortgage insurance premiums.

VA Loans

For veterans, active duty, reservists, and some spouses.
No down payment, no PMI.
Competitive rates, but must meet service eligibility.

👉 FHA and VA loans can sometimes be combined with local or state assistance programs (depending on lender and program rules).

❓ FAQs

Can I combine (“layer”) programs with FHA/VA?

Often yes. For example, you might use an FHA loan plus down payment help from Pasco or Hillsborough. Always confirm with the program and lender.

Do I have to pay back these programs?

DARE: Forgiven after 20 years.
Hillsborough: Deferred/forgivable depending on terms.
Pasco: Forgiven after 30 years (low income); moderate income has repayment terms.
FL Assist/Hometown Heroes: Paid back when you sell or refinance.

How long does it take to close?

Plan for 30–45 days. Assistance adds extra paperwork and approvals.

Do I need money of my own?

Yes. Expect to contribute at least $1,000–$2,000 of your own funds plus inspections, appraisals, and insurance deposits.

Do I need to take a class?

Yes, most programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education class. It’s valuable even if it wasn’t required.

📞 Who Can Help You

City of Tampa – Housing & Community Development (DARE): (813) 307-5555 • DARE Program Info
Hillsborough County Housing Finance Authority: (813) 425-5959 • Homeownership Programs
Pasco County Community Development: (727) 834-3445 • Pasco DPA Program
Housing & Education Alliance (HUD-approved counseling): (813) 932-4663 • heausa.org
Solita’s House, Inc. (HUD-approved counseling): (813) 425-4847 • solitashouse.org

✨ Final Thoughts

Buying your first home in Tampa, Hillsborough, or Pasco County doesn’t have to feel impossible. With the right loan type (FHA, VA, or conventional) and the right down payment assistance program, you may qualify for $10,000–$65,000 in help. That’s real money that can turn your dream into reality.

I’m Santy Kumar, a local Realtor here in Tampa Bay. I’d be happy to guide you through these programs and connect you with the right lenders, housing agencies, and resources to make the process smoother.

Ready to explore your options? Let’s connect — and find not just a house, but a place you’ll truly call home.

📌 Disclaimer

The information provided in this post is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or lending advice. Program details, eligibility requirements, income limits, and maximum assistance amounts can change at any time without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements directly with the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, or your lender before making decisions.

I am not a lender, attorney, or financial advisor — I’m a local Realtor sharing resources to help first-time buyers start their journey. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation.