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To qualify for down payment assistance in Tampa, you generally need to meet income limits based on the Area Median Income (AMI), have a credit score of 600–640 or higher, and plan to live in the home as your primary residence. Most programs also require a small personal investment and completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Assistance is typically offered as a grant, forgivable loan, or deferred second mortgage.
Several down payment assistance (DPA) programs are available to help make homeownership more attainable for Tampa buyers. In this post, we’ll explain general eligibility rules, cover key local and state programs, and help you figure out if you qualify.
Tampa homebuyers have access to a variety of down payment assistance programs at the city, county, and state levels. These include:
Each program has its own eligibility criteria, but most are aimed at first-time homebuyers with limited to moderate incomes.
Most DPA programs in Tampa base eligibility on household income. Generally, your income must fall below a certain percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI). Area Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint of a region’s income levels—half the households earn more, and half earn less. Many programs use a percentage of AMI to determine eligibility. For example, if the AMI in Tampa is $80,000, then a program capped at 140% AMI would allow households earning up to $112,000 to qualify.
To find the current AMI for Hillsborough County, visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website or speak with a local housing counselor.
For example, a household of four might need to earn below $100,000 annually to qualify, depending on the program.
Credit score requirements vary by program but generally fall in the range of:
Lenders use your credit score to measure financial reliability and determine loan eligibility. If your score is below the minimum requirement, working with a credit counselor or mortgage broker can help you build it up before applying.
Maintaining a solid credit score will improve your chances of qualifying and may also help secure better loan terms. For tips on improving your score, read our guide to improving your credit score for buying a house.
The Florida Assist program offers up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. It's structured as a deferred second mortgage, which means you don’t make monthly payments on the assistance loan right away. Instead, repayment is postponed until you sell, refinance, or pay off your primary mortgage—giving you financial breathing room up front.
Eligibility Criteria:
This program is available to Tampa residents purchasing a primary residence. It's ideal for buyers who need help covering upfront costs and want flexibility in repayment.
For a broader look at DPA statewide, compare Florida Assist to other options for down payment assistance in Tampa.
Some government-backed loans—like USDA and VA loans—offer true zero-down financing for qualified buyers. While not technically DPA programs, they help reduce upfront costs and are worth considering.
Some down payment assistance programs also help with closing costs. For example, programs like Florida Assist and CRA may allow funds to be used toward closing costs in addition to down payments
Eligibility typically mirrors DPA qualifications—based on income, credit score, and buyer status. Closing costs often include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and prepaid taxes or insurance.
Most programs require you to live in the home as your primary residence, complete a HUD-approved education course, and be a first-time homebuyer—usually defined as someone who hasn’t owned a home in the past three years. Some may also require a small personal investment.
Programs like Hillsborough County’s Home Sweet Home can provide up to $15,000 in support. These funds are typically available as a second mortgage or forgivable loan and must be used toward the purchase of a primary residence. Eligibility is based on income, credit score, and buyer status.
| Program Name | Max Assistance | Income Limit | Credit Score | Key Requirements |
| DARE (City of Tampa) | Varies | Up to 140% of AMI | Not specified | $2,000 investment; $1,000 from own funds; must buy within city |
| CRA (City of Tampa) | Varies | 50%–140% of AMI | Not specified | $1,000 investment; property must be in CRA boundary |
| Home Sweet Home (Hillsborough) | Up to $15,000 | County income limits | Not specified | First-time buyer; second mortgage |
| HFA Down Payment Assistance | Up to $15,000 | County income limits | 640+ | Forgivable after 5 years |
| Florida Assist | Up to $10,000 | Program limits vary | 640+ | Deferred second mortgage; homebuyer education required |
| Hometown Heroes | Varies | Based on occupation & AMI | Not specified | First-time buyer; must buy in community where they work |
Navigating these programs and their eligibility requirements can be complex. That’s where Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions comes in. Our team specializes in helping Tampa homebuyers determine which down payment assistance programs they qualify for—and guiding them through the entire application process.
We’ll help you:
Buying a home in Tampa is within reach with the right support and programs. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a qualified repeat buyer, down payment assistance in Tampa can ease the financial burden and open the door to homeownership.
Once you qualify, your next move is applying for a mortgage—read our guide on how to apply for a mortgage in 4 simple steps.
📞 Call Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions at (813) 284-4027
📍 3638 W Cypress St Tampa, FL 33607
