Tampa and Hillsborough County buyers have some of Florida’s largest local grants, up to $50,000 in the City of Tampa, on top of statewide assistance.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator · Sourced from Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and Florida Housing · Last updated: June 2026
Where you buy in the Tampa Bay area matters: the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County run separate programs, and you can layer either one with the statewide Florida Housing programs.
Tampa and Hillsborough County local assistance
| Program | Assistance | Key terms | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Tampa, Dare to Own the Dream | Up to $50,000 | 0% deferred loan, forgivable after 20 years owner-occupied; income at or below 140% AMI; 600 credit; $2,000 buyer contribution | Inside Tampa city limits |
| Home Sweet Home Hillsborough (county) | Around $15,000 | 0% deferred second mortgage, repaid on sale or refinance; used with an FHA/VA/USDA first mortgage | Unincorporated Hillsborough County |
Both are limited-funding programs with homebuyer-education and first-time-buyer requirements; the exact amount and income caps change each cycle, so confirm current terms before you make an offer.
Statewide programs you can also use in Hillsborough County
- Hometown Heroes: up to $35,000 for full-time workers in 50+ eligible occupations
- Florida Assist: up to $10,000, 0% deferred second mortgage
- HFA Preferred: conventional loan with reduced mortgage insurance plus assistance
- Mortgage Credit Certificate: up to $2,000/year federal tax credit
See the full breakdown on our Florida down payment assistance guide, and the 2026 Hillsborough County loan limits for how much you can borrow.
How to get started
Whether you are buying in Tampa or unincorporated Hillsborough County, start with a HUD-approved homebuyer education course and a participating lender. Request a free eligibility check and we’ll show you which Tampa, county, and statewide programs you qualify for.
Sources: Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services (hcfl.gov), City of Tampa Housing and Community Development, and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 2026. Local funding is limited and allocated each cycle; verify current terms with the administering office.