Pinellas County and St. Petersburg buyers can access up to $75,000 in local help, plus the statewide Florida programs.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator · Sourced from Pinellas County, the City of St. Petersburg and Florida Housing · Last updated: June 2026
Where you buy in Pinellas matters: the county, the City of St. Petersburg, and the local Housing Finance Authority each run programs you can pair with the statewide options.
Pinellas County and St. Petersburg local assistance
| Program | Maximum assistance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pinellas County Down Payment Assistance | Up to $75,000 | Interest-free, deferred loan; reopened December 2025 |
| City of St. Petersburg program | Up to $75,000 | Within St. Petersburg city limits |
| Home Key Plus (HFA of Pinellas) | Up to $7,500 | 0% non-amortizing second mortgage; $1,000 buyer contribution |
All require first-time buyer status (or qualifying veteran), homebuyer education, and a primary residence in the county. Funds are limited each cycle.
Statewide programs you can also use in Pinellas 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 Pinellas County loan limits.
How to get started
Start with a HUD-approved homebuyer education course and get pre-qualified with a participating lender. Request a free eligibility check and we’ll map the Pinellas County and statewide programs you qualify for.
Sources: Pinellas County, the City of St. Petersburg, the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County, and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, 2026. Local funding is limited and allocated each cycle; verify current terms with the administering office.