Most Tampa Bay home buyers don't realize they qualify for $10,000 to $35,000+ in free or low-cost down payment assistance. Florida offers more DPA programs than almost any other state, and Barrett Henry has 23+ years of experience helping buyers access every dollar available.
Top Down Payment Assistance Programs for Tampa Bay
1. Florida Hometown Heroes — Up to $35,000
The biggest DPA program in Florida. Available to 50+ eligible professions including teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, military, healthcare workers, and more. Provides up to $35,000 as a 0% interest, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. No monthly payments on the assistance — it's deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
2. FL Assist — Up to $10,000
Available to ALL qualified borrowers — not just first-time buyers or specific professions. $10,000 as a 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage. Can be paired with FHA, VA, or USDA first mortgages through Florida Housing.
3. Hillsborough County DPA
Hillsborough County offers additional down payment and closing cost assistance for income-qualified buyers purchasing in the county (including Valrico, Brandon, Riverview, Tampa).
4. Pinellas County DPA
The Pinellas County Housing Finance Authority offers assistance for buyers in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, and surrounding areas.
5. Pasco County DPA
Assistance available for buyers in Wesley Chapel, Lutz, and Pasco County communities.
For a complete comparison of EVERY Tampa Bay down payment program — eligibility, amounts, and how to stack them — visit tampabaydownpayment.com, Barrett's dedicated DPA resource covering all Tampa Bay counties.
Find Out What You Qualify For — Free
Barrett runs your eligibility across ALL available DPA programs in one call. Most buyers qualify for at least one program they didn't know about.
Can You Stack Multiple Programs?
Yes — many programs can be combined. For example, a teacher buying in Hillsborough County could potentially stack Hometown Heroes ($35,000) with FL Assist ($10,000) for $45,000 in total assistance on an FHA loan with only 3.5% down. Barrett's lender partners know exactly which combinations work and which don't.
Who Qualifies for Down Payment Assistance?
- First-time buyers — most programs require you haven't owned a home in 3 years (some exceptions)
- Income limits — typically $100K-$150K household income depending on the program
- Credit requirements — most need 640+ credit score
- Property limits — purchase price caps vary by county ($350K-$500K+)
- Occupancy — must be your primary residence