Happy couple moving into their new home in Tampa, Florida
Updated for 2026 Guidelines

Tampa Down Payment Assistance

Receive up to $50,000 in forgivable assistance to buy your first home in the City of Tampa.

See If You Qualify

0% Interest • No Monthly Payments • Forgivable

How the Program Works

The "DARE" loan puts homeownership within reach.

Up to $50,000 Assistance

Funds can be used for your down payment and closing costs. The amount depends on your income bracket.

0% Interest "Silent Second"

No monthly payments required. It sits silently behind your main mortgage as a deferred payment loan.

Fully Forgivable

The loan is fully forgiven after 20 years if you continue to occupy the home as your primary residence.

Assistance Amounts

The City of Tampa determines your award based on your household income as a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI).

50.01% – 80% AMI $50,000
80.01% – 120% AMI $40,000
120.01% – 140% AMI $30,000

Core Eligibility Requirements

  • Min Credit Score: 600
  • Max Purchase Price: $450,000
  • Debt-to-Income: Back-end DTI ≤ 50%
  • Contribution: $2,000 min ($1,000 from own funds)
  • Location: Must buy within Tampa city limits

2026 Income Limits (140% AMI)

To qualify, household income must not exceed:

Household Size Max Income Limit
1 Person $102,200
2 Persons $116,760
3 Persons $131,460
4 Persons $146,020
5 Persons $157,780
6 Persons $169,400
7 Persons $181,160

*Income limits are subject to change based on 2026 HUD/State updates.

The Process

Your 5-Step Path to Homeownership

Navigating the City of Tampa DARE program is easier with a clear roadmap.

1

Check Eligibility

Complete our secure form to verify your income and credit potential for the program.

2

Get Educated

Complete a required homebuyer education class with a local HUD-approved agency.

3

Find Your Home

Shop for a home within Tampa city limits (max price $450k) with your pre-approval.

4

Inspections

Pass both a standard home inspection and the City's HQS (Housing Quality Standards) check.

5

Close & Move In

Sign your documents, receive your $30k-$50k assistance, and get your keys!

Start Step 1 Now

Why the "Silent Second" is a Game Changer for Tampa Buyers

Many down payment assistance programs are actually second mortgages with high interest rates that increase your monthly payment. The Tampa DARE program is different.

Instant Equity Boost

Starting with up to $50,000 in equity means you're not just buying a home; you're securing a financial asset immediately.

Zero Monthly Impact

Because the loan has 0% interest and $0 monthly payments, your debt-to-income ratio stays healthier, allowing you to qualify for a better primary mortgage.

Beat Rising Rents

Tampa rents are rising. Locking in a fixed mortgage payment using this assistance protects your housing costs for the long term.

The $50,000 Advantage

Interest Rate 0%
Monthly Pmt $0

Imagine reducing your mortgage principal by $50k without adding a penny to your monthly obligation.

Calculate Your Savings

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Tampa DARE Program.

How much down payment assistance can I get in Tampa?
Eligible homebuyers can receive up to $50,000 if their household income is between 50.01% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For incomes between 80.01% and 120% AMI, the award is $40,000, and for incomes between 120.01% and 140% AMI, the award is $30,000.
Is the Tampa down payment assistance loan forgivable?
Yes, the Tampa DARE program loan is fully forgivable after 20 years, provided you continue to occupy the property as your primary residence for the entire term. If you sell, refinance (with cash out), or move out before 20 years, the loan typically must be repaid.
What are the income limits for Tampa down payment assistance in 2026?
For the 2026 guidelines, household income must not exceed 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For a single person, the limit is $102,200, and for a family of four, it is $146,020. Income is calculated based on all household members, not just the borrowers.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
Yes, to qualify for the City of Tampa's DARE program, you typically must be a first-time homebuyer, defined as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years. You must also complete a homebuyer education class with a HUD-approved agency.
What credit score is needed for Tampa down payment assistance?
The program requires a minimum middle FICO credit score of 600. Additionally, your back-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratio cannot exceed 50%. This helps ensure that the monthly mortgage payments remain affordable for the homebuyer.
Can I use the assistance funds for closing costs?
Yes, the funds from the "silent second" loan can be applied towards your down payment and reasonable closing costs. This significantly reduces the amount of cash you need to bring to the closing table, making homeownership more accessible.
How much money do I need to contribute myself?
Borrowers must contribute a minimum of $2,000 towards the transaction. At least $1,000 must come from your own verifiable funds, while the remaining $1,000 can include paid-outside-of-closing (POC) items like appraisals and inspections.
What kind of house can I buy with this program?
You can purchase a property located within the Tampa city limits with a maximum purchase price of $450,000. The home must pass a full home inspection and a specific City Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection.
What does "silent second" mortgage mean?
A "silent second" means the down payment assistance is recorded as a second mortgage on your property, but it is silent because it has 0% interest and requires no monthly payments. It simply sits behind your first mortgage until it is forgiven or repaid.
Can I combine this with other loans?
Yes, the DARE program can be combined with fixed-rate, fully amortized first mortgages, including FHA, VA, and Conventional affordable housing products. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) and prepayment penalty loans are not permitted.