Home Sweet Home Hillsborough Program

Administered by: Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County · County · Deferred Loan

Funding status: Active

How much assistance

$5,000 within City of Tampa; $30,000 in Hillsborough County outside Tampa (as of December 5, 2025) (Deferred Loan)

30-year deferred second mortgage at zero percent interest. No monthly payments. Repaid upon sale, refinance, or transfer of ownership.

Eligibility

Income limits: Must meet HFA income limits for Hillsborough County.
First-time buyer required: Yes — Must not have owned and occupied a primary residence in the past 3 years.
Credit score minimum: 640
Geographic restrictions: Must purchase in Hillsborough County. Assistance amount differs: $5,000 within City of Tampa vs $30,000 elsewhere in the county.
Homebuyer education required: Yes

How to Apply for Home Sweet Home Hillsborough Program

Step 1: Complete a program-approved pre-purchase homebuyer education course. Apply through a participating lender listed on the HFA of Hillsborough County website. Maximum DTI ratio is 45%.

Visit program website

Notes

Effective December 5, 2025, assistance amounts changed significantly. Tampa city buyers receive $5,000 while buyers elsewhere in Hillsborough County receive $30,000.