Down Payment Assistance Programs in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County (Tampa area) offers county-level DPA plus state programs. Combined assistance can reach up to $80,000+ for eligible buyers.

County Program: Home Sweet Home Hillsborough

• Assistance: Up to $10,000
• Type: 0% interest deferred 30-year second mortgage — no monthly payments
• First-time buyer required: Yes
• Use: Down payment and/or closing costs

City of Tampa: DARE Program

• Assistance: Up to $40,000
• Type: Forgivable “silent second” mortgage — $0 monthly payments, forgiven after 10+ years
• Income limit: Up to 140% AMI
• Current status: Applications on hold as of January 2026 due to limited funding — check for updates

Statewide Programs Available in Hillsborough County

• Hometown Heroes: Up to $35,000 — 0% deferred loan for eligible workers
• FL Assist: Up to $10,000 — 0% deferred second mortgage
• Salute Our Soldiers: Up to $35,000 — for veterans and active military

Hillsborough County DPA Stacking Example

• Hometown Heroes: $35,000 (state)
• Home Sweet Home Hillsborough: $10,000 (county)
• Tampa DARE: $40,000 (city — when funded)
• Total potential assistance: up to $85,000

Stacking eligibility varies. Contact me for current program status and what you qualify for.

Hillsborough County Loan Limits

The 2026 conforming loan limit for Hillsborough County is $832,750 for a single-family home.

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Cities Served in Hillsborough County

Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Lutz, Valrico

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Home Loans in Hillsborough County

As a licensed mortgage lender serving all of Hillsborough County in the Tampa Bay region, I help buyers and homeowners find the right loan at the best rate. Whether you’re purchasing your first home in Tampa or refinancing an existing property, I shop dozens of wholesale lenders to get you the most competitive terms available.

Loan Programs Available

• Conventional — As low as 3% down
• FHA — 3.5% down, credit scores from 580
• VA — 0% down for eligible veterans
• USDA — 0% down in eligible rural areas
• Foreign National & DSCR — Specialty programs available

Nick Lazarevic | NMLS #386391 | 1st Capital Group as dba of GFL Capital Mortgage Inc | Company NMLS #64367 | Equal Housing Lender