Tampa’s signature program, Dare to Own the Dream, is one of the more generous city offerings in Florida — a forgivable second worth up to $50,000, scaled by income.
This guide focuses on what first-time buyers in Tampa specifically can tap in 2026 — the local programs run by the city and county, the statewide help you can layer on top, and what it realistically takes to buy here.
Tampa’s own first-time buyer programs
Tampa-area help comes from the city and Hillsborough County:
- Dare to Own the Dream (DARE) — a City of Tampa 0% deferred second (a “silent second”) fully forgiven after 20 years of owner-occupancy, worth up to $50,000 (tiered: $50,000 up to 80% AMI, $40,000 to 120% AMI, $30,000 to 140% AMI), for a primary residence within Tampa city limits (max price $450,000)
- Hillsborough County Down Payment Assistance — 0% second-mortgage down payment and closing-cost help through the county Housing Finance Authority for buyers outside Tampa city limits, paired with a county first mortgage (amounts vary — verify)
These local programs are the piece most buyers miss, because they are run by the city or county rather than a lender — and they can often be combined with the statewide programs below.
Statewide programs you can also use in Tampa
On top of Tampa’s local help, every Florida buyer can access the state’s housing finance programs — below-market loans, down payment assistance, and a possible tax credit. We cover them in full in our guide to Florida first-time home buyer programs, and the wider local picture in our Florida first-time home buyer guide. In many cases you can stack a city program with a state program to cover most or all of your cash to close — a lender who works with both can structure it.
What it takes to buy in Tampa
Tampa’s median sale price is roughly $400,000 to $418,000 — down somewhat year over year, but still a stretch for median incomes. DARE’s up-to-$50,000 forgivable second is a major help within the city, and because it is a silent second with no monthly payment, it does not raise your housing cost while you own.
Before you shop, pin down your budget. Our home affordability guide walks through how income, debt, and rates set your price range, and our first-time home buyer checklist keeps the rest of the process on track.
Loan options for Tampa buyers
Most Tampa first-time buyers use one of a few loan types, each of which can pair with the assistance above:
- FHA loans — 3.5% down with flexible credit, popular with first-time buyers
- Conventional loans — as little as 3% down, with reduced mortgage insurance through state HFA versions
- VA and USDA loans — zero down for eligible veterans and in qualifying areas
- Down payment assistance — city and state programs that layer on top (see our down payment assistance guide)
How to buy your first home in Tampa
- Check your budget and credit first — see our guide to credit score requirements.
- Complete a homebuyer education course — nearly every Tampa and Florida program requires one, and it is usually free.
- Find a lender who works with both Tampa and Florida programs, and ask them to run the city and state options together.
- Get pre-approved, then line up your assistance before you make an offer.
One note: local and state program funding and terms change, and some rounds close when the money runs out. Always confirm current amounts and availability with the program administrator before counting on a figure.
Tampa first-time buyer FAQ
What down payment help is available in Tampa?
The flagship city program is Dare to Own the Dream (DARE), a 0% forgivable silent second worth up to $50,000 (tiered by income), forgiven after 20 years, for homes within Tampa city limits under a $450,000 price cap. Outside the city, Hillsborough County offers its own down payment assistance through the Housing Finance Authority. Florida’s statewide programs apply too.
Can I combine Tampa city programs with Florida state programs?
Often yes. City or county assistance is usually designed to layer on top of a first mortgage, and many buyers stack it with a Florida state program to cover most of their down payment and closing costs. A lender who participates in both can confirm what combines. See our Florida programs guide for the statewide options.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to qualify in Tampa?
Yes — DARE is for first-time buyers, caps household income at 140% of area median income (with the assistance amount tiered by income band), requires a homebuyer education class (offered in English and Spanish), and applies to primary residences within Tampa city limits under $450,000. You must begin the process with one of the city’s approved housing counseling agencies. Confirm current tiers with the city.
How much can I get from Tampa’s DARE program?
Dare to Own the Dream (DARE) provides up to $50,000, tiered by income: up to $50,000 for buyers between about 50% and 80% of area median income, up to $40,000 for 80–120%, and up to $30,000 for 120–140%. It is a 0% silent second with no monthly payment, fully forgiven after 20 years in the home. The property must be within Tampa city limits and under $450,000, and you must start with an approved housing counseling agency. Confirm current tiers with the City of Tampa.