Up to $50,000 toward your first Tampa home may be available.
Tampa's Dare to Own the Dream program helps income-eligible first-time buyers with a 0% loan and no monthly payment. Here is how it works, who may qualify, and the steps in order.
I text back the steps, the income limits and the four counseling agencies you start with.
Funding opens and closes during the year. Confirm current availability before you plan around it.
The five steps, in order
Skipping a step, especially going under contract before you have a reservation number, can disqualify you.
Start with a counseling agency
Contact one of the four approved housing counseling agencies. They teach the homebuyer class, build your application, and collect your documents. Do this before anything else.
Get your reservation number
The City issues it. You must NOT be under contract before you have one.
Pick a lender and an agent from the City lists
Your loan officer and your real estate agent must both be on the City of Tampa approved lists.
Find a home within the rules
Inside Tampa city limits, up to $450,000, with a full independent inspection and a City HQS inspection that passes.
Close and move in
The assistance is a second loan. It is forgiven after 20 years if you still live in the home.
How much, by household income
Household income is everyone's income, not only the borrower's. Limits are the City's 2026 figures, effective May 1, 2026. Above 50% of area median income is required. At or below 50% is not eligible.
| Household size | $50,000 tier | $40,000 tier | $30,000 tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $40,150 to $64,250 | to $96,360 | to $112,420 |
| 2 people | $45,850 to $73,400 | to $110,040 | to $128,380 |
| 3 people | $51,600 to $82,600 | to $123,840 | to $144,480 |
| 4 people | $57,350 to $91,750 | to $137,640 | to $160,580 |
| 5 people | $61,950 to $99,100 | to $148,680 | to $173,460 |
| 6 people | $66,550 to $106,450 | to $159,720 | to $186,340 |
Amounts apply to household income above the lower figure. Example: a 2-person household earning $60,000 falls in the $50,000 tier. Source: City of Tampa Housing and Community Development, DARE program summary and 2026 income limits. Only the City can determine eligibility.
The rules that matter
Homes inside Tampa city limits, purchase price up to $450,000.
Minimum $2,000 from you, with at least $1,000 from your own verifiable funds.
Mid-credit score of 600 and back-end debt ratio no higher than 50%. Your lender may require more.
Maximum liquid assets of $20,000.
FHA, VA, and conventional affordable products are allowed. No adjustable-rate loans.
A full independent home inspection by you and a passing City HQS inspection before closing.
Forgiven after 20 years if the home stays your owner-occupied primary residence.
Your loan officer and real estate agent must be on the City of Tampa approved lists.
Step one: the four counseling agencies
Call any one of them to begin. Classes are offered in English and Spanish.
Where I come in
I help first-time buyers line up a lender, find homes that fit the program rules, and keep the timeline from slipping. Whether or not you buy with me, I will point you to the right first call.
I am on the City of Tampa's Approved Lenders/Realtors list for this program, confirmed in writing, through September 30, 2028.
Text FIRST TIME HOME BUYER to 352-721-9260Or use the form below and I will reach out.
Questions people ask first.
Burley Sells Florida is not affiliated with the City of Tampa. Program rules, amounts, and funding are set by the City and change. This page is general information, not a guarantee of qualification or approval. You may qualify. Confirm current details with the City of Tampa Housing and Community Development (813-274-7954) and a licensed lender. Equal Housing Opportunity.