Down Payment Assistance
The Down Payment Assistance Program closed on 10/11/24 and is no longer accepting applications.
Looking for a home in Pinellas County and need help with down payment and closing costs? Pinellas County’s Down Payment Assistance Program can help.
If you make less than $53,500 per year as an individual ($76,400 for a family of four), you may qualify for assistance in the form of an interest-free, deferred loan up to $75,000.
Review the eligibility requirements and share this website with your lender so they can apply for you.
Eligibility Requirements
- Household must meet income eligibility requirements. All household income of people 18 years and older, who will reside in the property, must be included.
- Home must be your primary residence.
- Liquid assets cannot exceed $50,000.
- Purchase price must be $349,525 or less.
- Detailed eligibility requirements are outlined in our underwriting guidelines.
- Home must be located in unincorporated Pinellas or a city in an eligible service area.
- Check if an address is an Eligible Service Area: Enter the address in the search bar at the link below to see if the home qualifies for the County’s Down Payment Assistance. Note: St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Largo have their own down payment assistance programs.
Searching| Income Level (AMI) | Maximum Award Amount | Payment & Terms |
| Low-Income Households (51-80% AMI): Up to $53,500 annual income for individual; $76,400 for family of four. | $75,000 | Deferred Payment, full forgiveness after 30 years (full repayment required if sold before end of term) |
Lender Information
The goal of the Down Payment Assistance Program is to increase affordable homeownership opportunities by providing down payment and closing costs assistance to potential homebuyers. Pinellas County Community Development also provides the program guidelines, applicable forms, affidavits, and reviews compliance packages to ensure eligibility requirements are met. Mortage professionals seeking more information may contact Lindsey Latorre, Community Development Specialist II, (727) 464-8237.
- Program Guidelines
The Underwriting Guidelines – Down Payment Assistance Loan Program describe the current rules and requirements, outline the role of Community Development, and set forth the requirements for lenders to participate.
- Application Instructions
Applications for Down Payment Assistance must be submitted by the homebuyer’s 1st Mortgage Lender. To submit an application for an eligible homebuyer, lenders must login to the application portal.
Please reference the Lender Guide for Downpayment Assistance Applications for instructions on how to create an account and submit an application.
Other Program Requirements
- Homebuyer Education: Applicants must complete an online or in-person homeownership class. Pinellas County Community Development requires homebuyers to complete an 8-hour class approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) prior to closing. You can locate a HUD-approved housing counseling agency near you using HUD’s agency locator tool.
- Home Inspection A HUD housing quality inspection is required to verify that the housing meets applicable safety and code requirements. The County utilizes a third-party contractor to conduct required property inspections.
Homeownership programs in local cities
This program covers unincorporated Pinellas County and most municipalities. The following cities offer their own down payment assistance programs:
- City of Clearwater (727) 562-4036
- City of Largo: Contact Suncoast Housing Connections (727) 442-7075
- City of St. Petersburg (727) 893-7247 or (727) 892-5572
Questions?
Need assistance? Contact Lindsey Latorre, Community Development Specialist II, (727) 464-8237.