See what you qualify for

City of Tampa - Dare to Own the Dream

Tampa, Florida

Last verified
Income limit

120% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 20 years

What is City of Tampa - Dare to Own the Dream?

City of Tampa - Dare to Own the Dream is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Tampa, Florida.

  • City of Tampa Dare to Own the Dream program provides up to $50,000 in forgivable 0% interest loan for eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing within Tampa city limits. 20-year compliance period.
  • Funding comes from Federal.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Tampa - Dare to Own the Dream is forgiven after 20 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, Refinance, and No longer primary within 20 years.
  • The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

City of Tampa - Dare to Own the Dream is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 620 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course

The program excludes

  • Households above 120% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

City of Tampa - Dare to Own the Dream limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Income up to 120% AMI for Hillsborough County.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

City of Tampa - Dare to Own the Dream can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Where does it apply?

City of Tampa - Dare to Own the Dream serves buyers purchasing in Tampa, Florida.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Tampa - Dare to Own the Dream go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

90-second match

Not sure which you qualify for?

Answer 9 questions and we'll match you to every program you can actually use — in about 90 seconds. No SSN, no credit pull.

Find my programs