Homebuyer Assistance Program
Up to $80,000 to help storm-impacted residents buy a home in Pinellas
If you lived in Pinellas County at the time of the hurricanes and you’re struggling to find a home you can afford to purchase, we’re offering help for income-eligible people who want to transition from renting to homeownership.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Lived in Pinellas County during Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and/or Milton (excluding the City of St. Petersburg).
- Does not own other home.
- Household income up to 120% of Area Median Income (see table below).
- Applicant must be able to obtain a first mortgage commitment for a minimum 30-year fixed-rate mortgage from a lending institution.
Program Benefits
- Up to 100 percent of any lender required down payment
- Reasonable closing costs normally associated with the purchase of a home
- Acquiring guarantees for mortgage financing
- Subsidized interest rates and mortgage principal amounts
Income Eligibility
Homebuyer Assistance Program
| Number of People in Household | 80% AMI | 120% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $58,450 | $87,600 |
| 2 | $66,800 | $100,150 |
| 3 | $75,150 | $112,650 |
| 4 | $83,450 | $125,150 |
| 5 | $90,150 | $135,150 |
| 6 | $96,850 | $145,200 |
| 7 | $103,500 | $155,200 |
| 8 | $110,200 | $165,200 |
Application Phase Prioritization
Applicants to the Homebuyer Assistance Program will be processed on a first-come, first-processed basis. Assistance may be prioritized to those applicants with a direct impact from the hurricanes as described in the program guidelines.
Funding Award Guidelines and Terms
- Max Award = $80,000
- Duplication of Benefits will be checked for all properties (you cannot get financial assistance from other state or federal programs for the same work).
- Homeowners who receive assistance must agree to occupy the property as their primary residence for 5 years, maintaining homestead and insurance coverage.
- The homebuyer must agree to a forgivable 5 yr mortgage that reduces at a rate of 20% each year. No payments are required as long as the homebuyer resides in the home for the 5 years.
Required Program Documents
Identity
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID for all adult household members, OR
- Evidence of permanent residency for non-U.S. Citizens/permanent resident alien status
- Birth certificates for all household members under the age of 18
Household Income
Wages
- W-2 Forms or Most Recent Tax Return;
- Three (3) recent paystubs within the past three (3) months,
Retirement/Social Security
- Three (3) Monthly Bank Statements (Social Security Benefits & Pension only),
- Current Social Security Benefits letter (including benefits paid to minors),
- Current Pension/Retirement Benefit letter (if applicable), and prior year 1099;
- Current Annuity Payment letter (if applicable), and prior year 1099;
Self-Employment Income
Most recent tax return (1040 or 1040A), W-2 Forms; and current year profit and loss statement;
- Rental Income:
- Current lease agreements
- Current lease agreements
- Unemployment Benefits:
- Current benefit letter with gross benefit amount;
- Current benefit letter with gross benefit amount;
- Court Ordered Alimony/Spousal Maintenance:
- Copy of court order documentation;
- Copy of court order documentation;
- Taxable Interest and Dividends (including amounts received by, or on behalf of minors);
No Income
Adult household members who receive no income will be required to submit a Certification of No Income. These household members typically include those that are unemployed.
Primary Residence
Lease Agreement
First Mortgage Commitment
Current (no more than 30 days prior to application date) pre-approval or loan commitment with required lending terms (fixed rate mortgage)
How to Contact Us
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
Clearwater
2600 McCormick Dr.
Suite 100
Clearwater, FL 33759
St. Petersburg
5000 Park Street N
Suite 4
St. Petersburg FL 33709
Coming Soon: pop-up help locations around the county.
Applications Open on October 20!
The People First Housing Recovery Program addresses hurricane-related damage, prevents long-term displacement, and increases the availability of safe, code-compliant, and affordable housing. Applicants are required to meet eligibility and income requirements listed for each program. Please see the income eligibility table above to determine if your household is within the income limits of the program prior to submitting an application.