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.
Ready to apply? Start an application.
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 - Unemployment Benefits:
Current benefit letter with gross benefit amount; - Court Ordered Alimony/Spousal Maintenance:
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)
Ready to apply?
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.
Have Questions?
First, read the details about all five People First programs then review our Frequently Asked Questions.
Holiday Hours for in-person help centers and the call center
Modified Hours on Wednesday, November 26: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28
Modified Hours on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Closed for Christmas on Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26
Closed for New Years on Thursday and Friday, January 1 and 2
Meet with a case worker
Both full-time People First Help Centers are open:
- Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see our holiday hours above.
Clearwater
2600 McCormick Dr.
Suite 100
Clearwater, FL 33759
St. Petersburg
5000 Park Street N
Suite 4
St. Petersburg FL 33709
Call our Help Center
727-606-3307
- Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see our holiday hours above.
At times, we have a high number of calls and you may experience a long wait time. When you call, you’ll have the option to leave your name and number and get a call back from a case worker within two business days.
Questions via Email
You can email us with general questions that aren’t addressed on the website and the FAQs. If you have application-specific questions, your best bet is to call us or visit our help centers. Once you have submitted an application, don’t use this email; a case worker will reach out to you by direct email to discuss your application. Note (10/24/25): We are experiencing a large volume of emails with the recent launch of the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs.
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 visit one of our help centers.