Pasco County Down Payment Assistance
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Modern single-family home in Pasco County, Florida with blue sky and landscaping

Pasco County Down Payment Assistance Program

Secure up to $65,000 in funding for your first home. A SHIP-funded initiative offering 0% interest, deferred payment loans for qualified buyers in 2026.

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2026 Funding Status 65% Claimed

Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Very Low Income

$65,000

Maximum Assistance

Deferred 30 years, then forgiven.
≤50% AMI

Low Income

$50,000

Maximum Assistance

Deferred 30 years, then forgiven.
≤80% AMI

Moderate Income

$35,000

Maximum Assistance

Deferred 5 years, then repaid.
≤120% AMI

Program Overview

The Pasco County Community Development department offers a SHIP-funded Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program designed to help first-time homebuyers purchase a home in Pasco County.

This assistance is structured as a 0% interest, 30-year loan recorded as a second mortgage. Depending on your income bracket, the loan may be completely forgiven after 30 years, significantly reducing the long-term cost of homeownership.

$0
Awarded to Buyers
0
Families Helped

Important Requirement

Buyers must be first-time homebuyers, defined as having no homeownership interest in the last 3 years.

Residential housing development in Pasco County showing affordable homeownership opportunities

Path to Homeownership

Navigating the SHIP funding process is streamlined when working with a participating lender. Here is how the process works for 2026 applicants.

1

Check Eligibility

Complete the online assessment to verify if your income and credit profile meet the Pasco County guidelines.

2

Lender Pre-Approval

Work with a participating lender to secure pre-approval for your first mortgage and reservation of SHIP funds.

3

Find Your Home

Shop for an eligible single-family home, townhome, or condo in Pasco County under the $330,000 purchase price limit.

4

Close & Move In

Your down payment assistance is applied at closing as a 0% interest second mortgage, reducing your cash-to-close.

The Cost of Waiting

See the difference 0% interest assistance makes on your home purchase power.

✕ Without Assistance

  • ➜ Full down payment from your savings ($10k-$20k+)
  • ➜ Higher monthly payments
  • ➜ Wait years to save enough cash
Recommended

✓ With Pasco DPA

  • ➜ $0 Interest loan covers down payment
  • ➜ Keep your savings for emergencies
  • ➜ Buy now and start building equity

Don't leave up to $65,000 on the table.

Check Eligibility Now

Eligibility Guidelines

Review the specific property and income requirements for the 2026 fiscal year.

Property Requirements

  • Must be located within Pasco County.
  • Maximum Purchase Price: $330,000.
  • Eligible types: Single-family, Condo, Townhome.

Ineligible Properties

  • Mobile or manufactured homes.
  • Properties in special flood hazard or repetitive loss areas.
  • Properties with sinkhole or ground settlement activity (even if remediated).

Financial Requirements

Household income must not exceed 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Household Size Max Income (120% AMI)
1 Person$87,600
2 Person$100,080
3 Person$112,680
4 Person$125,160
5 Person$135,240
6 Person$145,200

*Based on 2026 Program Projections.

Required Contribution: $500 - $1,500 depending on income band. (Can include earnest money, appraisal, inspections).

Asset Cap: Applicants may not have more than $25,000 in liquid assets.

Max Back-End DTI: 45%

Serving All Pasco Communities

The Down Payment Assistance Program is available for qualified properties located anywhere within the Pasco County limits, including both unincorporated areas and municipalities.

Wesley Chapel
Land O' Lakes
New Port Richey
Zephyrhills
Trinity
Dade City
Odessa
Hudson
Holiday

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about qualifying for Pasco County down payment assistance.

What is the Pasco County Down Payment Assistance Program?
The Pasco County Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program is a SHIP-funded initiative providing interest-free loans to first-time homebuyers. It helps cover down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers purchasing a home within Pasco County.
How much assistance can I receive?
Assistance amounts are based on income tiers: Very Low Income (≤50% AMI) buyers can receive up to $65,000, Low Income (≤80% AMI) up to $50,000, and Moderate Income (≤120% AMI) up to $35,000.
Is the down payment assistance a loan or a grant?
The assistance is a 0% interest, 30-year second mortgage. For Very Low and Low Income buyers, it is deferred for 30 years and then forgiven. For Moderate Income buyers, it is deferred for 5 years, followed by monthly payments.
Who is considered a first-time homebuyer?
You are considered a first-time homebuyer if you have not owned a home or had an ownership interest in a principal residence during the three-year period prior to purchasing a new home.
What are the income limits for the program?
For 2026, the household income limit is 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For example, a 1-person household is capped at $87,600, and a 4-person household is capped at $125,160.
Do I need to contribute my own money?
Yes. Borrowers must contribute a minimum amount from their own funds: $500 for Very Low Income, $1,250 for Low Income, and $1,500 for Moderate Income. Gift funds and seller credits do not count toward this minimum.
What happens if I sell the home or move out?
If you sell, transfer the title, rent out the property, or cease to occupy it as your primary residence, the remaining balance of the down payment assistance loan becomes immediately due and payable.
Are mobile homes eligible for the program?
No. Mobile and manufactured homes are not eligible. Eligible property types include single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes located specifically within Pasco County.
Can I have liquid assets in the bank?
Applicants are limited to a maximum of $25,000 in liquid assets (cash, savings, checking) to qualify. Amounts exceeding this limit may affect eligibility for the program.
Does the program cover closing costs?
Yes, funds can be used for the down payment and typical closing costs. However, pre-closing costs like appraisals and inspections can count toward your required minimum contribution but are paid upfront.