Dare to Own the Dream (DARE) (FL): Amount, Requirements & How to Apply

Dare to Own the Dream (DARE)

Quick answer

Dare to Own the Dream (DARE) is a Florida down payment assistance program from City of Tampa Housing and Community Development. It provides Up to $50,000 (50.01-80% AMI $50,000; 80.01-120% AMI $40,000; 120.01-140% AMI $30,000) as a forgivable loan. It is aimed at first-time buyers. Eligibility, income limits and funding are set by the agency, so confirm current terms on its official page.

Eligibility notes

0% deferred second mortgage, fully forgivable after 20 years of owner occupancy. Lender/realtor lists updated 7/15/26; page updated 9/28/2026.

Where does Dare to Own the Dream (DARE) apply?

This city-level program is available to buyers in Tampa. Cities on our site where it applies:

Down payment assistance in Tampa

Detail	Program terms
Assistance	Up to $50,000 (50.01-80% AMI $50,000; 80.01-120% AMI $40,000; 120.01-140% AMI $30,000)
Type	Forgivable loan
Minimum credit	Not published on the program page
First-time buyer	Required
Income limits	At or below 140% AMI (0-50% AMI not eligible)

How does Dare to Own the Dream (DARE) work with an FHA loan?

Florida's 2026 FHA one-unit limits start at $541,287, which supports a price of about $560,000 with 3.5% down.

Where do I confirm current terms?

On the official page: https://www.tampa.gov/housing-and-community-development/programs/mortgage-assistance. Programs can pause when funds run out, so confirm availability with a participating lender.

← All Florida down payment assistance programs

Frequently asked questions

Up to $50,000 (50.01-80% AMI $50,000; 80.01-120% AMI $40,000; 120.01-140% AMI $30,000), according to City of Tampa Housing and Community Development.

It's a forgivable loan: forgiven if you meet the occupancy period, otherwise repaid.

At or below 140% AMI (0-50% AMI not eligible)

Sources

Data last updated October 25, 2026.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.