Housing Down Payment Assistance Program (FL): Amount, Requirements & How to Apply

Q: How much is Housing Down Payment Assistance Program?

20% of sales price plus $5,000 closing costs, up to $75,000, according to City of St. Petersburg Housing and Community Development.

Q: Do I have to repay Housing Down Payment Assistance Program?

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

Q: What are the income limits for Housing Down Payment Assistance Program?

Up to 140% AMI (forgiveness depends on income/location)

Housing Down Payment Assistance Program

Quick answer

Housing Down Payment Assistance Program is a Florida down payment assistance program from City of St. Petersburg Housing and Community Development. It provides 20% of sales price plus $5,000 closing costs, up to $75,000 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% second mortgage; forgiven after 10 years for <=80% AMI (and 80-120% AMI inside South St. Pete CRA); higher tiers repay. SHIP-funded portion paused; CRA-funded portion (South St. Pete CRA) open. Max price $544,233.

Where does Housing Down Payment Assistance Program apply?

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

Down payment assistance in St. Petersburg

Detail	Program terms
Assistance	20% of sales price plus $5,000 closing costs, up to $75,000
Type	Forgivable loan
Minimum credit	Not published on the program page
First-time buyer	Required
Income limits	Up to 140% AMI (forgiveness depends on income/location)

How does Housing Down Payment Assistance Program 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.stpete.org/housing/purchase_assistance_program.php. Programs can pause when funds run out, so confirm availability with a participating lender.

← All Florida down payment assistance programs

Frequently asked questions

20% of sales price plus $5,000 closing costs, up to $75,000, according to City of St. Petersburg Housing and Community Development.

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

Up to 140% AMI (forgiveness depends on income/location)

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.