Pinellas County’s New Homebuyer Assistance Program Can Help You Become a Homeowner
By Sean Ellman, Realtor® | Pinellas County, Florida
For many local renters, owning a home in Pinellas County can feel out of reach — especially after the damage and financial setbacks caused by recent hurricanes. But there’s good news: Pinellas County has launched a new Homebuyer Assistance Program offering up to $80,000 to help residents purchase a home right here in our community.
If you’ve been renting and dreaming of a place to call your own, this program could be the key to making it happen — and I can help you find the right property that fits the program’s requirements.
What the Program Offers
The county’s Homebuyer Assistance Program is part of the larger People First Housing Recovery Program, created to help residents rebuild and stay rooted in Pinellas County after Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton.
Qualified buyers can receive up to $80,000 in assistance to cover:
Down payments (up to 100% of what your lender requires)
Reasonable closing costs
Subsidized interest rates and mortgage support
The best part? The assistance comes as a forgivable mortgage, which means there are no monthly payments as long as you live in the home for at least five years. Each year you remain in the home, 20% of the assistance is forgiven — until it’s fully cleared after year five.
Who Can Apply
You may qualify if you:
Lived in Pinellas County during Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, or Milton (excluding the City of St. Petersburg, because they have their own post-hurricane programs)
Don’t currently own a home
Meet the income limits (up to 120% of the Area Median Income)
This means, for example, you have to earn less than $87,600 for a single person household and earn less than $100,150 for a two person household
Can secure a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage from a lender
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and preference may be given to households directly affected by the hurricanes.
Why This Matters for Local Buyers
Between higher home prices and rising rents, many local families have found it tough to save for a down payment — even if their monthly income could easily support a mortgage. This program is designed to close that gap, helping renters transition into stable, long-term homeownership.
As a local Realtor®, I can help you:
Find affordable homes that fit your lifestyle and budget
Connect with lenders
Navigate the application process smoothly
Important Details to Know
Maximum award: $80,000
Occupancy requirement: Must live in the home as your primary residence for five years
Forgivable mortgage: The assistance is forgiven at a rate of 20% each year — no monthly payments required
Duplication of benefits check: Applicants cannot receive funding from other state or federal programs for the same expenses
How to Get Started
You can review full program details and start your application directly on the county’s official site here:
👉 Pinellas County Homebuyer Assistance Program
If you’d like help finding homes that fit your needs and wants — or simply want to talk through your options — I’d be happy to guide you through every step of the process.
📞 Call/Text: 727-717-0440
📧 Email: SeanEllman@c21be.com
🌐 Visit: BuyTheSand.com
Let’s turn your homeownership goal into a reality, with the help of Pinellas County’s new Homebuyer Assistance Program.