Pasco County Down Payment Assistance Programs — 2026 Guide

What DPA Programs Are Available in Pasco County?

Pasco County stretches from the Gulf Coast communities of New Port Richey and Port Richey to the fast-growing inland corridors of Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, Zephyrhills, and Dade City. This diversity means buyers have access to a wide range of DPA options — from county SHIP funds to statewide programs and even USDA zero-down loans in rural areas.

Pasco County buyers can tap into both county-administered programs funded through the SHIP program and statewide programs from Florida Housing Finance Corporation. According to the Pasco County government, SHIP funds are allocated annually and have helped hundreds of local families achieve homeownership.

The combination of lower median home prices in eastern Pasco, USDA eligibility, and generous statewide DPA makes this one of the most accessible counties in Tampa Bay for first-time homebuyers.

How Does the Pasco County SHIP Program Work?

The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program in Pasco County provides down payment and closing cost assistance to income-eligible homebuyers. Key details:

• Down payment and closing cost help — SHIP provides grants or deferred-payment loans that reduce or eliminate the cash needed at closing.
• Income-based eligibility — Typically serves households at or below 120% of area median income. Lower-income applicants may receive larger awards.
• First-come, first-served — Funding is limited each fiscal year. Apply as soon as a new cycle opens.
• Homebuyer education — A HUD-approved course is required before receiving assistance.

Pasco County's SHIP program is administered by the county housing authority. Contact them directly or work with a participating lender who can coordinate both county and statewide applications.

Which Parts of Pasco County Are USDA-Eligible?

One of Pasco County's biggest advantages for first-time buyers is USDA eligibility in its eastern communities. USDA Rural Development loans offer zero down payment — and when combined with Hometown Heroes, you could potentially buy a home with no money out of pocket.

• Zephyrhills — Many areas in and around Zephyrhills qualify for USDA financing.
• Dade City — This historic community and surrounding rural areas are largely USDA-eligible.
• East Pasco rural areas — Unincorporated areas east of I-75 frequently qualify for USDA loans.
• Parts of San Antonio and St. Leo — These smaller communities often fall within USDA boundaries.

USDA eligibility is determined by property address, not the buyer. Use the USDA eligibility map to check a specific address, or call Barrett Henry at (813) 733-7907 for help.

Which Statewide DPA Programs Can Pasco County Buyers Use?

Pasco County buyers have full access to Florida's statewide DPA programs:

• Florida Hometown Heroes — Up to $35,000 in 0% interest, forgivable DPA for all full-time Florida workers. Full Hometown Heroes guide
• Florida Assist — $10,000 deferred second mortgage at 0% interest with no monthly payments. Full Florida Assist guide
• HFA Preferred PLUS / HFA Advantage PLUS — Below-market first mortgage rates with DPA grants and reduced PMI. Full HFA Preferred guide

These programs work on both existing homes and new construction — a major advantage in Pasco County, where communities along the SR 54 and SR 56 corridors are adding thousands of new homes annually.

Can You Use DPA on New Construction in Pasco County?

Yes — and Pasco County is one of the best places in Tampa Bay to combine DPA with new construction. Major builders in Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, and the Suncoast Parkway corridor offer new homes that frequently fall within DPA purchase price limits.

• Hometown Heroes on new builds — Up to $35,000 toward your down payment and closing costs on a brand-new home.
• Builder incentives + DPA — Many builders offer closing cost credits or rate buydowns that can be combined with DPA for even greater savings.
• FHA/VA/Conventional eligible — New construction works with all first mortgage products offered through Florida Housing.

The key is working with a participating lender from the start — before you sign a builder contract. Your lender will confirm that the specific community and home price qualify for your chosen DPA program.

How Do You Apply for Pasco County DPA?

1. Contact a participating lender. They can evaluate you for SHIP, Hometown Heroes, FL Assist, and HFA programs in one application. Call Barrett at (813) 733-7907 for a referral.
2. Get pre-approved. Your lender will verify income, credit, employment, and first-time buyer status.
3. Complete homebuyer education. A HUD-approved course is required — many are available online.
4. Find your home. Work with a REALTOR who knows Pasco County and understands which communities qualify for USDA, which builders accept DPA, and where the best values are.
5. Close and move in. DPA funds are applied at closing, reducing or eliminating the cash you need to bring.