First-Time Home Buyer Programs in St. Petersburg & Pinellas County

Compare down payment assistance and FHA options — and pick the one that fits you.

Your options, side by side

Programs we process

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City of St. Petersburg

Up to $75,000 · max price $544,233 · 640+ · income limits · 1% minimum contribution · about 60 days. <a href="/city-of-st-petersburg-down-payment-assistance">City of St. Petersburg down payment assistance</a>.

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Pinellas County SHIP

Unincorporated Pinellas · up to $75,000 · max $544,233 · 640+ · income limits · $1,000 minimum · about 60 days. <a href="/pinellas-county-down-payment-assistance">Pinellas County SHIP down payment assistance</a>.

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City of Clearwater

Up to $75,000 · max $544,233 · 640+ · income limits · 1% minimum · about 60 days. <a href="/clearwater-down-payment-assistance">City of Clearwater down payment assistance</a>.

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City of Largo

Up to $75,000 · max $544,233 · 640+ · income limits · $1,000 minimum · about 60 days. <a href="/largo-down-payment-assistance">City of Largo down payment assistance</a>.

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All Florida FHA

Free 3.5% down payment · no income limits · max $541,287 · 640+ · $5,000 minimum · about 30 days. <a href="/florida-fha-down-payment-assistance">all-Florida FHA program with a free 3.5% down payment</a>.

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All Florida — best rate

No assistance, no income limits · max $524,225 · 620+ · 3.5% minimum contribution · about 25 days.

FHA loans in St. Petersburg

Most first-time buyers use an FHA loan: a 96.5% first mortgage, with the seller allowed to contribute up to 6% toward eligible closing costs. Depending on your credit score, a conventional loan can also be the better choice — we compare both for you.

How to choose

Is the home inside St. Petersburg, Clearwater or Largo, or in unincorporated Pinellas? The local program usually offers the most help.
Is your income above the program limits? The all-Florida FHA program has no income limits.
Do you need to close fast? The all-Florida options close in about 25–30 days; city and county programs take about 60.
Credit not there yet? Consider our rent-to-own program.

Read our steps to qualify for down payment assistance and down payment assistance programs in St. Petersburg.

How it works with us

Call or apply

Tell us where you want to buy and your situation — call (727) 642-1166 or <a href="/contact">contact us</a>.

Pre-qualify

We check your credit, income and the programs you qualify for, and recommend FHA or conventional financing.

Program application

We process the down payment assistance application with the program for you.

Find the home and close

Shop within the program’s price limit and close with the first mortgage and the assistance together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What programs help first-time buyers in St. Petersburg?

The City of St. Petersburg down payment assistance, the Pinellas County SHIP program for unincorporated areas, the Clearwater and Largo city programs, and an all-Florida FHA program with a free 3.5% down payment.

Which program gives the most help?

The city and county programs offer up to $75,000 but have income limits; the all-Florida FHA program covers 3.5% with no income limits.

What credit score do first-time buyers need?

640 for the assistance programs; 620 for the all-Florida best-rate option.

Can the seller pay my closing costs?

With FHA, sellers can contribute up to 6% toward eligible closing costs.

Do you help with the application?

Yes. We process the assistance application with the program and provide the first mortgage.

First home in Pinellas? Let’s find your best program.

Call (727) 642-1166

Generation Mortgage Associates, LLC · 1155 South Pasadena S, Suite H, South Pasadena, FL 33707 · Call (727) 642-1166 · Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM EST · NMLS 1283562. We are a private mortgage company, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government program, county, city, FHA or housing authority. Program terms are set by each program and can change; all loans are subject to approval.