How does County SHIP help first-time buyers?
County SHIP provides $5,000 to $30,000+ in local down payment and closing cost assistance that stacks on top of state programs like Hometown Heroes. Combined, first-time buyers can receive over $50,000 in total assistance. Each Florida county runs its own SHIP program with different amounts, terms, and funding windows.
Here is the secret that separates first-time buyers who pay thousands out of pocket from those who pay nearly nothing: state and county programs are separate pots of money. You can use both at the same time. County SHIP is the local layer that, when stacked with Hometown Heroes, can push your total assistance past $50,000.
What does stacking look like for your first home?
Here is the real math on a $350,000 first home in Hillsborough County:
- Hometown Heroes (5% of loan): $17,500, deferred, 0% interest
- Hillsborough SHIP: $25,000, deferred or forgivable
- Total assistance: $42,500
- Your out-of-pocket: Potentially $0
For lower-income first-time buyers in Hillsborough County, the combined total can exceed $50,000. That often covers your entire down payment and closing costs.
How much can you get from your county?
- Hillsborough County: Up to $30,000+ for lower-income households
- Pinellas County: $10,000-$20,000 typical range
- Pasco County: $5,000-$15,000 typical range
- Polk County: $10,000-$25,000 depending on income
Figures are 2026 estimates and vary by funding cycle. Barrett confirms current availability for your county.
How to time your SHIP application with your first home search
The ideal sequence for first-time buyers:
- Get pre-approved with a FL Housing participating lender (locks in your state program)
- Apply for County SHIP through your county housing office
- Begin your home search while both programs process
- Close with stacked assistance once both are committed
Barrett Henry, REALTOR® coordinates this timeline so nothing falls through the cracks. The county application is separate from your lender, if nobody tells you about it, you will never know it exists.
Could you qualify for $50K+ on your first home?
Barrett knows which county programs are open and how to stack them. Start with a free eligibility check.
Check My EligibilityOr call Barrett directly: (813) 733-7907
For the complete County SHIP guide with eligibility details, county-by-county breakdowns, and application contacts, see the detailed County SHIP guide at tampabaydownpayment.com.
Other programs to stack with SHIP for your first home
- Hometown Heroes, the state program SHIP stacks on top of
- HFA Preferred Plus, forgivable state option
- FL Assist, $10K deferred state option
- National DPA, backup if state funding runs out
Related Programs to Compare
Hometown Heroes
$10K to $35K deferred, 0% interest, no monthly payment
View program →HFA Preferred Plus
3-5% forgivable after 5 years
View program →FHA Loan
3.5% down, fully covered by stacking DPA
View program →VA Loan
$0 down, no PMI, no income limit
View program →Side-by-Side Comparisons
Related Blog Posts
SHIP Funds 2026: Get $30K+ in Hillsborough & Pinellas County
Down Payment AssistancePasco County Down Payment Assistance 2026: Get Up to $65,000
Down PaymentDown Payment in Tampa Bay: $0 to 20% Options Compared (2026)
Tampa Bay CitiesPalm Harbor FL First-Time Buyer Guide 2026: Prices & Pinellas DPA
Helpful Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use County SHIP to buy my first home?
Yes. Most county SHIP programs require first-time buyer status. The amounts range from $5,000 to $30,000+ depending on your county and income level. SHIP funds go toward your down payment, closing costs, or both.
Can I stack County SHIP with Hometown Heroes on my first home?
Yes, this is one of the most powerful combinations available to first-time buyers. Hometown Heroes covers your down payment as a deferred second mortgage, and County SHIP covers closing costs as a third-position lien. Combined, you could receive over $50,000 in total assistance.
How do I apply for County SHIP for my first home?
You apply through your county housing office, not through your mortgage lender. This is a separate process from your state program application. Barrett Henry, REALTOR® connects you with the right contacts and helps time your application with your home search.
Do I have to repay County SHIP on my first home?
It depends on the county. Some counties offer deferred loans (repaid on sale/refi), while others provide forgivable assistance that drops to $0 after 5-15 years of occupancy. Each county sets its own terms.
Why do most first-time buyers miss County SHIP?
Three reasons: the application goes through the county housing office (not your lender), funding windows open periodically (not year-round), and many real estate agents do not know SHIP exists. Working with an agent who knows the program ensures you do not miss it.
Stack your programs and maximize your first-home savings
Barrett connects you with county contacts and times everything perfectly. Free check, no commitment.
Find Out in 2 MinutesOr call Barrett directly: (813) 733-7907