Buying a home in Pinellas County may be far more attainable than many buyers realize. Through the Pinellas County Homebuyer Assistance Program, qualified homebuyers may receive up to $80,000 toward down payment and closing costs, significantly reducing the amount of money needed to buy a home. This program was created to help residents impacted by recent hurricanes achieve safe, stable homeownership while keeping monthly payments affordable. For buyers who can qualify for a mortgage but are held back by upfront costs, this assistance can be a game-changer. At JZ Mortgage, we help buyers understand the program, confirm eligibility, and structure the right loan to take full advantage of these funds.

Program Overview

The Pinellas County Homebuyer Assistance Program provides up to $80,000 in assistance to eligible buyers purchasing a primary residence in Pinellas County, excluding properties within the City of St. Petersburg. The program is designed to support residents who lived in Pinellas County during Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and/or Milton and who are ready to transition into homeownership. Assistance can be used to cover down payment requirements, reasonable closing costs, and other mortgage-related expenses, making it possible to purchase a home with little to no cash out of pocket. Buyers must qualify for a minimum 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage, ensuring long-term payment stability. Funding is limited, and eligibility is subject to program guidelines.

Key Program Benefits

Eligible homebuyers may receive:

• Up to $80,000 in homebuyer assistance
• Up to 100% of lender-required down payment covered
• Lower monthly mortgage payments
• Subsidized interest rates and mortgage principal amounts
• Coverage of reasonable closing costs
• Support in acquiring guarantees for mortgage financing
• Homes located in Pinellas County (excluding St. Petersburg)
• Owner-occupied primary residences only

Program terms, availability, and funding are subject to change.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must generally meet the following criteria:

• Lived in Pinellas County during Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and/or Milton
• Property not located in the City of St. Petersburg
• Does not currently own another home
• Household income up to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI)
• Able to obtain a minimum 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage
• Meet lender underwriting and program guidelines
•  Purchase must be a primary residence

Many buyers assume they won’t qualify — but eligibility is broader than most people expect.

How JZ Mortgage Helps

Homebuyer assistance programs come with specific rules, timelines, and lender requirements. That’s where having the right mortgage partner matters.

At JZ Mortgage, we:

• Review your income, credit, and eligibility
• Confirm qualification for up to $80,000 in assistance
• Match the program with the best mortgage option (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.)
• Coordinate with housing agencies, realtors, and all parties involved
• Guide you from pre-approval through closing

With access to 100+ wholesale lenders, we offer far more solutions than banks or online lenders.

Find Out If You’re Eligible

If you’re looking to buy a home in Pinellas County and want to reduce or eliminate your down payment and closing costs, this program could provide up to $80,000 toward your purchase.

Contact JZ Mortgage for a free consultation
Apply online in minutes at JZMortgage.com/apply-now

We’ll review your situation and let you know if you qualify for the Pinellas County Homebuyer Assistance Program — and help you move forward with confidence.