Ready to Apply for Habitat for Humanity Homeownership?
Start here with our prequalification steps.
Homeownership is Within Reach: Start Your Path to Habitat Homeownership
✔ $0 Down Payment
✔ 0% APR Mortgage
✔ No PMI Required
Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside makes owning a home affordable and achievable. Affordable homeownership is within reach—apply now or refer a friend today!
*Subject to Habitat for Humanity program acceptance and completion. Mortgage financing is required through Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.
Scroll below to learn more about the Habitat program's requirements and to complete a brief self-check list.
You will then be asked to submit a non-refundable application fee to cover your soft credit check and application processing. This fee does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
QUESTION
Does Habitat Give Homes Away for Free?
Yes
No
Income Requirements
You must not exceed the Maximum Yearly Income (Gross) based on the number of individuals in your household and meet other income–related guidelines.
Click here to learn more about the 2026 HUD guidelines.
The income level required is based on the number of people who would be living in the home. This is between 30 percent and 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA (metropolitan statistical area). The numbers are based on guidelines adjusted each year and defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These figures include all forms of income: employment, public assistance, social security, disability, child support, etc. The ranges to the right reflect the 2026 HUD guidelines.
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*HUD Requirements 2026
Program Requirements
A Housing Need
Examples of a Housing Need:
- Overcrowded conditions
- Paying a very high percentage of your income for rent (more than 30 percent)
- Unsafe, unsanitary conditions
- Substandard housing – with a leaky roof, poor heating or lacking proper plumbing
Live or Work in
Our Service Area
To apply for the Habitat for HumanityTampa Bay Gulfside program, you must have lived or worked in Pinellas, West Pasco, or Hernando County for at least one year.
Ability to Pay a Mortgage
- Have one year of steady, reliable income
- Meet other necessary income-related qualifications include a sufficient debt-to-income ratio, etc.
- Have reasonably good credit. We don’t require perfect credit. We consider families who demonstrate the ability to make regular payments on their bills.
Willingness to Partner
- Complete curriculum of 38 homebuyer education classes
- Complete 350 - 450 sweat equity hours (depending on household size)
- Contribute $2,000 toward closing costs, participate in initiatives, etc.
Do you meet all of the requirements?
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-2.png?width=1080&height=1080&name=Untitled%20design%20(3)-2.png "Untitled design (3)-2")
.png?width=400&height=400&name=Untitled%20design%20(11).png "Untitled design (11)")
Not sure yet?
We invite you to explore Foundations First, our education series designed to help future applicants:
✅ Understand income and eligibility requirements
✅ Get financially prepared and “loan ready”
✅ Build strong budgeting habits
✅ Gather required documents
✅ Learn what it takes to partner with Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside is committed to Equal Housing Opportunity. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
Need Help or an Accommodation?
If you require assistance to complete this form or need accommodations during the application process, please contact us at (727) 536-4755.