Manatee County HFA Home Ownership Program

$15,000 Assistance

Receive up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs as a 0% deferred second mortgage.

*Becomes due upon sale, refinance, or non-occupancy.

30-Year Fixed Rate

Secure a stable, competitive 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage through participating lenders.

Tax Credit (MCC)

Potential for a Mortgage Credit Certificate reducing your federal tax liability by up to 20% of annual mortgage interest.

Eligibility Requirements

First-Time Homebuyers: Generally required for borrower and spouse (exceptions apply for qualified veterans and designated targeted areas).
Primary Residence: Must occupy the home as your primary residence within 60 days of closing.
Credit Score: Minimum credit scores apply. FHA requires min 660; VA/USDA requires min 640.
Location: Eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, and townhomes anywhere in Manatee County (including Bradenton).

Program Limits (2026)

Purchase Price Limits

Non-Targeted Areas $468,292

Targeted Areas $594,580

Income Limits (FHA/VA/USDA)

Maximum household income limits apply.

1-2 Person Household $149,150*

3+ Person Household $149,150*

*Limits subject to change based on specific loan type and AMI calculations. Freddie Mac HFA Advantage limits differ ($84,880 for ≤80% AMI).

Maximize Savings with the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

One of the most powerful features of the Manatee County HFA program is the potential inclusion of a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). Unlike a standard tax deduction which lowers your taxable income, an MCC provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax liability.

Qualified borrowers can claim 20% of their annual mortgage interest as a tax credit every year for the life of the loan (as long as the home remains your primary residence). The remaining 80% of interest can still be claimed as a standard mortgage interest deduction, maximizing your financial efficiency.

20% Federal Tax Credit

Applied to annual mortgage interest*

Flexible Loan Options

The Manatee County Key to Homeownership Program is designed to work with the loan type that best fits your financial profile. The 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage can be paired with:

FHA Loans Min Score 660
VA Loans (Veterans) Min Score 640
USDA-RD Loans Min Score 640
Freddie Mac HFA Advantage Check Limits

Where You Can Buy

You are not restricted to specific "low-income" zones. The HFA program covers the entire jurisdiction of Manatee County.

Included Areas

Bradenton
Palmetto
Ellenton
Parrish
Lakewood Ranch*
Unincorporated Areas

*Must be within Manatee County limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for the Manatee County HFA Home Ownership Program?

To qualify, you must be a first-time homebuyer (unless a veteran or purchasing in a targeted area), have a minimum credit score (FHA 660, VA/USDA 640), and fall within income limits (up to $149,150). You must also occupy the home as your primary residence within 60 days.

How much down payment assistance can I get in Manatee County?

Eligible homebuyers can receive up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. This assistance is provided as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage that is only repayable if you sell, refinance, or stop occupying the home as your primary residence.

What is the income limit for the Manatee County down payment assistance program?

For the 2026 guidelines, the income limit for the "Key to Homeownership" program is generally $149,150 for FHA, VA, and USDA loans, regardless of household size. For Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loans, limits vary based on Area Median Income (AMI) levels.

Is the Manatee County HFA assistance a grant or a loan?

The assistance is a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage, not a grant. It does not require monthly payments, but the full amount ($15,000) becomes due when you sell the home, refinance the first mortgage, or no longer live there as your primary residence.

Can I buy a home anywhere in Manatee County with this program?

Yes, the HFA program allows you to purchase eligible properties anywhere within Manatee County, including the City of Bradenton. Eligible property types include single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes.

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer for the Manatee County HFA program?

Yes, generally you must be a first-time homebuyer, defined as not having owned a primary residence in the past three years. However, exceptions exist for qualified veterans and for buyers purchasing homes in federally designated "Targeted Areas."

What is the purchase price limit for homes in the Manatee County HFA program?

For 2026, the purchase price limit is $468,292 for homes in non-targeted areas. If you are purchasing a home in a designated targeted area within Manatee County, the purchase price limit increases to $594,580.

What is a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) and how does it help?

An MCC is a federal tax credit that allows you to claim up to 20% of your annual mortgage interest as a direct tax credit. This reduces your federal income tax liability dollar-for-dollar, potentially saving you thousands over the life of the loan.

What credit score do I need for the Manatee County homebuyer program?

The minimum credit score requirements depend on the loan type. Currently, FHA loans require a minimum score of 660, while VA and USDA-RD loans require a minimum score of 640. Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loans may have different requirements.

Does the Manatee County HFA program work with FHA and VA loans?

Yes, the program works with FHA, VA, USDA-RD, and Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loans. It offers a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage combined with the down payment assistance second mortgage.

Ready to unlock your new home?

Find out if you qualify for the Manatee County HFA Home Ownership Program today.

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Manatee County Housing Programs

The Key to Homeownership in Manatee County