Tampa says it has passed 10,000 affordable housing units, and DARE set a homebuyer record

Tampa’s housing update

Tampa says it has surpassed Mayor Jane Castor’s goal of facilitating 10,000 affordable housing opportunities, with 10,770 units now planned, underway or completed. The city says almost half of that total is already under construction or finished, and it has invested more than $100 million in affordable housing initiatives and housing assistance since 2019. Officials describe the strategy as a mix of new development, repairs to existing homes, homeownership help and partnerships with private and nonprofit developers. [f1, f2, f3, f12]

What the DARE record means

The same day, Tampa said its DARE to Own the Dream homeownership program set a fiscal-year record with 71 first-time buyer closings in FY2026, topping the previous record of 70. The city said those closings came with $5.31 million in total assistance. Since 2019, DARE has helped with 426 closings and nearly $20 million in down payment assistance. [f4, f5, f6, f7, f8]

What buyers should know

Tampa says DARE is for eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing homes within city limits. Depending on household income and eligibility, qualified buyers may receive up to $50,000 in assistance, and applications are currently open. [f9, f10, f11]