“I owned a home before, so I can’t be a first-time buyer.”
I hear that one all the time here in Tampa Bay, usually from someone who sold a few years back, has been renting since, and figures the first-time buyer programs aren’t for them anymore. In a lot of cases, that’s a myth. Let’s walk through what “first-time home buyer” actually means in Florida, and why it might still include you.
Watch: Myth or Move? The first-time buyer myth
In this week’s short video, I break this one down in under a minute.
If you’d rather read it, here’s the longer version.
What “first-time home buyer” means for Florida Housing programs
Florida Housing Finance Corporation runs many of the state’s homebuyer programs. In its program guidelines (updated September 2026), a first-time home buyer generally means someone who hasn’t had an ownership interest in their primary residence in the last three years.
Notice that it doesn’t say “never owned a home.” It’s about the home you lived in, during the last three years. So if you sold your house a while ago and you’ve been renting since, you could count as a first-time buyer again.
A few things worth knowing:
- The three years looks back at your primary residence, the home you lived in.
- For Florida Housing’s bond programs, lenders confirm it with your last three years of tax returns or tax transcripts; other Florida Housing programs verify it differently.
- Each program has its own income, credit, property and other requirements, so meeting this one rule is only step one.
Two exceptions that surprise people
Florida Housing’s guidelines also list exemptions from the first-time buyer requirement. Two surprise people most.
Some veterans. Under the Veterans Exemption, qualified veterans may not need to be first-time buyers at all for these programs. There are specific service and certification rules, so it’s worth a conversation if you’ve served.
Certain areas. If you’re buying in a Federally Designated Targeted Area, the first-time buyer requirement doesn’t apply. These are specific areas identified within the state, and whether a home qualifies comes down to its exact location.
Both exemptions have their own fine print, which is exactly why I’d rather look at your situation together than have you guess.
Why this matters for Tampa Bay buyers and realtors
For buyers in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and the surrounding counties, this can open doors you assumed were closed, including programs that may help with upfront costs.
For my realtor partners: if you’ve got a past-owner client who’s been renting and thinks they’re stuck, don’t write them off. Send them my way and we’ll check where they stand.
Let’s look at your situation
Every story is different. How long ago you sold, whether you’ve served, and where you want to buy can all change the answer.
Call my 24/7 pre-qual hotline at 813-736-5744, or reach me directly at 813-466-4319. We’ll walk through it together, no pressure.
Follow for one homebuyer myth a week
I post a new Myth or Move? video every week, busting the homebuying myths I hear most from Tampa Bay buyers. Follow The ReMarkable Mortgage Team on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn so you don’t miss the next one.
Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation Standard Programs Master Term Sheet and Bond Guide, September 17, 2026. Other requirements apply. This is general information, not a commitment to lend.
Mark Adwell NMLS #1693869 | Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. NMLS #130562 | Equal Housing Opportunity