Florida FHA Loans at a Glance: just 3.5% down · credit from 580 · 2026 limits up to $990,150 in Monroe County · gift funds OK · condos & 2-4 units · NMLS #1826020
Direct FHA Lender · Serving Florida Since 1998 · NMLS #1826020

FHA Loans Florida

An FHA loan is still the most accessible path to owning a home in Florida – as little as 3.5% down, credit scores from 580, and room in the underwriting for buyers who don’t fit a conventional box. With 2026 county loan limits ranging from $541,287 up to $990,150 in Monroe County, FHA financing covers everything from a Jacksonville starter home to a condo in the Keys.

  • 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score, or 10% down from 500-579
  • Gift funds and Florida down-payment assistance can cover most or all of your down payment
  • Single-family homes, FHA-approved condos, townhomes and 2-4 unit properties
  • More flexible debt-to-income underwriting than most conventional loans
  • First-time buyers, growing families and 55+ Florida movers all welcome

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★ 3.5% down★ 580 credit OK★ Gift funds allowed★ Condos & 2-4 units★ First-time buyer friendly★ Serving Florida since 1998

Why an FHA loan makes sense in Florida

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration rather than issued by it. Because the FHA absorbs part of the lender’s risk if a borrower defaults, we can qualify Florida buyers with lower credit scores, smaller down payments and higher debt-to-income ratios than most conventional programs allow. In a state where home prices have risen steadily and cash buyers are common competition, that flexibility often decides whether a buyer closes this year or keeps renting.

Florida remains one of the busiest FHA markets in the country. Steady in-migration, no state income tax, and a housing stock that ranges from starter condos to sprawling 55+ communities all play to FHA’s strengths. Whether you’re buying your first home in Jacksonville, upsizing for a growing family in St. Johns County, or relocating to a golf-cart community in Central Florida, an FHA loan from CambridgeHomeLoan.com – a direct lender that has served Florida buyers since 1998 – gets you to closing with less cash out of pocket than most other programs require.

Florida FHA loan requirements for 2026

Minimum down payment3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher; 10% down with a score of 500-579
Minimum credit score580 for the standard program; we also work with buyers actively rebuilding credit
Mortgage insurance (MIP)1.75% upfront (typically financed into the loan) plus an annual premium of roughly 0.15%-0.75%, paid monthly
Debt-to-income (DTI)Generally up to 43%, higher with strong compensating factors
Down-payment sourceYour own savings, a gift from family, or eligible Florida down-payment assistance
Seller concessionsThe seller may contribute up to 6% of the price toward your closing costs
Eligible property typesSingle-family homes, FHA-approved condos and townhomes, and 2-4 unit owner-occupied properties
Occupancy requirementMust be your primary residence
Co-borrowersA non-occupant co-borrower, such as a parent, can help you qualify
Curious what you’d qualify for in your Florida county? Get real numbers, not guesses.
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2026 Florida FHA loan limits by county

FHA sets a loan limit for every county based on local median home prices, so what you can borrow depends on where in Florida you’re buying. For 2026, most of Florida’s 67 counties sit at the national floor, while a smaller group of higher-cost coastal counties climb well above it – topping out at $990,150 for a single-family home in Monroe County, home to the Florida Keys.

Statewide floor – most counties (1-unit)$541,287 (Alachua, Bay, Duval*, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Lee, Polk, Marion, Leon, Volusia, Brevard and most others)
Baker County (1-unit)$580,750
Manatee County (1-unit)$547,400
Martin County (1-unit)$603,750
Miami-Dade & Broward (1-unit)$667,000
Collier County – Naples (1-unit)$764,750
Monroe County – Florida Keys (1-unit)$990,150
2-4 unit propertiesScale up from the 1-unit figures – e.g., a 4-unit limit reaches roughly $1.28M in Miami-Dade/Broward and over $1.9M in Monroe County

*Some counties bordering higher-cost metros carry a slightly elevated limit; we confirm your exact county figure before you write an offer. 2026 limits set annually by HUD and subject to change.

Florida down payment assistance that pairs with FHA

One of the real advantages of buying in Florida is that an FHA first mortgage can stack with state-run down-payment assistance – in many cases covering most or all of your 3.5% down and a meaningful share of your closing costs.

Florida Hometown Heroes

Up to 5% of your first mortgage (minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000) as a 0%-interest, deferred second loan – no monthly payment, repaid only when you sell, refinance or move. Open to eligible full-time Florida workers earning up to 150% of area median income.

Florida Assist & HFA Preferred

Florida Housing Finance Corporation second-mortgage programs that layer additional down-payment and closing-cost help on top of your FHA loan. Eligibility varies by county and household income – we’ll check which combination fits.

Salute Our Soldiers

Down-payment assistance specifically for active-duty military members and veterans purchasing a home in Florida, and can be paired with either FHA or VA financing.

Who typically qualifies

First-time buyers working full-time in eligible fields – healthcare, K-12 education, first responders, childcare and active military or veterans – purchasing a Florida primary residence.

Gift funds & seller credits

Family gift funds and up to 6% in seller-paid closing costs can be layered on top of FHA and DPA financing to minimize the cash you bring to the table.

Closing-cost tax savings

Certain Florida assistance programs waive documentary-stamp and intangible taxes on the assisted portion of your loan – a real reduction in your total closing costs.

Ask about Hometown Heroes and other Florida assistance – up to $35,000 for eligible buyers.
See If I Qualify

Assistance programs carry income, profession, purchase-price and funding limits, are typically first-come while funds last, and are subject to change. We’ll confirm exactly what you qualify for.

Florida FHA loan calculators

Run your own numbers before you talk to a loan officer. These are planning estimates only – apply for figures specific to your credit, property and county.

1. Monthly payment estimator

Full monthly payment including FHA mortgage insurance.

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Total monthly payment
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Principal, interest & MIP

2. Down payment & cash to close

Your down payment and estimated cash needed after any seller credit.

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Estimated cash to close
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Down payment amount

3. How much home can I afford?

Estimated FHA price range from income and monthly debts (43% DTI).

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Estimated home price
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Max housing payment

4. Loan amount + upfront MIP

Base loan plus the 1.75% upfront MIP financed into the loan.

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Base loan / 1.75% UFMIP

Estimates only, not a commitment to lend. FHA charges 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance (usually financed) plus an annual premium (~0.55% used here for illustration). Actual rate, MIP, taxes, insurance and payment depend on your property, credit and qualification.

See how much Florida home you can buy with just 3.5% down. Get pre-approved today.
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Buy a Florida home with an FHA loanYour Florida home is closer than you think →

Why Florida buyers choose FHA

  • 3.5% down keeps more of your savings in the bank
  • 580 credit accepted, with common-sense underwriting
  • Gift funds and DPA can cover most of your down payment
  • Finance a home, condo or up to a 4-unit property you live in
  • Refinance later with an FHA Streamline - no new appraisal required

Get My FHA Pre-Approval →

Best Florida communities to buy with an FHA loan

From master-planned suburbs to walkable new-build town centers, these Florida communities pair real value with the amenities buyers look for - and most have homes and FHA-approved condos priced within FHA limits.

Nocatee (Ponte Vedra)

St. Johns County's flagship master-planned community, with top-rated schools, water parks and easy access to Ponte Vedra's beaches.

Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota/Manatee)

One of the top-selling master-planned communities nationally, with trails, parks and A-rated schools throughout.

Wellen Park (Venice)

A fast-growing Gulf-coast community offering new-home value and a walkable downtown district.

Babcock Ranch (Punta Gorda)

America's first solar-powered town - resilient infrastructure, family-friendly design and an eco-forward layout.

Tradition (Port St. Lucie)

Affordable Treasure Coast growth anchored by new employers, medical campuses and ongoing new construction.

Horizon West (Orlando)

One of the fastest-growing areas in the country, close to theme-park employment corridors and highly rated schools.

Viera (Melbourne/Space Coast)

Master-planned Space Coast living near aerospace employment and consistently strong schools.

Ave Maria (Naples area)

Affordable Southwest Florida, town-center living well within FHA limits, even in a high-cost county.

Value metros statewide

Ocala, Palm Bay, Lakeland, Cape Coral, Jacksonville, Deltona, Port St. Lucie, Pensacola and Gainesville remain some of the most affordable, FHA-friendly markets for first-time buyers.

Best Florida 55+ and active-adult communities

Florida is still the country's retirement capital, and FHA financing can be used in an age-restricted community as long as any condo project carries FHA approval. These are among the most popular 55+ communities statewide.

The Villages (Central Florida)

The nation's largest 55+ community, with more than 50 golf courses, nightly entertainment and golf-cart-centered living.

On Top of the World (Ocala)

A budget-friendly favorite with golf, fitness facilities, low HOA dues and dozens of resident clubs.

Solivita (Kissimmee/Poinciana)

Gated, resort-style living with two golf courses and a Mediterranean-inspired village center.

Latitude Margaritaville (Daytona & Watersound)

The Jimmy Buffett-branded 55+ concept - social, beachy and heavy on amenities.

Del Webb communities (statewide)

Del Webb Naples, eTown and Sunbridge, among others - a well-known, trusted active-adult brand across Florida.

Kings Point / Sun City Center (Tampa area)

Two of the most affordable, amenity-rich 55+ options on the Gulf side of the state.

Top Florida counties and towns for families and schools

Where the schools are strong tends to protect both your family's day-to-day experience and your home's resale value down the road. These Florida areas consistently rank near the top of the state.

St. Johns County

Widely regarded as Florida's top school district - Nocatee, Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine, with strong graduation rates statewide.

Nassau County (Fernandina/Yulee)

A fast-growing, well-rated northeast-Florida district near Amelia Island's beaches.

Seminole County (Oviedo, Winter Springs, Lake Mary)

Orlando-metro schools that rank among the strongest in the state, in safe, family-oriented suburbs.

Sarasota County (Lakewood Ranch, Venice)

A-rated Gulf-coast schools paired with parks, trails and easy beach access.

Wellington & Parkland (South Florida)

Two of Palm Beach and Broward's premier family towns, known for their school ratings.

Weston & Windermere

Highly rated, safe, family-focused communities in South and Central Florida.

Florida cities we serve for FHA loans

As a direct FHA lender serving Florida since 1998, we finance purchases and refinances across every metro and county in the state, including:

  • Miami
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Hollywood
  • Pembroke Pines
  • Coral Springs
  • West Palm Beach
  • Boca Raton
  • Boynton Beach
  • Port St. Lucie
  • Tampa
  • St. Petersburg
  • Clearwater
  • Brandon
  • Wesley Chapel
  • Lakeland
  • Orlando
  • Kissimmee
  • Winter Garden
  • Sanford
  • Lake Mary
  • Ocala
  • The Villages
  • Jacksonville
  • St. Augustine
  • Ponte Vedra
  • Palm Coast
  • Daytona Beach
  • Melbourne
  • Palm Bay
  • Sarasota
  • Bradenton
  • Venice
  • Fort Myers
  • Cape Coral
  • Naples
  • Punta Gorda
  • Tallahassee
  • Gainesville
  • Pensacola
  • Panama City
  • Destin
  • Deltona

Don't see your city listed? Start your application → We lend statewide across all 67 Florida counties.

Start your Florida FHA loan today

Whether it's your first home, more room for a growing family near good schools, or a fresh start in a 55+ community, we'll match you to the right FHA program and get you pre-approved quickly - with as little as 3.5% down.

  • Same-week pre-approval available
  • Down-payment assistance and gift funds welcome
  • Local, friendly Florida guidance since 1998

Apply for My Florida FHA Loan →

Apply for your Florida FHA home loanGet pre-approved with 3.5% down →

Florida FHA loan programs

FHA Purchase

3.5% down to buy a Florida home, condo or 2-4 unit property you'll live in.

FHA Streamline Refinance

Lower your rate or payment with reduced documentation and, in most cases, no new appraisal.

FHA 203(k) Renovation

Roll the purchase price and renovation costs into a single FHA loan.

FHA Cash-Out Refinance

Tap the equity in your Florida home up to FHA limits.

FHA Condo Loans

Financing for units in FHA-approved Florida condominium projects.

Down-Payment Assistance

Pair your FHA loan with Florida DPA and gift funds to buy with less cash.

First-time buyer, growing family, or 55+ mover - there's a Florida FHA program built for you.
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Don't fit FHA, or self-employed? You still have options

If your credit, income documentation or property type doesn't line up with FHA, we're a full-service Florida lender with other programs that might - several with no tax returns required.

Bank statement loan

Self-employed? Qualify on 12-24 months of bank deposits instead of tax returns.

Profit & loss (P&L) loan

Qualify on a CPA-prepared profit and loss statement - no tax returns or W-2s needed.

VA loan

0% down and no monthly mortgage insurance for eligible veterans and active-duty service members.

Conventional loan

As little as 3% down for strong credit, with mortgage insurance you can drop once you reach 20% equity.

Construction loan

Build new or complete a major renovation with construction-to-permanent financing.

Foreign national loan

Purchase U.S. property without U.S. income history or a Social Security number.

DSCR investor loan

Buying a Florida rental? Qualify on the property's rental income instead of your own.

Jumbo loan

Financing above FHA and conforming limits for higher-priced Florida properties.

FHA 203(k) renovation

Buy a home that needs work and finance the repair costs into a single FHA loan.

Self-employed or working through credit challenges? We likely have a Florida loan for that.
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Florida housing and FHA outlook for 2027

A few trends Florida FHA buyers should watch heading into 2027:

Rates easing off recent highs

As mortgage rates normalize, more first-time buyers are re-entering the market, and FHA's share of purchase activity tends to rise when affordability stays tight.

New inventory along the I-4 corridor

Heavy new construction between Tampa and Orlando, plus the Space Coast, is adding FHA-eligible homes and condos - more choice for 3.5%-down buyers.

Insurance remains the swing factor

Property-insurance costs continue to be the biggest variable in a Florida monthly payment - shop carriers early and build the number into your pre-approval.

DPA demand keeps climbing

Interest in Hometown Heroes among teachers, nurses and first responders continues to grow each program year - applying early matters while funds last.

Condo financing is getting easier

More Florida buildings are pursuing FHA project approval, and single-unit approval options continue to expand access for FHA buyers.

Rising limits help move-up buyers

Higher 2026-2027 county loan limits allow more Florida buyers to stay within FHA financing as prices rise, particularly in Jacksonville, South Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Outlook only, not a guarantee or financial advice. Market conditions change - we'll give you current, personalized numbers when you apply.

How to get a Florida FHA loan

Get pre-approved

Apply online in minutes; we'll confirm your budget, likely rate and down payment with as little as 3.5% down.

Find your Florida home

Shop with confidence in the community and school zone you want - your pre-approval strengthens every offer.

Underwrite & appraise

We manage the FHA appraisal and approval process, with flexibility on credit, gift funds and DTI.

Close & move in

Sign your documents, get your keys, and start building equity in your Florida home.

Florida FHA loan FAQ

How much down payment do I need for an FHA loan in Florida?

Just 3.5% of the purchase price with a credit score of 580 or higher, or 10% down with a score between 500 and 579. Your down payment can come from personal savings, a gift from family, or eligible Florida down-payment assistance.

What credit score do I need for a Florida FHA loan?

580 or above qualifies you for the 3.5%-down program. We also work with buyers who are actively rebuilding credit and can map out a plan to get you qualified.

What are the 2026 FHA loan limits in Florida?

The standard one-unit limit is $541,287 across most Florida counties. Higher-cost counties climb above it: $547,400 in Manatee, $580,750 in Baker, $603,750 in Martin, $667,000 in Miami-Dade and Broward, $764,750 in Collier (Naples), and $990,150 in Monroe County (the Keys). Two-to-four unit limits are higher still.

Can I use an FHA loan to buy a condo in Florida?

Yes, as long as the condominium project is on the FHA-approved list, or we obtain single-unit (spot) approval for it. We'll check your specific building before you write an offer.

Can I buy in a 55+ community with an FHA loan?

Yes. FHA can finance a home inside an age-restricted community; if the property is a condo, the project itself must carry FHA approval. Buyers regularly use FHA financing at communities like The Villages, On Top of the World and Solivita.

What exactly is FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)?

FHA loans carry a 1.75% upfront premium, usually financed into the loan balance, plus an annual premium of roughly 0.15% to 0.75% paid monthly. MIP is what allows FHA to offer such low down payments and flexible credit standards.

Can the seller help pay my closing costs?

Yes. On an FHA loan, the seller can contribute up to 6% of the purchase price toward your closing costs, which can significantly reduce the cash you need at the table.

Can I buy a duplex, triplex or fourplex with an FHA loan?

Yes, as long as you occupy one of the units as your primary residence. You can purchase a 2-4 unit Florida property with FHA financing and use the rental income from the other units to help you qualify.

Is CambridgeHomeLoan.com a direct FHA lender in Florida?

Yes. We're a direct lender, NMLS #1826020, serving Florida homebuyers since 1998, with local guidance from application through closing.

Is FHA a good option for first-time buyers in Florida?

It's typically the most popular choice. The combination of 3.5% down, a 580 credit-score floor and gift-fund eligibility makes FHA the practical entry point for most first-time Florida buyers, and it can be paired with Florida Housing down-payment assistance to reduce upfront cash even further.

How long does an FHA closing take in Florida?

Most Florida FHA purchases close in about 30 days, and we can often move faster with a complete file. Same-week pre-approval is available so your offer is ready the moment you find the right home.

Can I get an FHA loan after a bankruptcy or foreclosure?

Often, yes. FHA generally allows a new loan two years after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge and three years after a foreclosure, sometimes sooner with documented extenuating circumstances. We'll review your situation and map the fastest realistic path to qualifying.

Do I need to already live in Florida to get an FHA loan here?

No. You don't need to be a current Florida resident, but the property must become your primary residence. FHA works well for buyers relocating to Florida for work, family or retirement.

Can I remove FHA mortgage insurance later?

On most FHA loans originated today, annual MIP stays for the life of the loan. Many Florida homeowners instead refinance into a conventional loan once they reach roughly 20% equity to eliminate mortgage insurance - and with Florida values rising, that can happen sooner than expected. We can run the numbers when you're ready.

Does an FHA loan work for a Florida condo purchase in a flood zone?

It can, but flood insurance will typically be required if the property sits in a FEMA-designated flood zone, and that cost should be factored into your monthly payment estimate. We'll help you understand the flood-insurance requirement before you commit to a property.

Apply for your Florida FHA loan

Get pre-approved in minutes - 3.5% down, credit from 580, gift funds and down-payment assistance welcome. A direct FHA lender serving Florida since 1998.

Get Pre-Approved for a Florida FHA Loan

Fast, friendly, no obligation.

Get Your Free Quote! No Credit Pull Required.

Start My Application →

Serving Florida homebuyers since 1998
© 2026 CambridgeHomeLoan.com  ·  NMLS #1826020  ·  4830 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609  ·  (800) 826-5077  ·  Equal Housing Lender  ·  NMLS Consumer Access

Rates, terms, FHA loan limits and program guidelines are for 2026, subject to change, and depend on the property, credit and qualification. Not a commitment to lend. This is not a government agency. Equal Housing Lender.


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