Florida FHA Loans at a Glance: just 3.5% down · FICO from 580 · loan limits up to $990,150 in high-cost FL counties · gift funds OK · condos & 2-4 units · NMLS #1826020
Florida FHA Home Loans · Direct Lender Since 1998

FHA Loans Florida

Buy a Florida home with as little as 3.5% down and a credit score from 580. FHA loans are the easiest path to homeownership for first-time buyers, growing families and 55+ movers – flexible credit, gift-fund down payments, and Florida loan limits up to $990,150.

  • 3.5% down with a 580+ FICO (10% down from 500-579)
  • Gift funds and down-payment assistance allowed; seller can pay up to 6% of closing costs
  • Single-family, FHA-approved condos, townhomes and 2-4 unit homes
  • Higher debt-to-income flexibility than conventional loans
  • First-time buyers, families and 55+ Florida buyers all welcome

Start My Florida FHA Application →

Get Pre-Approved for a Florida FHA Loan

Fast, friendly, no obligation.

Get Your Free Quote! No Credit Pull Required.

★ 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 is the smart move in Florida

An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Because the FHA protects the lender against loss, we can approve Florida buyers with lower credit scores, smaller down payments and higher debt-to-income ratios than a conventional loan allows. For a state where home prices have climbed and many first-time buyers are competing with cash, that flexibility is the difference between renting and owning.

Florida is one of the most popular FHA states in the country: strong in-migration, no state income tax, and a deep mix of starter homes, condos and 55+ communities. Whether you’re a first-time buyer in Tampa, a growing family in St. Johns County, or a retiree headed to The Villages, an FHA loan from CambridgeHomeLoan.com – a direct lender serving Florida since 1998 – gets you to the closing table with less cash out of pocket. Start your application →

Florida FHA loan requirements (2026)

Minimum down payment3.5% with a 580+ credit score (10% down with a 500-579 score)
Minimum credit scoreFrom 580; we also work with buyers rebuilding credit
Mortgage insurance (MIP)1.75% upfront (financed into the loan) plus an annual MIP of roughly 0.15%-0.75%, paid monthly
Debt-to-income (DTI)Generally up to 43%, and higher with compensating factors
Down-payment sourceYour own funds, gift funds from family, or eligible down-payment assistance
Seller concessionsSeller can contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs
Property typesSingle-family, FHA-approved condos, townhomes, and 2-4 unit owner-occupied homes
OccupancyPrimary residence (you’ll live in the home)
Co-borrowersNon-occupant co-borrowers (e.g., a parent) are allowed to help you qualify

2026 Florida FHA loan limits by county

FHA loan limits are set by county. In 2026, 51 of Florida’s 67 counties use the standard one-unit limit of $541,287, while 16 higher-cost counties run above it – all the way up to $990,150 in Monroe (the Keys). These are the 2026 one-unit tiers:

Standard limit – 51 counties (1-unit)$541,287 (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Lee, Polk, Volusia, Brevard, Marion & more)
Sarasota & Manatee (1-unit)$547,400
Jacksonville metro – Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, Baker (1-unit)$580,750
Martin, St. Lucie, Okaloosa & Walton (1-unit)$603,750
Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach (1-unit)$667,000
Collier – Naples (1-unit)$764,750
Monroe – Florida Keys (1-unit)$990,150
2-4 unit propertiesHigher limits apply – e.g., up to $1,281,350 (4-unit) in Miami-Dade/Broward/Palm Beach and $1,903,200 in Monroe

2026 one-unit FHA limits set annually by HUD; 2-4 unit limits are higher. We’ll confirm the exact limit for your Florida county before you write an offer.

Florida down payment assistance you can pair with an FHA loan

One of the biggest advantages of buying in Florida is that your FHA loan can stack with state down-payment assistance – often covering most or all of your 3.5% down and much of your closing costs:

Florida Hometown Heroes (2026)

Up to 5% of the first mortgage (min $10,000, max $35,000) as a 0% interest, deferred second – no monthly payment, repaid only when you sell, refinance or move out. For eligible full-time Florida professionals up to 150% of area median income.

Florida Assist & HFA Preferred

Florida Housing second-mortgage programs that add down-payment and closing-cost help on top of your FHA loan. We check which stack best for your county and income.

Salute Our Soldiers

Down-payment assistance for active-duty military and veterans buying in Florida – pairs with FHA or VA financing.

Who qualifies for Hometown Heroes

First-time buyers working full-time in eligible fields – healthcare, teachers and school staff, first responders, childcare, and military/veterans – buying a Florida primary residence.

Gift funds & seller credits

Layer family gift funds and up to 6% in seller-paid closing costs with FHA and DPA to buy with the least cash out of pocket.

Tax savings at closing

Certain Florida assistance programs waive doc-stamp and intangible taxes on the assisted portion – real dollars off your closing costs.

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

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

Florida FHA loan calculators

Run the numbers on your Florida FHA loan in seconds. These estimators are for planning only – apply for your exact, personalized figures.

1. FHA monthly payment

Estimate your full monthly payment including FHA mortgage insurance.

$0
Total monthly payment
$0
Principal, interest & MIP

2. Down payment & cash to close

See your down payment and estimated cash needed after seller credits.

$0
Estimated cash to close
$0
Down payment amount

3. How much home can I afford?

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

$0
Estimated home price
$0
Max housing payment

4. FHA loan amount + MIP

See your base loan plus the 1.75% upfront MIP financed into the loan.

$0
Total financed (with UFMIP)
$0
Base loan / 1.75% UFMIP

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

Ready to see how much home you can buy in Florida with 3.5% down? Get pre-approved today.
Apply Now
Buy a Florida home with an FHA loan - apply nowYour Florida home is closer than you think →

Florida FHA highlights

  • 3.5% down - keep more cash in your pocket
  • 580 credit accepted; flexible, common-sense underwriting
  • Gift funds & assistance can cover your down payment
  • Buy a home, condo or up to a 4-unit you live in
  • Refinance later with an FHA Streamline - no appraisal needed

Get My FHA Pre-Approval →

Best Florida communities to buy with an FHA loan

From master-planned towns to affordable coastal metros, these Florida communities pair strong value with the amenities buyers want - and many have homes and FHA-approved condos in FHA price range:

Nocatee (Ponte Vedra)

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

Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota/Manatee)

One of the top-selling master-planned communities in the U.S., with parks, trails and A-rated schools.

Wellen Park (Venice)

Fast-growing Gulf-coast community with new-home value and a walkable downtown.

Babcock Ranch (Punta Gorda)

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

Tradition (Port St. Lucie)

Affordable Treasure Coast growth with jobs, medical campuses and new construction.

Horizon West / Winter Garden (Orlando)

One of the fastest-growing areas in the country, near theme-park employment and top schools.

Viera (Melbourne/Space Coast)

Master-planned Space Coast living near aerospace jobs and A-rated schools.

Ave Maria (Naples area)

Affordable Southwest Florida town-center living well within FHA limits.

Value metros: Ocala, Palm Bay, Lakeland, Cape Coral, Jacksonville, Deltona, Port St. Lucie, Pensacola, Gainesville

Some of Florida's most affordable, FHA-friendly markets for first-time buyers, with prices well within FHA limits.

Best Florida 55+ & active-adult communities

Florida is the nation's retirement capital, and an FHA loan can finance a home in an age-restricted community (condos must be on the FHA-approved list). These are among the most popular 55+ communities in the state:

The Villages (Central Florida)

The country's largest 55+ community - 50+ golf courses, nightly entertainment and golf-cart living.

On Top of the World (Ocala)

Budget-friendly favorite with golf, fitness, low HOA fees and endless clubs.

Solivita (Kissimmee/Poinciana)

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

Latitude Margaritaville (Daytona & Watersound)

The Jimmy Buffett-branded 55+ brand - beachy, social and amenity-rich.

Del Webb communities (statewide)

Del Webb Naples, eTown, Sunbridge and more - a trusted active-adult name across Florida.

Kings Point / Sun City Center (Tampa area)

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

Best Florida places for families & top schools

Buying where the schools are strong protects your family and your home's resale value. These Florida counties and towns consistently earn the state's top marks:

St. Johns County

Florida's #1 school district seven years running - Nocatee, Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine, with A/B high schools and 95%+ graduation.

Nassau County (Fernandina/Yulee)

Fast-growing, top-rated northeast-Florida schools near Amelia Island beaches.

Seminole County (Oviedo, Winter Springs, Lake Mary)

Orlando-metro schools among the best in the state, with safe, family suburbs.

Sarasota County (Lakewood Ranch, Venice)

A-rated Gulf-coast schools plus parks, trails and beaches.

Wellington & Parkland (South Florida)

Palm Beach and Broward's premier family towns with top-rated schools.

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 since 1998, we help buyers across every Florida metro and county. A few of the cities where we finance FHA purchases and refinances:

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

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

FHA loans by Florida city

Explore FHA programs, county loan limits and local down-payment assistance in your market:

FHA Loans Tampa

Tampa Bay affordability with 3.5%-down FHA and Hometown Heroes help.

FHA Loans Orlando

Central Florida first-time buyers and FHA-approved condos.

FHA Loans Jacksonville

Florida's most affordable major metro, with a higher $580,750 FHA limit.

FHA Loans Miami

FHA and DPA options in high-cost South Florida ($667,000 limit).

FHA Loans Fort Lauderdale

Broward FHA buyers with the higher county loan limit.

FHA Loans West Palm Beach

Palm Beach FHA financing and assistance.

FHA Loans Boca Raton

FHA options in a premium Palm Beach market.

FHA Loans Sarasota

Gulf-coast FHA buyers with the higher $547,400 limit.

FHA Loans Bradenton

Manatee County FHA financing.

FHA Loans North Port

Fast-growing Southwest Florida FHA market.

FHA Loans Englewood

Coastal Southwest Florida FHA buyers.

FHA Loans Port St. Lucie

Treasure Coast affordability for FHA buyers.

FHA Loans Daytona Beach

Volusia County FHA financing.

FHA Loans Lakeland

I-4 corridor value between Tampa and Orlando.

FHA Loans Kissimmee

Osceola County first-time-buyer market.

FHA Loans Brandon

Tampa-metro FHA buyers.

FHA Loans Gainesville

University-town FHA financing.

FHA Loans Tallahassee

Capital-city FHA buyers.

FHA Loans Panama City

Panhandle FHA financing and rebuilding.

FHA Loans Davie

Broward FHA financing.

FHA Loans Doral

Miami-Dade FHA buyers.

Start your Florida FHA loan today

Whether it's your first home, a bigger place for the kids near great schools, or a fresh start in a 55+ community, we'll match you to the right FHA program and get you pre-approved fast - with as little as 3.5% down.

  • Same-week pre-approval
  • Down-payment assistance and gift funds welcome
  • Friendly, local 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 you live in.

FHA Streamline Refinance

Lower your rate or payment with reduced documentation and no new appraisal required.

FHA 203(k) Renovation

Roll the purchase price and renovation costs into one FHA loan.

FHA Cash-Out Refinance

Tap your Florida home equity 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 - we have a Florida FHA program for you.
Start My Application

Don't qualify for FHA, or self-employed? You still have options

If your credit, income documentation or property type doesn't fit FHA, we're a full-service Florida lender with programs that will - many with no tax returns:

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 P&L - no tax returns or W-2s required.

VA loan

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

Conventional loan

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

Construction loan

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

Foreign national loan

Buy U.S. property without U.S. income or a Social Security number.

DSCR investor loan

Buying a Florida rental? Qualify on the property's rent, not your personal income.

FHA 203(k) renovation

Buy a home that needs work and finance the repairs into one FHA loan.

Jumbo loan

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

Self-employed or credit-challenged? We have a Florida loan for that - many with no tax returns.
Explore My Options

Florida housing & FHA outlook for 2027

What Florida FHA buyers should keep an eye on heading into 2027:

Rates easing off the peak

As mortgage rates normalize from their highs, more first-time buyers are coming off the sidelines - and FHA's share tends to rise when affordability is tight.

New inventory on the I-4 corridor

Heavy new construction in Central Florida (Tampa-Orlando) and the Space Coast is adding FHA-eligible homes and condos - more choice for 3.5%-down buyers.

Insurance is the swing factor

Florida property-insurance costs remain the biggest variable in your monthly payment - shop carriers early, and factor it into your FHA pre-approval.

DPA usage keeps climbing

Hometown Heroes demand among teachers, nurses and first responders continues to grow - apply early each program year while funds last.

Condo financing getting easier

More Florida buildings are pursuing FHA approval and single-unit approvals are expanding, opening up condo options for FHA buyers.

Rising limits help move-up buyers

Higher 2026-2027 county loan limits let more Florida buyers stay in FHA financing as prices climb, especially in Jacksonville, Miami 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 and we'll confirm your budget, 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 makes your offer stronger.

Underwrite & appraise

We handle the FHA appraisal and approval - flexible on credit, gift funds and DTI.

Close & move in

Sign, 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 (10% down if your score is 500-579). Your down payment can come from your own savings, a gift from family, or eligible down-payment assistance.

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

From 580 for the 3.5%-down program. We also work with buyers rebuilding credit and can offer a clear plan to qualify.

What are the 2026 FHA loan limits in Florida?

The standard one-unit limit is $541,287 across 51 Florida counties. Higher-cost counties run above it: $547,400 in Sarasota & Manatee, $580,750 in the Jacksonville metro, $667,000 in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, $764,750 in Collier (Naples), and $990,150 in Monroe (the Keys). Limits are higher for 2-4 unit homes.

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

Yes - the condominium project must be on the FHA-approved list, or we can request single-unit (spot) approval. We'll check your specific building.

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

Yes - FHA can finance a home in an age-restricted community; if it's a condo, the project must be FHA-approved. Many buyers use FHA for The Villages, On Top of the World and Solivita-style communities.

What is FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)?

FHA loans include a 1.75% upfront premium (usually financed into the loan) plus an annual premium of roughly 0.15%-0.75%, paid monthly. It's what lets FHA offer low down payments and flexible credit.

Can the seller help pay my closing costs?

Yes - on an FHA loan the seller can contribute up to 6% of the price toward your closing costs, which can dramatically lower your cash to close.

Can I buy a 2-4 unit home with an FHA loan?

Yes - if you live in one of the units, you can buy a 2-4 unit Florida property with FHA and let the rent help you qualify.

Is CambridgeHomeLoan.com a direct FHA lender?

Yes - we're a direct lender (NMLS #1826020) serving Florida homebuyers since 1998, with friendly, local guidance from application to closing.

Can I use an FHA loan as a first-time home buyer in Florida?

Absolutely - FHA is the most popular loan for first-time buyers in Florida thanks to the 3.5% down payment, flexible 580 credit minimum, and gift-fund allowance. You can also pair it with Florida Housing down-payment assistance programs to reduce your cash to close even further.

How long does it take to close an FHA loan in Florida?

Most Florida FHA purchases close in about 30 days, and we can often move faster. We offer same-week pre-approval 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 and three years after a foreclosure, sometimes sooner with documented extenuating circumstances. We'll review your situation and map out the fastest path to qualify.

Do I have to be a Florida resident to get an FHA loan here?

No - you don't need to be a current Florida resident, but the home must be your primary residence (you'll live in it). FHA is a great fit for buyers relocating to Florida for work, family or retirement.

Can I remove FHA mortgage insurance later?

On most FHA loans the annual MIP stays for the life of the loan, but many Florida homeowners refinance into a conventional loan once they reach roughly 20% equity to drop mortgage insurance. As Florida home values rise, that can happen sooner than you'd expect - and we can run the numbers when you're ready.

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.


EXPERT HOME LOAN ADVICE

DSCR Loans Henderson Tennessee

DSCR Loans Henderson, Tennessee 2026 — Freed-Hardeman & Cash-Flow Financing, Up to 85% LTV | CambridgeHomeLoan.com CambridgeHomeLoan.com DSCR Loans Henderson — Up to 85% LTV·14

Read More »
July 14, 2026 No Comments