FHA Home Loans · Direct Lender Since 1998 · NMLS #1826020

FHA Loans Tampa

Buy a Tampa home with as little as 3.5% down and a 580 credit score. FHA is first-time-buyer friendly and pairs with Florida down payment assistance.

  • As little as 3.5% down (580+ FICO)
  • Gift funds OK; sellers can pay up to 6% of closing costs
  • First-time and repeat buyers welcome
  • Down payment assistance available
  • 203(k) rehab, streamline & cash-out options

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See What You Qualify For

Fast pre-qual. We do not pull credit to quote.

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★ 3.5% down★ 580 FICO★ Gift funds OK★ DPA available★ 203(k) rehab

FHA loans in Tampa, explained

An FHA loan in Tampa is a government-insured mortgage for a primary residence with just 3.5% down and a 580+ credit score. The 2026 FHA loan limit for a one-unit home in the Tampa metro (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties) is $568,100 - above the statewide floor - so FHA reaches most Tampa Bay price points. It allows gift funds and up to 6% seller-paid closing costs, offers 203(k) rehab, streamline and cash-out refinances, condo and 1-4 unit options, works for first-time and repeat buyers, and pairs with Florida Hometown Heroes assistance for eligible professionals.

Ready to buy in Tampa? Get pre-approved and shop with confidence — as little as 3.5% down.
Get Pre-Approved →

FHA loan types available in Tampa

FHA is more than one program. We match Tampa buyers and owners to the right option:

FHA 203(b) purchase

The standard FHA loan — 3.5% down, 580+ FICO, for a 1-4 unit primary residence.

FHA 203(k) rehab

Buy and renovate in one loan. Limited 203(k) for cosmetic work; Standard 203(k) for major projects.

FHA streamline refinance

Lower your rate with reduced docs and often no appraisal on an existing FHA loan.

FHA cash-out refinance

Tap equity up to 80% of value for renovations, debt payoff, or other goals.

FHA condo loans

Financing for FHA-approved condos, plus single-unit approval on many non-approved buildings.

FHA 1-4 unit / house-hack

Buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, live in one unit, and let rent help cover the payment.

Energy Efficient Mortgage

Roll qualifying energy upgrades (windows, HVAC, solar) into your FHA loan.

FHA for new construction

FHA on new builds and manufactured homes on approved foundations.

Not sure which FHA program fits your Tampa purchase? We will find the right one.
Talk to a Loan Officer →
FHA loans Tampa Florida - first-time homebuyer financing with 3.5% down
From Seminole Heights and Riverview to Brandon and Town 'N' Country, Tampa buyers use FHA to get in affordably.

Tampa Bay's job growth and relative affordability make it one of Florida's best FHA markets. First-time buyers find single-family homes and townhomes across Hillsborough and Pinellas, while revitalizing close-in neighborhoods draw buyers who want to be near downtown, the Riverwalk, and the water. With the Tampa FHA limit at $568,100 for 2026, 3.5% down, and Hometown Heroes assistance for teachers, nurses, and first responders, many Tampa renters can become owners sooner than they think.

Tampa neighborhoods, schools & safety research

Neighborhoods: Riverview, Brandon, Valrico, and Town 'N' Country offer the most FHA-friendly single-family prices; Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, and East Tampa are revitalizing close-in options; New Tampa, Westchase, and Carrollwood suit families wanting top schools; and FishHawk Ranch (Lithia) and Apollo Beach are popular master-planned choices - many within the $568,100 FHA limit.

Schools: Hillsborough County Public Schools operates hundreds of schools with widely varying grades, and magnet and choice programs matter as much as your zoned school. Look up ratings and attendance zones at GreatSchools, the Florida DOE school grades, and the Hillsborough County Public Schools .

Crime & safety: check official, up-to-date data before you buy — Tampa Police Department crime data, the FDLE Florida crime statistics, and neighborhood-level tools like NeighborhoodScout. We do not rate neighborhoods; these sources let you compare areas objectively.

External resources are provided for convenience; CambridgeHomeLoan.com does not control or endorse their content, and school/crime data change over time. Verify current information directly.

Found the right Tampa neighborhood? Lock your budget with a real pre-approval.
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FHA loan requirements in Tampa (2026)

  • Down payment: 3.5% with a 580+ credit score (10% from 500-579).
  • Credit: flexible; we work with first-time buyers and thin credit.
  • Debt-to-income: often up to ~46.9%/56.9% with automated approval.
  • Mortgage insurance: 1.75% upfront (financeable) plus an annual MIP around 0.55%.
  • Occupancy: primary residence; 1-4 units allowed if you live in one.
  • Gift funds & seller credits: gifts allowed for down payment; sellers may pay up to 6% of closing costs.
See if your credit and income qualify in Tampa — soft-pull, no obligation.
Check Eligibility →

2026 FHA loan limits in Tampa

Area (2026, 1-unit)FHA loan limit
Most Florida counties (floor)$541,287
Tampa metro (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando)$568,100
Orlando metro (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake)$541,287
Jacksonville metro (Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau)$604,900
Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach~$645,000
Manatee & Sarasota$711,400
Collier (Naples)$730,500
Monroe (Florida Keys)$990,150

2026 one-unit FHA limits; 2-4 unit limits are higher. Confirm your exact county limit before you write an offer.

Florida down payment assistance you can pair with FHA

Florida Hometown Heroes (2026): up to 5% of the first mortgage (min $10,000, max $35,000) as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage — no monthly payment, repaid only when you sell, refinance, or move out. For first-time buyers employed full-time in an eligible Florida profession (healthcare, teachers/school staff, first responders, childcare, military/veterans), household income up to 150% of area median income, with certain doc-stamp and intangible tax waivers at closing. Funding is limited and first-come.

Other Florida Housing programs: Florida Assist and the HFA Preferred / Salute Our Soldiers options can add down payment and closing-cost help on top of your FHA loan. We check eligibility and stack the right assistance for your county and profession.

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

Tampa FHA calculators

Estimate your payment, how much home you can afford, rent vs. buy, and your cash to close.

FHA payment estimator

3.5% down, incl. FHA mortgage insurance.
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Est. monthly (PITI + MIP) · Down: $0

How much home can I afford?

Estimate your max price from income and debts.
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Estimated max home price (3.5% down).

Rent vs. buy

Compare your rent to an FHA payment.
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Est. buy payment vs rent (difference).

Down payment & cash to close

See your cash needed with assistance.
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Estimated cash to close after gift/DPA.
Like the numbers? Turn them into a real Tampa pre-approval today.
Apply Now →

Tampa housing & FHA trends to watch in 2027

  • Eastern Hillsborough (Riverview, Wimauma, Apollo Beach) leads new-construction supply that FHA buyers can tap.
  • Insurance premiums are the top affordability variable in Tampa Bay - get quotes before you write an offer.
  • Condo and townhome inventory is growing downtown and in Westshore, widening FHA-approved options.
  • Hometown Heroes demand is strong among Tampa teachers, nurses, and first responders - apply early each program year.
  • Prices have largely stabilized after the post-2021 run-up, improving DSCR-style rent-vs-buy math for owner-occupants.

Outlook only, not a guarantee. Content reviewed for 2027.

Not sure you qualify for FHA, or self-employed? You still have options

If your credit, income documentation, or property type does not fit FHA, we have other programs — many with no tax returns. Explore these and we will match you to the best fit:

Bank statement loan (self-employed)

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

Profit & Loss (P&L) only loan

Self-employed? Qualify on a CPA-prepared P&L — no tax returns or W-2s.

VA loan (veterans & military)

0% down, no monthly mortgage insurance for eligible service members and veterans.

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 rental? Qualify on the property's rent, not your income.

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

How the FHA process works

1) Get pre-approved (soft-pull, no obligation). 2) Shop with a real budget and a strong pre-approval letter. 3) Make an offer — sellers can contribute to closing costs. 4) Appraisal and underwriting. 5) Close in about 21-30 days. We line up any down payment assistance along the way.

Apply for your Tampa FHA loan

Tell us about your plans and get a same-day pre-approval. Owner-occupied purchase and refinance — we do not pull credit to quote.

Start Your Application →

FHA loans Tampa Florida - first-time homebuyer financing with 3.5% down

Get Pre-Approved

Fast, soft-pull pre-qual.

Get Your Free Quote! No Credit Pull Required.

Tampa FHA loan FAQ

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

As little as 3.5% with a 580+ score. On a $380,000 Tampa home that is about $13,300 - and Hometown Heroes can cover much of it for eligible buyers.

What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in Tampa?

$568,100 for a one-unit home across the Tampa metro (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando). Two-to-four-unit limits are higher.

Where can I check Tampa schools and crime before buying?

Use GreatSchools and the Florida DOE school grades for schools, and the Tampa Police Department data, FDLE crime statistics, and NeighborhoodScout for safety - all linked above.

Can teachers, nurses, or first responders get help in Tampa?

Yes. Florida Hometown Heroes offers up to $35,000 in down payment and closing-cost assistance for eligible full-time Florida professionals, layered on your FHA loan, subject to income limits and funding.

What if I am self-employed or do not qualify for FHA in Tampa?

We offer bank-statement and P&L-only loans (no tax returns), plus VA, construction, foreign-national, and DSCR options - just ask.

Can I buy a condo with FHA in Tampa?

Yes, if the building is FHA-approved or qualifies for single-unit approval. We can check a specific condo for you.

How fast can I close in Tampa?

Usually about 21-30 days on a purchase, depending on the appraisal and contract.

© 2027 CambridgeHomeLoan.com  ·  NMLS #1826020  ·  4830 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609  ·  (800) 826-5077  ·  Equal Housing Lender  ·  NMLS Consumer Access

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Rates, limits, MIP, and assistance programs are current estimates for 2026-2027, subject to change and eligibility. Not a commitment to lend or financial advice; consult a licensed loan officer. Equal Housing Lender. Reviewed for 2027.

FHA Loans by Florida City (A–Z)

FHA Loans Boca Raton  ·  FHA Loans Bradenton  ·  FHA Loans Brandon  ·  FHA Loans Davie  ·  FHA Loans Daytona Beach  ·  FHA Loans Doral  ·  FHA Loans Englewood  ·  FHA Loans Fort Lauderdale  ·  FHA Loans Gainesville  ·  FHA Loans Jacksonville  ·  FHA Loans Kissimmee  ·  FHA Loans Lakeland  ·  FHA Loans Miami  ·  FHA Loans North Port  ·  FHA Loans Orlando  ·  FHA Loans Panama City  ·  FHA Loans Port St. Lucie  ·  FHA Loans Sarasota  ·  FHA Loans Tallahassee  ·  FHA Loans Tampa  ·  FHA Loans West Palm Beach

FHA, VA, construction, P&L, bank-statement, and foreign-national loans across Florida — we do not pull credit to quote.
Click Here to Apply →

FHA Loan In Tampa Florida- Florida’s #1 FHA loan lender. We help borrowers in Tampa to qualify for the best FHA home loan program to meet their borrowing requirements. FHA loans starting with just 3.5% down payment. Apply today!

FHA Lender In Tampa Florida

CambridgeHomeLoan.com provides FHA loans for purchases, refinancing and cash out refinancing for FHA loans in Tampa Florida.

FHA Loan Eligibility Requirements:

  • A FICO credit mid score of at least 580 for a 3.5% down home loan
  • A credit score of 500 to 579 for a 10% down payment
  • FHA loan with 3.5% down payment requirement
  • Mortgage insurance offsets the lower FHA interest rates than a conventional loan.
  • FHA Debt to income ratio of 50% or less

Qualify for a 3.5% down FHA Home Loan in Tampa Florida. 

Use this application to pre-qualify and start shopping for your new home in Tampa today! Purchase, Refinance, Cash Out Refinance.

MORTGAGE LOAN APPLICATION
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First Time Home Buyer Home Loan - CLICK HERE!

Benefits of Purchasing A Home With An FHA Home Loan in Tampa Florida

  • Low down payment with a minimum of 3.5% down payment
  • Lower credit scores. Down to 580 to for 3.5% down payment
  • VA Loan with No down payment required
  • For First Time Home Buyer's, FHA provides a guarantee loans to the lender who is actually extending the loan on an FHA loan.
  • To apply for an FHA loan, you'll need to provide your Social Security number, two years of tax returns and employment verification.
  • Simple Application and Approval Process. Hit Apply Now and get qualified today!
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FHA Home Loans In Tampa Are Easy As 1-2-3

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FHA Loan Q&A Everything You Wanted To Know about FHA Loan

For FHA loans, we know that the waiting period is either two years (Chapter 7) or twelve months (Chapter 13). If you’re planning on taking out a conventional loan, you’ll have a four-year waiting period unless you can show extenuating circumstances. If you’re looking to get a VA loan, you’ll need to wait two years after Chapter 7 or one year after Chapter 13. For a USDA loan, you’ll need to wait three years after Chapter 7 or one year after Chapter 13.

 

Bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify a borrower from receiving an FHA loan Florida. If your bankrupcy was discharged 2 years ago you may be eligible today for an FHA loan program. If you bankruptcy was discharged less than two years ago and you have extenuating circumstances you might still be eligible to qualify.  You can find out more by applying here!.   Same rule applies for borrower with chapter 13 bankruptcy.

A chapter 13 has some different requirements as a chapter 13 bankruptcy may still qualify if the  lender is willing to do a manual underwriting and the borrower has a satisfactory history of payments under their Ch 13 plan.

Charge-off accounts are not included in borrowers’ debt.

 

For non-medical collection accounts when the cumulative outstanding balance is greater than $2,000 borrower may either pay-off the balance or, for the purpose of debt-to-income ratio (DTI), provide proof of a payment plan. If neither are an option, the lender must use 5% of the outstanding balance and include it in the borrower’s DTI calculation.

 
 
 

Delinquent child support must be paid current or in a payment plan.

 
 
 
 

Borrowers with delinquent tax debt are ineligible unless currently in payment plan.

 
 
 
 
 

Borrowers with delinquent tax debt are ineligible unless currently in repayment plan. Repayment plan tax liens are not required to be paid in full if documentation is provided indicating the borrower is in a valid payment plan.

The following is required:

  1. The borrower must have made a minimum of 3 months of scheduled payments and documentation of the payments is required.
  2. The payment must be included in the DTI / Debt to income calculation.
  3. The borrower cannot prepay the payments to meet the 3-month payment requirement NOTE: Borrowers with delinquent taxes may or may not have a tax lien. Borrowers currently in a repayment plan, and the IRS has not filed a tax lien, are not required to meet the minimum 3-month payment requirement. The payment to the IRS will be included in the DTI calculation.

Foreclosure waiting period is measured from the date of title transfer. Three (3) years must have elapsed from the time title transferred. If the foreclosed loan was an FHA loan, the 3-year waiting period is based on the date the FHA claim was paid (e.g. foreclosure 11/12/14, FHA claim dates was 7/12/15, the 3-year waiting period ends 7/13/18).

Borrowers with foreclosure/Deed in Lieu within 3 years of case number assignment that was due to documented extenuating circumstances may be eligible if the borrower has re-established good credit since the foreclosure. A downgrade to manual underwriting is required. If the foreclosure was included in the bankruptcy, the foreclosure waiting period still applies. HUD treats the foreclosure and Bankruptcy  independently, not as a single event.

The three-year waiting period from date of title transfer still applies unless they were current at the time on short sale. Speak to your loan officer for specifics. 

 

The Maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio varies based on overall credit history and assets.  Typically, the DTI cannot exceed 45% of the borrower’s gross income.  However, in some cases borrowers with as high as 54.9% DTI may be eligible and in other cases borrowers may be capped at 43% DTI. Due to our volume size we can allow for higher DTI which enables you to receive a higher loan amount even if you have significant debt. 

 

Borrowers with student loans that are in deferment or not fully amortized will be required to calculate 1% of the outstanding balance as minimum monthly payment that will be added in their debt-to-income ratio (DTI) calculation.

The Maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio varies based on overall credit history and assets.  Typically, the DTI cannot exceed 45% of the borrower’s gross income.  However, in some cases borrowers with as high as 54.9% DTI may be eligible and in other cases borrowers may be capped at 43% DTI. Due to our volume size we can allow for higher DTI which enables you to receive a higher loan amount even if you have significant debt. 

 
Prequalify for your FHA Loan - CLICK HERE!

WHY FHA HOME LOAN In TAMPA FLORIDA?

Tampa is a city on Tampa Bay, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. A major business center, it’s also known for its museums and other cultural offerings. Busch Gardens is an African-themed amusement park with thrill rides and animal-viewing areas. The historic Ybor City neighborhood, developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar-factory workers at the turn of the 20th century, is a dining and nightlife destination.

Schools in Tampa, FL

Hillsborough County Public Schools
901 E Kennedy Blvd · +1 813-272-4000

Phillip Shore School
1908 E 2nd Ave · +1 813-276-5712

Plant High School
2415 S Himes Ave · +1 813-272-3033

fha loan tampa

Why to Live in Tampa, FL? – Tampa is a great place to live and work. Tampa, Florida’s cost of living is 5% lower than the national average. Local amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment venues and parks are within an easy walk or short drive for most Tampa residents. In fact, Tampa has earned an A+ rating for its amenities. Not just Tampa, we are serving all of FHA Loan Florida market.

VA Loans In Tampa Florida - No Money Down Home Loan

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Non-QM Loans-Best Business Owner Loans

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Some of the best place to purchase a home in Tampa with an FHA home loan

  1. South Tampa: This area is known for its historic charm, tree-lined streets, and proximity to downtown Tampa. South Tampa neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, and Davis Islands offer a mix of historic and modern homes.

  2. New Tampa: This area, located in the northeastern part of Tampa, is known for its newer developments, master-planned communities, and good schools. It’s an attractive option for families.

  3. Westchase: Westchase is a well-planned suburban community with a mix of housing options, shopping centers, parks, and golf courses. It’s known for its family-friendly environment.

  4. Channelside: If you prefer urban living, Channelside is a downtown Tampa neighborhood with modern condos and apartments. It’s close to the waterfront, Amalie Arena, and various entertainment options.

  5. Seminole Heights: This is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its bungalows and historic homes. It’s popular among those who appreciate a sense of community and local businesses.

  6. Ybor City: If you’re looking for a unique, historic, and vibrant neighborhood, Ybor City offers a blend of old and new with a strong Latin and cultural influence.

  7. Riverview: Located to the southeast of Tampa, Riverview offers a suburban lifestyle with newer developments, shopping centers, and easy access to major highways.

  8. Brandon: Just east of Tampa, Brandon is a well-established suburb with a variety of housing options and amenities.

When considering a neighborhood, take into account factors such as your commute, proximity to schools, safety, amenities, and your personal preferences for urban or suburban living. Additionally, work with a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the Tampa housing market. They can help you find a home that fits your budget and meets your specific criteria while also guiding you through the FHA home loan application process. Remember that FHA loans are designed to help first-time homebuyers and those with lower credit scores, making them a good option for many prospective homeowners.

FHA Loan Tampa

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FHA Loans In Tampa – CambridgeHomeLoan.com Mortgage Corporation –
Local Mortgage Company – Serving Tampa’s FHA Mortgage Needs Since 1997.. 

Tampa Florida mortgage financing is booming. With more people moving to Tampa and more housing going up the loan options are often confusing.

CambridgeHomeLoan.com has offices in Tampa Florida. We are familiar with all of the loan products available today. From government financing, to conventional, jumbo and non qm loans. One of the best products for first time home buyers in Tampa is the FHA Loan. 

CambridgeHomeLoan.com  has put together a large network of local appraisers, title companies, attorneys, insurance agents and other professional services to assist you in putting together a powerful team for your FHA Loan needs. 

Our Tampa mortgage bankers are all fully licensed professionals with extensive experience in both purchase and refinance channels.  

Click below for more information on FHA mortgages in Tampa!

Maximum FHA Loan Limits by County

FHA Loan Benefits

Conventional Vs FHA – Should I Get an FHA Loan?

Addtional Resources
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Contact a Tampa Mortgage Expert at 800-826-5077 orAPPLY Here!


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