FHA loans are among the most popular mortgage products in Florida, particularly in first-time buyer markets like Jacksonville, Orlando, and the Tampa Bay area. In 2026, FHA loan limits in Florida range from $524,225 for standard counties to $874,050 in high-cost areas (Monroe Cou
Florida FHA Loan Cost Data 2026
| County / Area | FHA Loan Limit (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard FL counties | $524,225 | Includes Orange, Hillsborough, Duval, Pinellas |
| Miami-Dade / Broward | $621,000 | High-cost designation |
| Monroe County (Keys) | $874,050 | Highest FL limit; island real estate |
| Palm Beach County | $621,000 | South FL high-cost area |
| Collier County | $621,000 | Naples/Marco Island area |
Top FHA Loan Providers in Florida
| Provider | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Rocket Mortgage | FHA Streamline Refinance specialist; fast pre-approval | Visit Site → |
| Freedom Mortgage | One of the top FHA lenders nationally by volume | Visit Site → |
| loanDepot | mello FHA product; competitive MIP pricing | Visit Site → |
| PennyMac | Large FHA servicer; competitive rates | Visit Site → |
| AmeriSave Mortgage | Online lender; strong FHA pricing for FL borrowers | Visit Site → |
| NewRez | FL-active FHA lender; SmartSeries products | Visit Site → |
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Florida Law and Requirements
FHA loans are federally insured by HUD under the National Housing Act. Florida-specific: FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loans are used for FL properties needing repairs (common in older FL housing stock). FHA does not cover condominiums unless the entire project is FHA-approved — check HUD's condo approval list at hud.gov/condominiumsearch before making an offer on a Florida condo.
Key Terms
- APRAnnual Percentage Rate — includes interest plus fees, making it a truer cost comparison than the rate alone.
- DTIDebt-to-Income ratio — monthly debt ÷ gross income. Most lenders require below 43%.
- LTVLoan-to-Value ratio — loan ÷ appraised value. Below 80% avoids PMI on conventional loans.
- PMIPrivate Mortgage Insurance — required with <20% down on conventional loans; cancels at 78% LTV.
- Pre-ApprovalA lender's conditional commitment to lend; stronger than pre-qualification in competitive markets.
- Closing CostsFees paid at settlement — typically 2–5% of loan. Includes title insurance, origination, and taxes.
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How to Get an FHA Loan in Florida — Step by Step
Verify FHA eligibility
FHA requires: minimum 580 credit score (3.5% down) or 500–579 (10% down); maximum DTI 43–57% with compensating factors; primary residence only; no FHA loans for investment properties; 2-year employment history (or 2 years of self-employment documented by tax returns).
Check FL county loan limits
Confirm your target purchase price is within the FHA limit for that FL county. Standard limit is $524,225; Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties have higher limits. If the purchase price exceeds the FHA limit, a conventional or jumbo loan is required.
Understand FHA MIP
FHA requires two mortgage insurance premiums: an upfront MIP of 1.75% of the loan amount (can be rolled into the loan) plus an annual MIP of 0.55–0.85% depending on loan term and LTV. Unlike conventional PMI, FHA annual MIP on 30-year loans with <10% down is permanent — it doesn't cancel when you reach 20% equity.
Get FHA pre-approval
Gather: W-2s and tax returns (2 years), pay stubs (30 days), bank statements (2 months), and any gift letter if using gift funds. FHA allows down payment gifts from family members, employers, and approved nonprofits — no repayment required.
Verify property eligibility
FHA has property standards — the home must be safe, sound, and secure. Common FL issues: older electrical panels (FPE/Zinsco), knob-and-tube wiring, roof with <2 years remaining life, sinkhole activity, and inactive septic systems. FHA appraisers flag these — address before closing or negotiate a price reduction.
Close with FHA-approved lender
Use only HUD-approved lenders for FHA loans. Check hud.gov/lender for a current list. In FL, Freedom Mortgage, Rocket Mortgage, PennyMac, and loanDepot are among the highest-volume FHA originators.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida FHA Loan
What is the FHA loan limit in Florida in 2026?
FHA loan limits vary by county: $524,225 for standard FL counties (Orange, Hillsborough, Duval, Pinellas, etc.); $621,000 in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties; and up to $874,050 in Monroe County (Florida Keys). These limits adjust annually based on FHFA conforming loan limits.
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Florida?
580+ credit score qualifies you for 3.5% down FHA financing. 500–579 requires 10% down. Scores below 500 are ineligible. However, individual lenders often impose overlays above the FHA minimums — many FL lenders require 620+ in practice. Shop multiple lenders if your score is in the 580–619 range.
Is FHA better than conventional in Florida?
FHA is generally better for: credit scores below 680, down payments below 10%, and first-time buyers. Conventional is better for: credit scores above 740, down payments of 20%+ (no PMI), borrowers who want to avoid permanent MIP, and investment properties. For FL condos, conventional is often the only option unless the condo project is FHA-approved.
Does Florida have FHA down payment assistance?
Yes — Florida Housing Finance Corporation's HFA Preferred Plus program layers on top of FHA loans and provides 3–4% of the loan amount as a grant (no repayment). Combined with FHA's 3.5% minimum, an eligible FL buyer could potentially need less than 1% from their own funds. Income and purchase price limits apply.
Can I use an FHA loan to buy a Florida condo?
Only if the condo project is HUD-approved. FL has a significant number of FHA-approved condo associations, but the market is heavily skewed toward older buildings — many newer condos haven't pursued approval. Search the HUD condo database at hud.gov/condominiumsearch before making an offer.
What is an FHA 203(k) loan and is it useful in Florida?
The FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loan finances both a home purchase and renovations in a single loan. It's especially useful in Florida for older homes needing roof replacement, electrical upgrades, plumbing, or kitchen/bath renovation. Full 203(k) covers structural work; Limited 203(k) covers up to $35,000 in non-structural improvements.
How long does FHA loan approval take in Florida?
FHA approval takes 30–45 days from complete application to closing, similar to conventional. Timelines extend when the FHA appraisal requires repairs (common in Florida with older homes). FHA Streamline Refinances — for existing FHA borrowers — can close in 20–30 days with reduced documentation.
Can non-citizens get an FHA loan in Florida?
Permanent resident aliens with a Green Card are eligible for FHA loans on the same terms as US citizens. Non-permanent residents may also be eligible if they have a valid EAD (Employment Authorization Document) and Social Security number. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for FHA loans, but ITIN conventional products are available from some FL portfolio lenders.
Sources
FREE RESEARCH · 2026
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