Florida's housing market saw median home prices stabilize near $410,000 statewide in 2026, with significant variation from coastal metros (Miami ~$620K, Fort Lauderdale ~$480K) to inland cities (Jacksonville ~$310K, Orlando ~$370K). The 30-year fixed rate in Florida ranges from 6
Florida Mortgage Cost Data 2026
| Metro | Median Price | 30Y Rate (avg) | Monthly Payment (20% down) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | $620,000 | 6.5% | $3,142 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $480,000 | 6.5% | $2,435 |
| Tampa | $390,000 | 6.5% | $1,978 |
| Orlando | $370,000 | 6.4% | $1,855 |
| Jacksonville | $310,000 | 6.3% | $1,540 |
Top Mortgage Providers in Florida
| Provider | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Rocket Mortgage | Largest online lender nationally; fast digital pre-approval | Visit Site → |
| Bank of America | FL Community Homeownership Grant up to $10K for eligible buyers | Visit Site → |
| Chase | DreaMaker program; 3% down for income-eligible borrowers | Visit Site → |
| Wells Fargo | NeighborhoodLift grant up to $30K in select FL metros | Visit Site → |
| Freedom Mortgage | Strong VA and FHA focus; licensed in all FL counties | Visit Site → |
| loanDepot | mello smartloan technology; competitive FL rates | Visit Site → |
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Florida Law and Requirements
Florida mortgage transactions are governed by Florida Statutes Title XXXIX. Key facts: FL uses a non-judicial foreclosure process (fastest in the US at 60–90 days); escrow for property taxes and insurance is standard; documentary stamp tax on mortgages is $0.35 per $100 of loan amount (FL Stat §201.08); intangible personal property tax on new mortgages is $0.002 per $1 of loan amount. No mortgage prepayment penalties are allowed on residential loans under the FL Fair Lending Act.
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 Mortgage in Florida — Step by Step
Check your credit and DTI
Most FL lenders require 620+ for FHA, 640+ for conventional. Your debt-to-income ratio should be below 43%; below 36% gets the best rates. Pull free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com and dispute any errors 90+ days before applying.
Calculate total housing cost
Beyond your P&I payment, Florida buyers should budget for: property taxes (avg 0.83% of value), homeowners insurance ($2,400–$5,800/yr), flood insurance if in FEMA flood zone (avg $700/yr), HOA fees if applicable, and CDD fees in master-planned communities.
Explore FL state assistance programs
Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers: FL Assist ($10,000, 0% deferred second mortgage), HFA Preferred and Preferred Plus (3–3.5% DPA), and SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) through local governments — income and purchase price limits apply.
Get pre-approved before shopping
In FL's competitive markets, a full pre-approval letter (not just pre-qualification) is standard. Submit to 2–3 lenders simultaneously — multiple hard inquiries within 45 days count as one event on your credit report.
Budget for FL closing costs
FL closing costs average 1.5–3% of loan amount. Key FL-specific costs: documentary stamp tax ($0.35/$100 of loan), intangible tax ($0.002/$1), title insurance (required by most lenders), and settlement/closing agent fees. Sellers sometimes pay closing costs in FL buyer-friendly negotiations.
Lock your rate
Once under contract, lock your rate immediately. FL transactions close in 45–50 days on average. Rate lock periods of 45–60 days are standard — confirm your lock expiration date covers the expected closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Mortgage
What is the average mortgage rate in Florida in 2026?
As of May 2026, 30-year fixed mortgage rates in Florida range from 6.4–6.7% from NMLS-licensed lenders, depending on credit score, down payment, loan type, and lender. The 15-year fixed runs approximately 5.7–6.0%. FHA rates are typically within 0.1–0.2% of conventional rates for similar borrower profiles.
What down payment assistance is available in Florida?
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (floridahousing.org) offers: FL Assist — $10,000 second mortgage at 0% interest, deferred until sale/refinance; HFA Preferred Plus — 3–4% of loan amount as a grant (no repayment); Homebuyer Loan Program — below-market first mortgage rates. Local SHIP programs through county/city governments offer additional assistance in most FL counties.
What are typical closing costs in Florida?
Florida closing costs average $5,000–$12,000 on a $350,000 purchase (1.5–3.5% of loan). Key FL-specific costs: documentary stamp tax on mortgage ($0.35 per $100 of loan), intangible personal property tax ($0.002 per $1 of loan), owner's title insurance (required by most FL lenders), and title search/examination fees.
How does Florida's non-judicial foreclosure process work?
Florida moved to an expedited foreclosure process in 2013. Lenders can foreclose through a simplified court process that can complete in 60–90 days for uncontested cases (vs. 2–5 years pre-reform). Borrowers retain the right to contest the foreclosure, request mediation, and in some cases cure the default before judgment.
What is a CDD fee and do I need to worry about it?
Community Development District (CDD) fees are special assessments common in planned communities in FL (especially Sarasota, Lee, and Hillsborough counties). They're separate from HOA fees and appear on your property tax bill — they can add $1,000–$4,000/year. Always ask the seller to disclose CDDs before making an offer.
Does Florida have a property tax homestead exemption?
Yes — Florida's homestead exemption (FL Const Art VII §6) reduces assessed value by $25,000 for all taxable purposes and an additional $25,000 for non-school taxes (total $50,000). You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence on January 1 of the tax year, and file an application with your county property appraiser by March 1.
What is the Save Our Homes cap in Florida?
Save Our Homes (SOH) caps the annual increase in assessed value of homestead properties at 3% or the CPI, whichever is lower. Once you establish homestead, your taxable value is protected from market appreciation. New buyers lose the previous owner's SOH benefit — your first year's taxes are based on full market value.
Can I get a mortgage in Florida without a Social Security number?
Yes — Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) loans are available from some FL lenders, typically at slightly higher rates and with larger down payment requirements (10–20%). Non-QM and portfolio lenders are the most common source. Several FL credit unions and community banks also offer ITIN programs.
Sources
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