2026 FHA Loan Limits Updated: Loans up to $654,350 in high-cost Florida counties.

Official 2026 Guide

The Florida FHA Loan Program Made Simple.

Buy your dream home in the Sunshine State with as little as 3.5% down. Bad credit considered.

  • Credit scores as low as 580 (3.5% down)
  • Down payment assistance available
  • Hometown Heroes Program accepted

Helping Families Across Florida

FHA
HUD
Equal Housing
5-Star Rated

Why Choose the Florida FHA Loan?

Designed to make homeownership accessible, the Florida FHA loan program offers flexible guidelines that conventional loans can't match.

Low Down Payment

Purchase your home with just 3.5% down. Gift funds from family or down payment assistance programs are allowed to cover this cost.

Flexible Credit

You don't need perfect credit. Scores as low as 580 qualify for max financing, and scores down to 500 may qualify with 10% down.

Renovation Options

Use the FHA 203(k) loan to buy a fixer-upper in Florida and roll the renovation costs into your single monthly mortgage payment.

FHA vs. Conventional Loans in Florida

Feature FHA Loan Conventional Loan
Minimum Credit Score 580 (for 3.5% down) Typically 620+
Down Payment 3.5% 3% - 5%
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Up to 57% Max 45-50%
Waiting Period (Foreclosure) 3 Years 7 Years
Mortgage Insurance Required for life of loan* Cancelable at 20% equity

*If you put 10% down on an FHA loan, MIP can be removed after 11 years.

Understanding FHA Mortgage Insurance (MIP)

FHA loans require Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP) to protect the lender. This is what allows them to offer such flexible credit and income requirements. There are two parts to this:

1. Upfront MIP

A one-time fee of 1.75% of the loan amount. You do not need to pay this cash at closing; it is almost always rolled into your loan balance.

Example: On a $300,000 loan, the fee is $5,250, making your total loan $305,250.

2. Annual MIP

A yearly premium (usually 0.55% for most borrowers) divided by 12 and added to your monthly mortgage payment.

Example: On a $300,000 loan, this adds approximately $137 to your monthly payment.

2026 Florida FHA Loan Limits

FHA loan limits vary by county. In 2026, limits have increased to help buyers in Florida's competitive market.

County / Area 1-Unit Limit
Standard Florida Counties $524,225
Miami-Dade / Broward / Palm Beach $654,350
Collier County (Naples) $654,350
Monroe County (Key West) $929,200
Manatee / Sarasota $524,225

*Limits are subject to change annually. 2026 projected limits shown.

Detailed Requirements

  • Residency Must be your primary residence. You must move in within 60 days of closing.
  • Employment 2 years of steady employment history (or school transcripts). Gaps in employment require explanation.
  • DTI Ratio Debt-to-Income ratio typically under 43%, though up to 57% is possible with strong compensating factors.
  • Property Condition The home must meet FHA safety standards (Safe, Sound, Secure). No peeling paint, functioning utilities required.

Florida First-Time Homebuyer Assistance

Hometown Heroes Program

Are you a nurse, firefighter, teacher, or veteran? You may qualify for up to 5% down payment assistance (max $35,000) to help cover your down payment and closing costs.

Check eligibility →

Florida Assist (FL Assist)

Offers up to $10,000 in assistance as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. Ideal for first-time buyers needing a little extra help to close the deal.

See if you qualify →

6 Steps to Your Florida Home

1

Apply

Submit your info to get pre-qualified.

2

Pre-Approval

Receive your official loan estimate.

3

Shop

Find a home within your budget.

4

Offer

Negotiate price and seller credits.

5

Processing

Appraisal and underwriting review.

Closing

Sign papers and get your keys!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum credit score for an FHA loan in Florida?

The minimum credit score is generally 580 to qualify for the 3.5% down payment. If your score is between 500 and 579, you may still qualify, but a 10% down payment is typically required.

Can I use an FHA loan for an investment property in Florida?

No. FHA loans are strictly for primary residences. You must intend to live in the property. However, you can purchase a multi-unit property (up to 4 units) as long as you live in one of the units.

Is there a maximum income limit for FHA loans?

Standard FHA loans do not have income caps (you can earn as much as you want). However, if you are applying for specific Down Payment Assistance programs (like Florida Housing), those specific programs may have income limits based on your county.

How long does the FHA approval process take?

The process typically takes 30 to 45 days from application to closing. Having your documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements) ready can speed this up significantly.

Serving All Florida Counties

We assist homebuyers across the entire state of Florida, including major metropolitan areas and counties: Miami-Dade County (Miami, Homestead), Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines), Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach, Boca Raton), Hillsborough County (Tampa), Orange County (Orlando), Duval County (Jacksonville), Pinellas County (St. Petersburg), Lee County (Fort Myers, Cape Coral), Polk County (Lakeland), and Volusia County (Daytona Beach).

Check Eligibility Now