Florida FHA Loans 2026
The Sunshine State offers incredible opportunities for first-time buyers with FHA financing. From Miami condos to Orlando suburbs, FHA loans provide a path to Florida homeownership with just 3.5% down and limits up to $990,150 in the Keys.
What is an FHA Loan & Why Florida Buyers Love Them
FHA loans are government-backed mortgages designed to make homeownership accessible. They're especially popular in Florida where rising home prices can make saving for a large down payment challenging.
What is mortgage insurance?
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP) protects lenders against default, allowing them to offer lower down payments. It costs 1.75% upfront + 0.55% annually.
Florida-Specific Considerations
Flood insurance may be required in many Florida zones. FHA requires adequate coverage, which we help you navigate.
2026 Florida FHA Loan Limits by County
Florida's FHA limits vary significantly. South Florida coastal counties and the Keys have higher limits due to elevated home prices.
| County / Metro Area | 2026 FHA Limit | Classification |
|---|---|---|
Monroe (Florida Keys) | $990,150 | High-Cost |
Miami-Dade | $667,000 | High-Cost |
Broward (Fort Lauderdale) | $667,000 | High-Cost |
Palm Beach | $667,000 | High-Cost |
Collier (Naples) | $764,750 | High-Cost |
Orange (Orlando) | $541,287 | Standard |
Hillsborough (Tampa) | $541,287 | Standard |
Duval (Jacksonville) | $580,750 | High-Cost |
Lee (Fort Myers) | $541,287 | Standard |
Pinellas (St. Petersburg) | $541,287 | Standard |
Verified as of July 2026 (FHFA/HUD)
Pro Tip: If your desired home exceeds FHA limits, consider a Florida jumbo loan orconventional financing. For a full side-by-side comparison, see our ultimate 2026 guide to conventional vs. FHA loans.
Florida FHA Down Payment Assistance Programs
Stack these programs with your FHA loan to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Florida Hometown Heroes Program
Up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for teachers, nurses, first responders, military, and other essential workers.
- 0% interest, deferred second mortgage
- 50+ eligible professions
- Works with FHA, VA, USDA loans
Florida Assist (FL Assist)
Up to $10,000 as a 0%, non-amortizing second mortgage. No monthly payments until sale or refinance.
- No income limits in most areas
- First-time and repeat buyers eligible
Florida HFA Preferred
Below-market interest rates combined with up to 4% in down payment assistance through participating lenders.
Calculate Your Florida FHA Payment
Use our FHA mortgage calculator to see your estimated monthly payment including mortgage insurance, property taxes, and flood insurance.
Reviewed by Emmett Clark
NMLS #233747 • 20+ Years Experience • Florida FHA Specialist
"Florida's FHA market is unique because of the condo landscape and flood insurance requirements. I've helped hundreds of Florida buyers navigate FHA condo approvals and find the right flood coverage. Whether you're eyeing a Miami high-rise or a Tampa single-family home, FHA makes Florida homeownership achievable for first-time buyers."
Florida FHA Loan FAQs
What is the FHA loan limit in Florida for 2026?
Florida FHA loan limits for 2026 range from $541,287 in standard counties to $990,150 in Monroe County (Florida Keys). Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties have a limit of $667,000.
How much is FHA mortgage insurance in Florida?
FHA mortgage insurance in Florida includes an upfront MIP of 1.75% (can be financed) plus annual MIP of 0.55% for most loans. On a $400,000 loan, expect approximately $183/month in mortgage insurance premiums.
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Florida?
The minimum credit score for an FHA loan in Florida is 580 for 3.5% down payment, or 500-579 for 10% down. Most Florida lenders prefer scores of 620+ for better rates and faster approval.
Does Florida have FHA down payment assistance programs?
Yes! Florida offers several FHA-compatible programs including Florida Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000 for essential workers), Florida Assist (up to $10,000 second mortgage), and county-specific programs in Miami-Dade, Orange, and Hillsborough counties.
Can I use FHA for a condo in Florida?
Yes, but the condo must be FHA-approved. Florida has over 3,000 FHA-approved condos. Key requirements include adequate reserves, owner-occupancy ratios, and proper insurance coverage including flood insurance where required.
Explore Other Florida Loan Options
Get Your FHA Loan Quote
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Why Contact Emmett?
- ✓ Local Florida market expertise
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From the blog & learning center
FHA Loan Guides & Articles
Gift Funds: The Rules for Down Payment Gifts
A family member can give you money for your down payment, and on most loan types the entire down payment can be a gift. The key rules: it has to be a true gift with no repayment expected, it must come from an acceptable source, and it has to be documented with a gift letter and a clear paper trail.
Read moreSeller Concessions: How Much Can the Seller Pay?
A seller concession is when the seller agrees to pay part of your closing costs as a term of the sale. It's a legitimate, common way to reduce your cash to close, and depending on the loan type and your down payment, a seller can contribute anywhere from 2% to 9% of the purchase price toward your costs.
Read moreWhat Credit Score Do You Need for Each Loan Type?
The minimum credit score depends entirely on the loan program: FHA goes as low as 500-580, VA and USDA have no federal minimum (lenders typically want 580-640), conventional generally starts around 620, and jumbo loans want 700 or higher. Here's the breakdown by program.
Read more
How to Buy a House With Bad Credit
You can buy a house with bad credit, it just takes the right loan program and some strategy. FHA loans accept scores as low as 500, and there are concrete steps to strengthen your application even when your credit isn't where you'd like it.
Read more
FHA Loans Plus a Down Payment Grant: How Little You Can Actually Bring to Closing
Combining an FHA loan with a down payment assistance grant can reduce what you bring to closing to as little as 0% to 1% of the purchase price, nationwide, not just in select states.
Read more
Can I buy a house after a recent late payment, collection, or charge-off?
Yes, you can often buy a home soon after a late payment, a collection, or a charge-off, as long as the rest of your file is strong and you can explain the event, because none of these carry a fixed waiting period the way a bankruptcy or foreclosure does.
Read more