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 $1,249,125 in the Keys.
Yes, Florida buyers can get an FHA loan with just 3.5% down and a credit score as low as 580, and FHA is often the most accessible path for first-time and credit-rebuilding buyers across the state. FHA also pairs well with Florida's strong down payment assistance, and through our own FHA grant, eligible buyers can cover the entire down payment with no repayment. The 2026 FHA limit is $541,287 in most Florida counties and higher in high-cost areas, and FHA's flexible guidelines handle the condos and manufactured homes common in Florida. As a broker licensed in Florida with access to 240+ wholesale lenders, I match buyers to the FHA structure and assistance that fit.
What are today's FHA loan rates in Florida?
Today’s 30-Year Fixed FHA Rate
FHA – Primary Residence
Rate Assumptions
30 year fixed, $300k loan amount, $400k value, purchase, FICO Credit Score 759, Zipcode 95111
APR & Disclosures
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) shown reflects the cost of credit over the loan term, including applicable fees, and is based on the assumptions above. Your actual rate and APR depend on your credit profile, loan amount, property, occupancy, and other factors. For information purposes only and does not constitute a loan approval or commitment to lend. Rates are subject to change without notice.
Can you buy a home in Florida with no down payment using an FHA loan?
Our FHA Down Payment Grant — No Repayment
Yes, for eligible borrowers. FHA loans normally require 3.5% down, but our down payment assistance grant covers it entirely, either 2% or 3.5% of the purchase price, with no repayment and no second lien on your home. It is a true grant, not a loan you pay back later, so for many Florida buyers it means bringing no money to the table for the down payment.
The grant is available to a wide range of Florida buyers. You may qualify if your income is at or below 140% of your area's median, or if you are a first-time buyer, first responder, educator, medical professional, civil servant, or military member, or if the home is in an underserved area. A 620 credit score and a short homebuyer education course are required, and the grant works on standard FHA purchases as well as FHA renovation loans. This is different from Florida's Hometown Heroes assistance, which is a repayable second mortgage; our grant never has to be paid back.
How do FHA loans work in Florida?
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.
What are the FHA loan limits in Florida?
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) | $1,249,125 | 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
5% of your first mortgage amount, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $35,000, as a zero-interest, non-amortizing second mortgage with no monthly payments. It is not forgivable: the balance is repaid when you sell, refinance, transfer title, or stop using the home as your primary residence.
- Zero-interest second mortgage, no monthly payments
- 640 credit score, full-time Florida-based employer
- First-time buyer required (veterans and active-duty exempt)
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.
Estimate Your FHA Payment
See your complete FHA payment, including both parts of mortgage insurance, and how your down payment changes the math over time.
Understanding your FHA payment
An FHA payment has a piece conventional and VA loans don't: mortgage insurance, and it comes in two parts. The upfront premium is a one-time charge of a percentage of your loan amount, almost always rolled into the loan rather than paid at closing, which is why the total loan above can exceed your purchase price. The annual premium is charged monthly and appears as its own line in the breakdown.
The 11-year rule, and why your down payment matters more than you'd think
Here's the part that changes the math over time. If you put less than 10% down, FHA mortgage insurance stays on the loan for as long as you have it. It doesn't fall off at 20% equity the way conventional PMI does. If you put 10% or more down, it drops off after 11 years.
That's a meaningful long-term difference, and it's worth modeling both ways above if you have the savings to reach 10%. It also means FHA isn't automatically the cheaper option just because the down payment is lower. For a buyer with solid credit and some savings, a conventional loan with removable PMI often costs less over the years you actually hold the loan, even though it asks for more up front. I run that comparison for every borrower who could qualify either way, because the right answer genuinely differs by situation.
FHA loan limits are set by county
FHA limits vary county by county, and they're lower than conforming limits in most places. If your loan amount exceeds your county's FHA limit, FHA isn't available for that purchase and you'd be looking at conventional or jumbo financing. The calculator flags this automatically when it happens.
What this calculator doesn't include
It covers principal, interest, mortgage insurance, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA dues. It doesn't include title, escrow, appraisal, recording, or prepaid costs, which vary by state and transaction, and it uses the rate you enter rather than one you've been quoted. Use it for the monthly number, then let me run your actual scenario.
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 credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Florida?
FHA allows scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or 500 to 579 with 10% down. Our FHA down payment grant requires a 640 score if you want assistance covering the down payment. Most lenders prefer 620-plus for the smoothest approval.
Do you have to repay FHA down payment assistance in Florida?
It depends on the program. Our FHA grant is a true grant of 2% or 3.5% with no repayment and no second lien. Florida's Hometown Heroes assistance, by contrast, is a repayable second mortgage due when you sell, refinance, or move out.
What is the FHA loan limit in Florida for 2026?
FHA limits vary by county. Most Florida counties use the standard 2026 FHA limit, higher-cost coastal counties are higher, and Monroe County (the Keys) reaches the top of the range. I confirm the exact figure for your county.
Does FHA mortgage insurance ever go away in Florida?
On most FHA loans today, the annual mortgage insurance lasts the life of the loan. The common way to remove it is to refinance into a conventional loan once you have 20% equity, which Florida's appreciation can make possible sooner than expected.
Can I use an FHA loan for a Florida condo?
Yes, if the building is FHA-approved, or through FHA's single-unit approval path for some non-approved buildings. Because Florida has fewer FHA-approved condos than conventional-approved ones, confirm approval before making an offer.
Can I get an FHA loan with a Florida manufactured home?
Yes, if the home is permanently affixed, built after June 1976 to HUD standards, and meets FHA property rules. This suits many of Florida's manufactured-home communities.
Explore Other Florida Loan Options
Get Your FHA Loan Quote
Connect with Emmett directly. Quick response, personalized guidance for your Florida home purchase.
Why Contact Emmett?
- ✓ Local Florida market expertise
- ✓ Access to 240+ wholesale lenders
- ✓ Same-day pre-qualification available
- ✓ No obligation, free consultation
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