FHA Loans in Florida: Low Down Payments, Strong Assistance

Florida's housing market moves fast — but first-time buyers have real advantages here, from 3.5%-down FHA loans to state programs built for workforce buyers. Here's what you need to know before you shop.

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FHA Loan Limits in Florida (2026)

The 2026 FHA floor of $541,287 covers most Florida counties — plenty for the typical first-time purchase in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, or the Panhandle. Higher-cost South Florida counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) and parts of the Orlando and Tampa metros carry limits above the floor, up to the $1,249,125 national ceiling. Your county's exact limit is set by HUD each year based on local median prices.

Down Payment Assistance in Florida

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) runs the state's main assistance programs:

Florida Assist: a 0%-interest deferred second mortgage — commonly up to $10,000 — to help cover down payment and closing costs. No monthly payments; repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
Florida Hometown Heroes: expanded assistance for workforce buyers — teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and other frontline professions — with higher assistance amounts for eligible buyers.
Both pair with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages through participating lenders.

Program terms change — I'll verify yours

Assistance amounts, income limits, and funding rounds move regularly. When we talk, I'll check the current Florida Housing terms for your county — free.

Areas I Serve in Florida

I work with Florida buyers statewide, 100% remotely. My buyers cluster in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach (high-cost counties with higher FHA limits), Orlando, Tampa, and St. Petersburg, and Jacksonville — where the FHA floor stretches furthest. Wherever you are, the process is the same: phone, video, secure online application.

One Florida-specific tip: well-priced homes in Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville often go under contract in days, not weeks. That makes a real pre-approval essential before you start touring — sellers and listing agents take pre-approved buyers far more seriously, and in a multiple-offer situation the buyer's lender reputation matters. I turn pre-approvals around quickly once I have your documents, and I answer my phone when listing agents call to verify.

Florida Homebuyer FAQs

Can I buy in Florida with 3.5% down?

Yes — FHA loans offer 3.5% down statewide with a 580+ credit score, and Florida Housing assistance can help cover the rest of your cash to close.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer for Florida assistance?

Many Florida Housing programs target first-time buyers (no home owned in the last 3 years), but some options — including Hometown Heroes for eligible professions — have broader eligibility. I'll check what you qualify for.

Are condos eligible for FHA loans in Florida?

Yes, if the condo project is FHA-approved. Florida has many approved projects, but approval must be verified per property — I'll check any condo you're considering.

How fast do I need to move in Florida's market?

Faster than you think in the hot metros. Get pre-approved before touring, keep your documents ready, and be prepared to decide within days of finding the right home. I'll make sure your financing never slows you down.

Buying in this state? Let's talk.

Free consultation, straight answers about what you qualify for. Call or text (646) 977-1860 or send me a message.

Buying around Orlando? See the Orlando first-time buyer guide for city-level detail.

New to buying? Start at the First-Time Buyer Hub. Compare loan programs.