Florida Mortgage Guides 2026
This Florida mortgage guide covers FHA limits by metro area, FL HFA down payment assistance programs, USDA rural loans, VA resources for Florida military, and a complete closing cost breakdown including doc stamp tax — all in one place.
Everything You Need in This Florida Mortgage Guide
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in Florida — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
Florida Mortgage Guide
FHA loan limits by metro area, loan program comparison, property tax overview, and how the Florida housing market affects your financing options.
Read guide →Florida First-Time Home Buyer Guide
FL HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage loans, down payment assistance, the Florida Hometown Heroes program, and income limits by county — compared side by side.
Read guide →Florida FHA Loan Requirements
2026 FHA limits for Miami-Dade ($621,000), Monroe County Keys ($874,000), and all other Florida counties at the standard floor ($524,225).
Read guide →Florida VA Loan Requirements
VA entitlement, 2026 funding fee chart, and resources for MacDill AFB, Eglin AFB, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and veterans statewide.
Read guide →Florida USDA Loans
FY2025 USDA income limits for Florida counties, eligible rural areas across North and Central Florida, and how zero-down USDA compares to FHA for rural buyers.
Read guide →Florida Closing Costs Guide
Documentary stamp tax, intangible tax, state-promulgated title insurance rates, municipal lien searches, and a complete fee-by-fee breakdown for Florida buyers.
Read guide →Key Florida Mortgage Facts
FHA Loan Limits
- Most FL counties: $524,225
- Miami-Dade / Broward / Palm Beach: $621,000
- Monroe County (Keys): $874,000
- Orlando / Orange County: $524,225
- Tampa / Hillsborough: $524,225
Down Payment Assistance
- FL HFA Preferred: up to 5% DPA as grant
- Florida Hometown Heroes: up to $35,000 assistance
- FL HFA Advantage: FHA-backed with DPA option
- Bond programs available through county HFAs
- Min credit score: 640 for most FL HFA programs
USDA Income Limits (FY2025)
- Most FL counties: $119,850 / $158,250
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale area: not USDA eligible
- Orlando MSA fringe areas: check eligibility map
- North Florida / Panhandle: widely USDA eligible
- Format: 1–4 person / 5–8 person
Closing Cost Highlights
- Doc stamp tax (deed): $0.70 per $100 (seller)
- Doc stamp tax (mortgage): $0.35 per $100 (buyer)
- Intangible tax: $0.002 per $1 of loan
- Title insurance: state-promulgated rates
- Typical buyer costs: 2%–5% of purchase price
Buying or Refinancing in Florida?
Florida has unique requirements — documentary stamp taxes, high insurance prepaids, state-specific DPA programs, and county-by-county title customs. A licensed Florida mortgage advisor can help you navigate all of it.
- ✓ Compare FL HFA vs. Hometown Heroes programs for your situation
- ✓ Understand your insurance escrow impact on qualifying
- ✓ Check VA vs. FL HFA options for military and veterans
- ✓ Estimate total cash needed including doc stamps and reserves
Free consultation · No obligation · Licensed advisors
Ready to Get Started?
Speak with a licensed Florida mortgage advisor who knows the local market, programs, and rates.
