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 ($667,000), Monroe County Keys ($990,150), and most other Florida counties at the standard floor ($541,287).
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
FY2026 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, and a complete fee-by-fee breakdown for Florida buyers.
Read guide →Key Florida Mortgage Facts
FHA Loan Limits
- Most FL counties: $541,287
- Miami-Dade / Broward / Palm Beach: $667,000
- Monroe County (Keys): $990,150
- Orlando / Orange County: $541,287
- Tampa / Hillsborough: $541,287
- Collier County (Naples): $764,750
- Confirm your county at HUD’s FHA mortgage limits lookup
Down Payment Assistance
- HFA Preferred / HFA Advantage PLUS: 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan as a forgivable second mortgage, forgiven 20% a year over 5 years (conventional loans only)
- Florida Assist: up to $10,000 with FHA, VA, USDA or conventional loans
- Florida Hometown Heroes: up to 5% of the first mortgage, maximum $35,000, as a 0% 30-year deferred second mortgage
- Bond programs available through county HFAs
- Min credit score: 640 for most FL HFA programs
- Current terms at Florida Housing
USDA Income Limits (FY2026)
- Most FL counties: $122,800 / $162,100
- Highest Florida limit: $164,800 (1–4 person)
- FY2026 limits, dated July 13, 2026
- Format: 1–4 person / 5–8 person
- Limits by county at USDA’s eligibility site
Closing Cost Highlights
- Doc stamp tax (deed): $0.70 per $100 (Fla. Stat. 201.02)
- Doc stamp tax (mortgage): $0.35 per $100 (Fla. Stat. 201.08)
- Intangible tax: $0.002 per $1 of loan
- Title insurance: state-promulgated rates
Buying or Refinancing in Florida?
Florida has unique requirements — documentary stamp taxes, insurance prepaids, state-specific DPA programs, and state-promulgated title insurance rates. 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
No obligation · Educational first
Talk to a Florida Mortgage Advisor
Have questions about buying or refinancing in Florida? A licensed mortgage advisor can walk you through your loan options, assistance programs and costs, with no obligation.
Speak to a Mortgage Advisor