FHA Loan Eligibility Requirements in Florida (2026 Guide)

FHA loans remain one of the most accessible mortgage options in Florida, especially for first-time buyers, borrowers with limited savings, or those rebuilding credit.

Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans allow lower credit scores, flexible income rules, and down payments as low as 3.5%—but you still must meet specific eligibility standards.

This 2026 Florida FHA eligibility guide breaks down credit score requirements, down payment rules, income verification, DTI limits, loan limits, and inspection standards, so you know exactly where you stand before applying.

FHA Credit Score Requirements in Florida (2026)

Your credit score directly affects approval and down payment requirements. FHA credit requirements are significantly more flexible than conventional loans, which typically require 620–680+ scores.

Minimum FHA Credit Scores

• 580+ FICO → Eligible for 3.5% down
• 500–579 FICO → Eligible with 10% down
• Below 500 → Not eligible under FHA guidelines

If Your Credit Score Is Below 580

You can still qualify by:

• Making a 10% down payment
• Paying down revolving debt
• Avoiding new credit inquiries
• Establishing 12 months of on-time payments

Improving your score can reduce mortgage insurance costs and improve approval odds.

FHA Down Payment Requirements in Florida

FHA loans offer one of the lowest down payment options available.

Down Payment Flexibility

• 100% gift funds allowed
• Grants & down payment assistance permitted
• Seller credits allowed (up to 6%)

FHA loans always require mortgage insurance, regardless of down payment size.

FHA Loan Limits in Florida (2026)

FHA loan limits cap how much you can borrow and vary by county.

In 2026, most Florida counties follow the standard FHA one-unit loan limit of $541,287, while designated high-cost areas qualify for higher limits—reaching up to $990,150 in Monroe County and approximately $667,000 in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.

If a home exceeds your county limit, you must:

• Increase your down payment
• Negotiate the price
• Use a conventional or jumbo loan

FHA Debt-to-Income (DTI) Requirements

DTI measures how much of your income goes toward debt. DTI Formula (Total Monthly Debt ÷ Gross Monthly Income = DTI)

Standard FHA DTI Guidelines

• Front-end DTI (housing): 31%
• Back-end DTI (total debt): 43%

Maximum FHA DTI (With Strong Factors)

FHA can allow DTI up to 50% if you have:

• Higher credit scores
• Cash reserves
• Minimal payment shock
• Strong income stability

FHA Home Inspection & Appraisal Requirements

FHA loans require the home to meet minimum property standards.

FHA Appraisal Focus Areas

• Structural soundness
• Roof life (typically 2+ years remaining)
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC safety
• Water intrusion & moisture
• Lead-based paint hazards
• Termite damage (critical in Florida)

Inspection vs Appraisal

• Appraisal: Required by FHA (value + condition)
• Inspection: Strongly recommended (buyer protection)

FHA Income & Employment Requirements

FHA does not set minimum income limits, but lenders verify stability.

Typical Documentation

• Last 30 days of pay stubs
• 2 years of W-2s
• 2 years of tax returns
• Proof of bonuses, overtime, commissions

Self-Employed Borrowers

Must provide:

• 2 years of business tax returns
• Profit & Loss statements
• Business license (if applicable)

Non-employment income (alimony, child support, rental income) can count if consistent.

FHA vs Conventional vs VA Eligibility (Quick Comparison)

Compare FHA vs conventional vs VA loan eligibility at a glance—including down payment, credit flexibility, mortgage insurance, and property requirements—so you can quickly choose the best fit for your situation.

Florida FHA Loan Eligibility FAQs

Clear answers to the most common questions about FHA loan eligibility in Florida, including credit requirements, income rules, and property standards.

What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Florida?

FHA loans are generally more flexible than conventional loans, but the minimum credit score depends on the lender and the overall loan file, including down payment, income, and debt-to-income ratio.

Do FHA loans have income limits in Florida?

FHA loans typically do not have income limits. However, borrowers must document sufficient income and meet debt-to-income requirements to qualify.

Can I buy a condo in Florida with an FHA loan?

Yes, but the condo must meet FHA condo eligibility requirements or qualify through an approved eligibility pathway. Florida condo insurance and reserves can impact approval.

Can FHA loans be used for multi-unit properties in Florida?

Yes. FHA loans can be used for 2–4 unit properties if the borrower occupies one unit as their primary residence and meets underwriting guidelines.

What happens if a home doesn’t meet FHA property requirements?

If the FHA appraisal identifies required repairs tied to safety, soundness, or habitability, the issues must be repaired before closing or the loan may not be approved.

Bottom Line: Do You Qualify for an FHA Loan in Florida?

FHA loans continue to be one of the most flexible mortgage options in Florida in 2026.

If you have credit as low as 500, limited savings, higher DTI ratios and non-traditional income, FHA may be your best path to homeownership.

Understanding the credit, down payment, DTI, income, and property rules upfront puts you in control—and avoids surprises later.

Get pre-approved early to confirm eligibility and maximize your buying power in Florida’s competitive market.