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FHA Loan Florida: Buy Your First Home With Just 3.5% Down

Buy your first home with as little as 3.5% down — even if your credit isn’t perfect.

Check Icon 580+ credit scores accepted
Check Icon Flexible debt-to-income ratios
Check Icon Use rental income to qualify
Check Icon 2025 Florida FHA loan limits up to $1.5M
Check Your Florida FHA Loan Eligibility
Takes 2 Minutes – No Credit Pull.
Happy couple inside their new home

What Is an FHA Loan?

An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration.

It’s designed to help Florida buyers with limited savings or lower credit become homeowners sooner.

Many Florida buyers also combine FHA financing with Down Payment Assistance programs for even lower upfront costs.

Feature FHA Loan Advantage
Down Payment 3.5% (with 580+ credit)
Credit Score Minimum 580 (some lenders accept 550)
Debt-to-Income Up to 57% with strong compensating factors
Loan Limits (2025) $498,257 (1-unit) to $1,560,200 (4-unit)
Property Types Single-family, duplex, triplex, fourplex, condo, manufactured
Occupancy Must live in the home for at least 12 months

Florida FHA Loan Limits

FHA loan limits depend on the county and the number of units in the property.

High-cost counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach qualify for larger FHA loan limits.

See limits for every Florida county - Full 2025 FHA Loan Limits Guide

Here are the 2025 limits for the six most popular Florida counties.

(Updated 2025 from HUD)

County 1-Unit 2-Unit 3-Unit 4-Unit
Broward $654,350 $837,700 $1,012,550 $1,258,400
Miami-Dade $654,350 $837,700 $1,012,550 $1,258,400
Palm Beach $654,350 $837,700 $1,012,550 $1,258,400
Orange (Orlando) $524,225 $671,200 $811,275 $1,008,300
Hillsborough (Tampa) $524,225 $671,200 $811,275 $1,008,300
Duval (Jacksonville) $580,750 $743,450 $898,700 $1,116,850

Who Qualifies for an FHA Loan in Florida?

Good to know - You can use gift funds from family or friends for your down payment.

You can also explore Hometown Heroes if you work in eligible public service or community occupations.

You may qualify if you:

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Have a 580+ credit score

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Can show 2 years of employment history

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Have a DTI below 57%

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Use the home as your primary residence

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Can verify steady income (W-2, 1099, or self-employed)

Step-by-Step: How to Get an FHA Loan

Average time to close: 30–45 days.

Get Pre-Approved for FHA

1

Pre-Approval

Check your income, credit, and max loan amount. (1–2 days)

2

Find an FHA-Eligible Home

Find a home that meets FHA limits

3

Appraisal + Underwriting

FHA appraisal ensures property meets HUD standards. (~2 weeks)

4

Closing

Sign, fund, and move in! (3–4 weeks total)

FHA vs. Conventional Loan

Learn more about Conventional Loan Requirements in Florida.

Feature FHA Loan Conventional
Down Payment 3.5% 3–20%
Credit Score 580 min 620+
Mortgage Insurance Required (may cancel after 11 years with 10% down) Required if <20% down
Ideal For First-time buyers, lower credit Strong credit, higher down payment

From Our Experts

Explore our most trusted FHA loan guides — hand-picked by our team to help Florida buyers understand eligibility, limits, and new 2025 program updates.

Florida FHA Loan FAQs

Get answers to the most important questions about FHA loans in Florida.

What are the FHA loan limits in Florida?

FHA loan limits in Florida vary by county and property type. For 2025, most counties have a single-family home limit of $524,225, while high-cost areas like Monroe County go up to $967,150.

If you’re buying a multi-unit property, limits can reach over $1.8 million for a four-unit home in certain counties.

What credit score and income requirements do I need?

A consistent job history and manageable debts can help your Florida FHA approval go smoothly.

  • Minimum credit score: 500 (580+ for the lowest down payment)
  • Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio: Usually up to 43%, though some lenders may allow higher with strong compensating factors.
  • Income and employment: Lenders typically verify at least two years of steady income.

What property requirements do FHA loans have in Florida?

Homes must meet FHA’s minimum property standards — safe, sound, and livable. In Florida, this often includes checks for:

  • Roof condition and hurricane readiness
  • Working plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
  • No major structural or safety issues
  • Proper flood-zone and wind-mitigation documentation, if applicable

Your FHA appraisal will confirm the home meets these standards before closing.

How much do I need for a down payment?

If your credit score is 580 or higher, you can buy with as little as 3.5% down. If your score falls between 500 and 579, you’ll need a 10% down payment.

Some Florida lenders may have their own minimum credit score requirements, so it’s smart to shop around.

Can I buy a multi-unit property with an FHA loan in Florida?

Yes. FHA loans can be used for 2–4 unit properties as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.

Loan limits are higher for these homes — for example, in 2025 a two-unit home can go up to about $1.2 million in certain Florida counties.

Are there Florida programs that can help with my down payment?

Yes! The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) and local programs across the state offer down payment and closing cost assistance that can be combined with FHA loans.

These programs are often designed for first-time buyers or those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years.