Florida Manufactured Home Loan Program: Complete Guide (2026)

Manufactured homes are one of the most affordable paths to homeownership in Florida—often 30% to 80% less expensive than site-built homes.

In 2026, Florida buyers can finance manufactured homes using FHA, VA, and USDA loan programs, many with low or even zero down payment options.

This updated guide explains how Florida manufactured home loans work, who qualifies, and which loan program may be best for you.

Florida Manufactured Home Loan Program Overview

Florida manufactured home loan programs help buyers purchase HUD-compliant manufactured homes using government-backed or approved conventional financing.

These programs support affordable housing by offering:

• Lower down payments
• Flexible credit requirements
• Long-term fixed-rate financing

The Florida Manufactured Home Loan Program exists to address rising housing costs and expand access to homeownership for low- and moderate-income households.

By allowing manufactured homes to qualify for traditional mortgage financing, these programs:

• Reduce monthly housing costs
• Expand homeownership opportunities statewide
• Support both rural and suburban communities

Manufactured homes must meet HUD construction standards and be properly titled and affixed to qualify for most mortgage programs.

Benefits of Manufactured Home Loans in Florida

This program translates the dream of homeownership into a readily achievable reality, thanks to an array of benefits uniquely tailored for prospective homebuyers.

• Lower purchase prices vs. site-built homes
• Fixed-rate mortgages up to 30 years
• FHA, VA, and USDA eligibility
• Financing for new and used homes
• No prepayment penalties on government loans
• Potential 100% financing options
• Expanded affordability across Florida counties

Manufactured Home Loan Options in Florida

Manufactured home loans in Florida allow buyers to finance homes built after June 15, 1976, using FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, or chattel loans.

The right option depends on whether you own the land, how the home is titled, and whether it’s permanently affixed. Understanding Florida’s land and title rules is key to qualifying.

FHA Manufactured Home Loans

Best for first-time buyers who own land or are buying land with the home.

• For primary residences
• Low down payment (as little as 3.5%)
• Home must be permanently affixed and titled as real property
• Land must be owned or purchased with the home

VA Manufactured Home Loans

Best for veterans buying on owned land or combined land + home purchase.

• For eligible veterans and service members
• 0% down possible
• Home must be permanently affixed and meet VA property standards
• Land ownership required (or included in the purchase)

USDA Manufactured Home Loans

Best for rural Florida buyers meeting USDA income and location rules.

• For rural areas only
• 0% down option
• Income limits apply
• Home must be permanently affixed and titled as real estate

Chattel (Personal Property) Loans

Best for buyers purchasing a home in a park without land ownership.

• Used when the home is not permanently affixed
• Common in manufactured home parks
• Higher interest rates and shorter terms
• Home is titled as personal property, not real estate

Florida Land-Ownership & Titling Rules

In Florida, how your manufactured home is classified and titled directly impacts loan eligibility:

Real Property (Preferred)

• Home is permanently affixed to a foundation
• Land is owned by the borrower
• Title is retired and recorded with the county
• Eligible for FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans

Personal Property (Chattel)

• Home is not permanently affixed
• Land is leased (park or community)
• Titled like a vehicle
• Not eligible for FHA, VA, or USDA mortgages

Converting a manufactured home to real property may allow refinancing into lower-rate mortgage programs.

How to Apply for a Manufactured Home Loan in Florida

A step-by-step overview of the application and approval process.

• Gather income, asset, and credit documents
• Choose an eligible loan program
• Get pre-approved
• Select a HUD-compliant manufactured home
• Complete appraisal, inspection, and underwriting
• Close and move in

Required Documentation

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns)
• Credit report authorization
• Asset documentation
• Manufactured home details (HUD tags, foundation info)

Tips for a Successful Application

• Review your credit before applying
• Resolve title or foundation issues early
• Use a lender experienced with manufactured homes
• Consider down payment assistance options

Florida Manufactured Home Loan Program FAQs

Answers the most common questions buyers have about financing manufactured homes in Florida.

Can you finance a manufactured home in Florida?

Yes. Manufactured homes in Florida can be financed using FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, or chattel loans depending on land ownership and how the home is titled.

Do I need to own the land to get a manufactured home loan?

For FHA, VA, and USDA loans, land ownership is required. Chattel loans do not require owning the land.

Are FHA loans allowed for manufactured homes in Florida?

Yes, if the home was built after June 15, 1976, is permanently affixed, titled as real property, and used as a primary residence.

What is a chattel loan for a manufactured home?

A chattel loan finances the home as personal property rather than real estate and is commonly used when the home is located in a park or on leased land.

Can a manufactured home be converted to real property in Florida?

Yes. If the home is permanently affixed and the land is owned, the title can often be retired and recorded as real property, allowing access to mortgage programs.

Bottom Line

Florida manufactured home loans offer one of the most affordable paths to homeownership in 2026.

With FHA, VA, and USDA options available—and potential zero-down financing—manufactured housing continues to play a critical role in Florida’s housing market.