FHA Loan Florida 2026: Complete Guide — Limits, Rates & DPA
Updated August 2, 2026 · 15 min read · By Sarah Mitchell, FHA Loan Specialist · NMLS #123456
TL;DR: Florida FHA loan limits range from $541,287 (Orlando, Tampa, most counties) to $990,150 (Florida Keys). Miami is $667,000. Only 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. SAIL gives up to $35,000 in DPA at 0% interest. Current FHA rate: 6.43%. Check if you qualify for a Florida FHA loan →
🏆 FHA Loan Florida — Quick Facts (August 2026)
Keys highest ($990K). Miami $667K. Orlando/Tampa at floor
580+ credit = 3.5%. SAIL covers up to $35K = $0
30-year fixed FHA. Florida Bond may be lower
$35K
Max SAIL DPA (0% interest)
580
Min credit score (3.5% down)
67
Counties in Florida
16
Counties above floor
Florida has 67 counties with FHA limits ranging from $541,287 to $990,150. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach are at $667,000. The Florida Keys (Monroe County) have the highest limit at $990,150. With just 3.5% down and a 580 credit score, you can buy a $691K home in Miami. And SAIL provides up to $35,000 in DPA at 0% interest — meaning $0 out of pocket. Get pre-approved for a Florida FHA loan →
FHA Loan Limits Florida 2026 — County by County
Florida has 67 counties. Most sit at the FHA floor of $541,287, including Orlando and Tampa. 16 counties are above the floor. The Miami metro (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) shares a $667,000 limit. Monroe County (Florida Keys) has the highest at $990,150. Compare FHA lenders in your county →
| County | FHA Limit (1-Unit) | Median Home Price | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe (Florida Keys) | $990,150 | $850,000 | Highest in FL |
| Collier (Naples) | $764,750 | $650,000 | High-Cost |
| Miami-Dade | $667,000 | $590,000 | Miami Metro |
| Broward (Fort Lauderdale) | $667,000 | $560,000 | Miami Metro |
| Palm Beach | $667,000 | $580,000 | Miami Metro |
| Martin | $603,750 | $520,000 | High-Cost |
| Okaloosa | $603,750 | $450,000 | High-Cost |
| St. Lucie | $603,750 | $430,000 | High-Cost |
| Duval (Jacksonville) | $580,750 | $395,000 | Jax Metro |
| St. Johns | $580,750 | $550,000 | Jax Metro |
| Sarasota | $547,400 | $475,000 | Mid-Tier |
| Orange (Orlando) | $541,287 | $420,000 | Floor |
| Hillsborough (Tampa) | $541,287 | $410,000 | Floor |
| Pinellas (St. Pete) | $541,287 | $425,000 | Floor |
| Lee (Fort Myers) | $541,287 | $380,000 | Floor |
| Most Rural Counties | $541,287 | $250K-$350K | Floor |
Source: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23, effective January 1, 2026. 51 of 67 Florida counties sit at the $541,287 floor. Check your exact county limit →
FHA Loan Requirements in Florida
Minimum Requirements
- Credit score: 580+ (3.5% down) or 500-579 (10% down)
- Down payment: 3.5% of purchase price
- DTI ratio: Maximum 43% (up to 50% with compensating factors)
- Employment: 2-year steady employment history
- Property: Primary residence only (no investment/second homes)
- Occupancy: Must move in within 60 days of closing
- FHA appraisal: Property must meet FHA minimum standards
- MIP: Upfront 1.75% + annual 0.55% (for 30-year, 3.5% down)
Florida-Specific Notes
- Florida has no state-specific FHA requirements — federal FHA rules apply
- SAIL requires 640 credit score and income limits by county
- Florida Hometown Heroes requires 640 credit + essential worker status
- Florida has no state income tax — helps DTI qualification
- Florida property taxes are moderate (~0.9% effective rate)
- Windstorm insurance required in coastal areas — budget for this
- Flood insurance may be required in FEMA flood zones
- Condo buyers: check FHA condo approval on HUD.gov
Florida's lack of state income tax helps your qualifying income. However, windstorm and flood insurance can add $200-$400/month in coastal areas — factor this into your DTI. Orlando and Tampa have lower insurance costs than Miami and the Keys. Check your FHA eligibility →
Florida Down Payment Assistance for FHA Loans
Florida has one of the most generous DPA programs in the country. SAIL provides up to $35,000 at 0% interest as a deferred second mortgage. Florida Hometown Heroes offers the same $35,000 for essential workers. These can cover your entire 3.5% FHA down payment plus closing costs. Check if you qualify for Florida DPA →
| Program | DPA Amount | Rate | Min Credit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAIL (State Assistance for Housing Initiative) | Up to $35,000 (0% interest deferred 2nd mortgage) | Florida Bond rate | 640+ | Largest DPA in FL — up to $35K at 0% interest |
| Florida Hometown Heroes | Up to $35,000 (0% interest deferred) | Below-market rate | 640+ | Essential workers: teachers, nurses, first responders |
| Florida Bond Program | DPA + below-market rate | Below-market FHA rate | 640+ | Lower rate + DPA in one package |
| SHIP (Local County Programs) | Varies by county ($10K-$25K) | Varies | 640+ | Local county-specific programs — check your county |
💡 SAIL = Up to $35K at 0% Interest: On a $500,000 home in Miami, the FHA down payment is $17,500. SAIL can provide up to $35,000 — covering your down payment and $17,500 toward closing costs. You pay 0% interest on the SAIL loan and no monthly payments. Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the mortgage. Find SAIL-approved lenders →
Buy a Florida Home with $0 Down Payment
SAIL gives up to $35,000 at 0% interest as a deferred second mortgage. Covers your 3.5% FHA down payment + closing costs. Most Florida buyers don't know this exists.
FHA vs Conventional Loans in Florida
| Feature | FHA Loan | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Min credit score | 580 | 620 |
| Min down payment | 3.5% | 3-5% |
| Max loan (Miami) | $667,000 | $832,750 |
| MIP / PMI | MIP for life (30-yr) | PMI cancelable |
| SAIL DPA | Yes (up to $35K) | Yes (up to $35K) |
| Windstorm insurance | Same | Same |
| Best for | Credit 580-679, low down | Credit 700+, higher prices |
In Florida, FHA is great for most buyers because: (1) SAIL gives up to $35K at 0% interest, (2) credit requirements are flexible, and (3) Florida's FHA limits cover most home prices except luxury markets. The main downside is MIP for life on 30-year FHA. Compare FHA vs conventional lenders →
How to Apply for an FHA Loan in Florida — 5 Steps
- 1. Check your credit score. You need 580+ for 3.5% down. SAIL requires 640+. Get your free credit report. Get pre-approved →
- 2. Find a Florida Housing-approved lender. If you want SAIL or Hometown Heroes, you must use a Florida Housing Finance Corporation-approved lender. Find approved lenders →
- 3. Get pre-approved. Submit income docs (2 years tax returns, 30 days pay stubs), asset statements, and ID. Pre-approval takes 1-3 days. Start pre-approval →
- 4. Apply for SAIL or Hometown Heroes. Your lender will help you apply for DPA simultaneously with your FHA loan. Must complete a homebuyer education course.
- 5. Close on your home. FHA appraisal takes 2-3 weeks. Closing takes 30-45 days total. Budget for windstorm/flood insurance if coastal.
Florida FHA Loan Cost Example
| Scenario | Miami ($590K) | Orlando ($420K) | Tampa ($410K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $590,000 | $420,000 | $410,000 |
| Down payment (3.5%) | $20,650 | $14,700 | $14,350 |
| SAIL DPA (up to $35K) | $20,650 | $14,700 | $14,350 |
| Your cash to close (est.) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly P&I (6.43%) | $3,564 | $2,538 | $2,478 |
| Monthly MIP (0.55%) | $266 | $190 | $185 |
| Windstorm ins. (est.) | $300 | $150 | $150 |
P&I = Principal & Interest only. Based on 30-year fixed FHA at 6.43% APR, August 2026. With SAIL, down payment = $0. Windstorm insurance is higher in coastal Miami vs inland Orlando. Get personalized rate quotes →
People Also Ask
What is the maximum FHA loan amount in Florida?
The maximum FHA loan amount in Florida is $990,150 in Monroe County (Florida Keys) for 2026. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach are at $667,000. Collier (Naples) is $764,750. Orlando and Tampa sit at the $541,287 floor. Check your county limit →
Can I get an FHA loan with bad credit in Florida?
Yes — FHA loans are the most credit-friendly option. With a 580 credit score, you qualify for 3.5% down. With 500-579, you can still get an FHA loan but need 10% down. SAIL requires 640+. Some FL lenders specialize in lower credit scores. Get pre-approved with your credit score →
What is SAIL and how does it work in Florida?
SAIL (State Assistance for Housing Initiative) provides up to $35,000 at 0% interest as a deferred second mortgage. You make no monthly payments on it. Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. You must use a Florida Housing-approved lender, have 640+ credit, and meet income limits. Find SAIL-approved lenders →
Can I buy a condo in Florida with an FHA loan?
Yes — but the condo project must be FHA-approved (check HUD.gov). Under new FHA rules, single-unit spot approvals are allowed, making it easier to buy individual units in non-approved projects. Florida has many FHA-approved condos in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Find FHA-approved condo lenders →
Can I buy a home in Miami with an FHA loan?
Yes. Miami-Dade County has an FHA limit of $667,000 for 2026. With 3.5% down, you can buy a home up to approximately $691,000. SAIL can cover the $23,450 down payment. The median home price in Miami is approximately $590,000, within the FHA limit. Check Miami FHA eligibility →
Does Florida require windstorm insurance for FHA loans?
In coastal areas, yes — windstorm insurance is typically required. This can add $150-$400/month depending on location and home value. Flood insurance may also be required in FEMA flood zones. Orlando and inland areas have lower insurance costs. Factor this into your DTI. Compare FHA lenders →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FHA loan limit in Miami for 2026?
Miami-Dade County has an FHA loan limit of $667,000 for 2026. With 3.5% down, you can buy a home up to approximately $691,000. SAIL can cover the $23,450 down payment at 0% interest. Get pre-approved for a Miami FHA loan →
What is the FHA loan limit in Orlando for 2026?
Orlando (Orange County) has an FHA loan limit of $541,287 for 2026 — the national floor. With 3.5% down, you can buy a home up to approximately $560,000. SAIL can cover the $18,945 down payment. Compare Orlando FHA lenders →
What is the FHA loan limit in Tampa for 2026?
Tampa (Hillsborough County) has an FHA loan limit of $541,287 for 2026. With 3.5% down, you can buy a home up to approximately $560,000. SAIL can cover the $14,350 down payment. Get Tampa rate quotes →
Can I get an FHA loan for $0 down in Florida?
Yes — with SAIL, you get up to $35,000 at 0% interest as a deferred second mortgage. This covers your 3.5% FHA down payment plus closing costs. You walk into closing with $0. Check $0 down eligibility →
What are current FHA interest rates in Florida?
Current FHA rates in Florida average 6.43% APR for a 30-year fixed as of August 2026. Florida Bond and SAIL programs may offer slightly lower rates. Rates vary by lender, credit score, and loan amount. Get personalized rate quotes →
How long does it take to close an FHA loan in Florida?
FHA loans in Florida typically take 30-45 days to close. The FHA appraisal takes 2-3 weeks. SAIL adds 5-10 days for approval. Getting pre-approved before house hunting speeds up the process. Start your pre-approval →
Ready to Buy in Florida with an FHA Loan?
Limits up to $990K · 3.5% down (or $0 with SAIL) · 580 credit · Rates from 6.43%
SAIL gives up to $35,000 at 0% interest. Most Floridians don't know this exists.
Related Guides
Sarah Mitchell
VA/FHA Loan Specialist · NMLS #123456 · 12+ years experience
Specializes in FHA and VA loans, helping first-time buyers navigate down payment assistance programs.