Florida FHA Loan
Florida FHA home loans
FHA guidelines allow 3.5% down for a score of 580 or higher, with flexible credit requirements. The trick in Florida is the property side, especially condos.
Reviewed by Travis Penny, NMLS 1649161
Last reviewed October 13, 2026
How do FHA loans work for buying in Florida?
FHA loans are a flexible, lower down payment way to buy in Florida, and I close them regularly. FHA is backed by the Federal Housing Administration, so lenders can accept lower credit scores and a smaller down payment than most conventional loans, which helps first time and budget conscious buyers.
All loans are subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will qualify. Program terms and availability can change. This page is for general education and is not a loan offer or a commitment to make a loan. Travis Penny, NMLS ID #1649161, is a mortgage broker with Vision Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1286953. Equal Housing Opportunity.
12.4 business day average to clear to close
My average from loan submission to clear to close is 12.4 business days. That's an average, not a promise. Your timeline depends on your file, the appraisal and title, but when you need speed, I can move fast.
Average of my loans from submission to clear to close. Not a guarantee; individual timelines vary. Clear to close means underwriting is done. Closing is scheduled after that.
Text me at (207) 615-7770
3.5% down
FHA guidelines allow this for eligible buyers with a score of 580 or higher.
Condo savvy
FHA condo approval rules are real. I know which projects work.
Insurance aware
I factor wind and flood insurance correctly so your DTI is right the first time.
Florida-only FHA documentation options
I review FHA with a self-employed profit and loss statement and FHA with written verification of employment in Florida only. These two FHA documentation paths are not available for a Maine home through me. I confirm eligibility and supporting records for the full file.
Program information
This information is general education, not a loan offer or a commitment to lend. Down payment and credit requirements vary by client, property, and lender, and program guidelines change. For your own numbers, call or text me at (207) 615-7770 or email Travis@travis.mortgage.
Florida FHA loan requirements
Generally a 580+ credit score for the 3.5% down option, or a score from 500 to 579 for 10% down, a debt to income ratio that fits the program, and a property that meets FHA condition standards. In Florida, that condition piece is bigger than people think (roof age, four point inspection, wind mitigation).
How I compare FHA lenders in Florida
Looking at a double wide or a home in a park? My mobile home financing guide explains how I review Florida manufactured homes and leased lots.
FHA rules are federal, so the core terms are the same in Florida as in Maine. FHA sets the rules, but the lender you pick decides how you are treated, because each lender has its own overlay rules on top of FHA.
I take your file once and send it to several FHA approved lenders, so you don't fill out the same forms over and over. Then I bring the offers back side by side, so you see the full cost of each option, not just one number, and I guide the file all the way to the closing table.
Before you pick any FHA lender, check the license. Every real lender or broker holds an NMLS number you can verify on NMLS Consumer Access. Ask about total closing costs, mortgage insurance, and how the lender handles Florida flood and wind rules, and whether down payment help can stack with your FHA loan.
Condos and FHA
Not every condo project is FHA approved. Some are project approved, some need a single unit approval. I check the project before you write the offer so I don't burn appraisal money on a deal that can't close.
Frequently asked questions
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Florida?
Generally, FHA allows 3.5% down with a score of 580 or higher, or 10% down with a score from 500 to 579. Your debt to income ratio and property must also meet the program guidelines.
Does the condo I want qualify for FHA?
Not every condo project is FHA approved. Some are project approved, some need a single unit approval. I check the project before you write the offer so I don't burn appraisal money on a deal that can't close.
How does Florida insurance affect my FHA approval?
I factor wind and flood insurance correctly so your DTI is right the first time, and I look at roof age, four point inspection, and wind mitigation before going under contract.
Can an out of state buyer get an FHA loan in Florida?
Yes. FHA loans are for the property you intend to live in as your primary home. A buyer relocating from Maine to Florida can use one with a broker licensed in both states, and I'm licensed in Maine and Florida.
Can I get an FHA loan without tax returns?
Yes. Eligible wage earners may qualify for an FHA loan with me in Florida using a written verification of employment from their employer, with as little as 3.5% down on a primary home. Not everyone will qualify. I also review FHA with a self employed profit and loss statement in Florida only.
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