Mobile homes—often termed manufactured homes—offer an affordable housing solution in Florida, a state where traditional home prices average $400,000 in 2025. With mobile home prices ranging from $50,000 (in parks) to $250,000 (with land), they appeal to first-time buyers, retirees, and investors across the Sunshine State’s diverse regions—from the Panhandle’s rural expanses to the Keys’ coastal enclaves. Financing these homes varies: mobile homes on leased land in parks typically require chattel loans, while those permanently affixed to owned land qualify for traditional mortgages (e.g., conventional, FHA, VA, USDA), classified as real property under Florida law.
Florida’s mobile home market is robust, with over 4,500 communities and countless standalone parcels, driven by affordability and a senior population exceeding 21% (U.S. Census). In 2025, securing the right lender is key, as mobile home loans differ from standard mortgages—featuring higher rates (6-12% for chattel vs. 5-7% for real property), shorter terms (10-30 years), and unique eligibility rules. This guide ranks the top seven lenders for mobile homes in Florida, spotlighting their offerings, strengths, and fit for the state’s unique needs. Select Home Loans leads as number one with its tailored, Florida-centric approach.
Understanding Mobile Home Financing in Florida
Mobile homes built post-June 15, 1976, meet HUD’s Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, qualifying for financing if in good condition. Key distinctions:
- With Land (Real Property): Permanently affixed (e.g., concrete foundation, tie-downs meeting Florida’s Zone III wind standards), titled with land as one deed, eligible for conventional/FHA/VA/USDA loans.
- In Parks (Personal Property): On leased land, financed via chattel loans or personal loans due to lot rent ($500-$800/month), not owning the land.
Florida’s hurricane risks, high insurance costs ($1,000-$3,000/year), and park regulations shape lending, requiring expertise in HUD compliance, title retirement (for land), and lease agreements (for parks).
Top 7 Mobile Home Lenders in Florida for 2025
1. Select Home Loans – Florida’s Mobile Home Financing Leader
Select Home Loans, a Florida-based lender, tops the list with its comprehensive, state-tailored approach to mobile home financing in 2025. Whether you’re in a park or on owned land, their expertise shines.
- Why They’re Number One: Select offers a full spectrum—conventional (5.5%-6%, 30-year terms), FHA (5.3%-5.9%, 3.5% down), VA (5.2%-5.8%, 0% down), USDA (5.4%-6%, 0% down for rural areas), chattel loans (7-9%, 15-20 years), and personal loans—covering all mobile home scenarios. Closings average 20-30 days, faster than most, thanks to in-house underwriting. Rates start at 5.5% for real property and 7% for chattel, with low fees (often no origination, saving $1,000-$2,000). Their A+ BBB rating and client praise (e.g., “Select handled my park home loan seamlessly”) highlight reliability.
- Florida Fit: With deep South Florida roots, Select navigates park leases (e.g., Sunshine Village in Davie), title retirement for land deals (e.g., rural Ocala), and hurricane tie-downs (Zone III compliance). They’re flexible—580+ credit for FHA/chattel, 620+ for conventional—catering to retirees in The Villages, first-timers in Port Charlotte, and investors in Tampa.
- Offerings: Pre-approvals in 24 hours, e-signing, cash-out refis (80% LTV with land), and construction-to-permanent loans. They excel in USDA for rural Florida and VA for the state’s 1.5 million veterans.
- Ideal For: All buyers—park residents, land owners, veterans, rural seekers—needing speed, savings, and local savvy.
Select Home Loans’ versatility and Florida-specific mastery make it the gold standard.
2. 21st Mortgage Corporation – Chattel Loan Specialist
21st Mortgage Corporation, a national leader in mobile home financing, ranks second for its park-focused chattel loans.
- Strengths: Chattel loans at 8-10%, terms up to 23 years (new homes) or 20 years (used), down payments from 5-35% (credit-dependent). No strict credit minimum (575+ preferred), closings in 25-35 days. They finance pre-owned homes, a plus for budget buyers.
- Florida Fit: Available statewide (except leased condos/co-ops), ideal for parks like Riviera Mobile Home Park in Clearwater or Lake Haven in Dunedin. They handle HUD-compliant homes without land ownership hassles.
- Offerings: Purchase and refinance for park homes; limited real property options.
- Requirements: 5% down with 700+ credit, 10-20% with 575-699, proof of income (2 years), park lease (1+ year term).
- Ideal For: Park residents with lower credit or no land interest.
21st’s accessibility is strong, but higher rates and park-only focus trail Select.
3. First Federal Bank – Florida-Based Versatility
First Federal Bank, headquartered in Lake City, Florida, takes third for its diverse offerings and statewide reach.
- Strengths: Conventional (5.6%-6.2%, 30 years), FHA (5.4%-6%, 3.5% down), VA (5.3%-5.9%, 0% down), USDA (5.5%-6%, 0% down), and limited chattel loans (8-10%). Closings in 30-40 days, competitive rates, and online tools.
- Florida Fit: Excels in rural North Florida (e.g., Gainesville, Live Oak) with USDA loans for mobile homes on land, and serves park buyers in urban areas like Jacksonville. They handle title retirement and wind zone compliance.
- Offerings: Purchase, refinance, construction-to-permanent for land deals; chattel for parks.
- Requirements: 620+ credit (580 FHA), 5-10% down (0% VA/USDA), 43% DTI, HUD-compliant home.
- Ideal For: Rural buyers, land owners, and park residents seeking traditional options.
First Federal’s range is impressive, but slower closings and fees lag Select.
4. Triad Financial Services – Manufactured Home Veteran
Triad Financial Services, with over 60 years in mobile home lending, ranks fourth for its park and land expertise.
- Advantages: Chattel loans (7.5%-9.5%, 15-20 years, 10-20% down), conventional (5.7%-6.3%, 30 years), and FHA (5.5%-6%, 3.5% down). Closings in 30-40 days, 600+ credit minimum.
- Florida Fit: Strong in South Florida parks (e.g., Coconut Cay in Miami) and Central Florida land deals (e.g., Leesburg), with a focus on HUD-compliant homes.
- Offerings: Purchase and refinance for both scenarios; limited VA/USDA.
- Requirements: 600+ credit (chattel), 620+ (conventional), income proof (2 years), park lease or land title.
- Ideal For: Park buyers and land owners wanting experience.
Triad’s longevity is a draw, but higher rates keep it behind Select.
5. Veterans United Home Loans – VA Powerhouse
Veterans United, a top VA lender, ranks fifth for its mobile home financing tailored to Florida’s 1.5 million veterans.
- Highlights: VA loans (5.2%-5.9%, 0% down, 30 years) for mobile homes with land, closings in 30-40 days. No PMI, flexible credit (580+ with payment history), and top-notch veteran support.
- Florida Fit: Ideal for vets in Pensacola or Jacksonville buying on owned land (e.g., rural Nassau County); no chattel or park options.
- Offerings: VA purchase and refinance; cash-out to 100% LTV with land.
- Requirements: VA eligibility, 580+ credit, land title, HUD standards.
- Ideal For: Veterans and military families with land.
Veterans United excels for VA buyers, but its niche focus limits its rank.
6. Cascade Financial Services – Flexible Niche Lender
Cascade Financial Services, a national mobile home lender, takes sixth with its park and land financing.
- Perks: Chattel loans (8-11%, 15-20 years, 10-20% down), conventional (5.8%-6.4%, 30 years), FHA (5.6%-6.2%, 3.5% down). Closings in 30-40 days, 620+ credit, pre-owned home financing.
- Florida Fit: Serves parks statewide (e.g., Lake Juliana in Auburndale) and land buyers in rural areas like Brooksville.
- Offerings: Purchase and refinance; no VA/USDA.
- Requirements: 620+ credit, income proof, park lease or land title.
- Ideal For: Buyers of used homes, park or land scenarios.
Cascade’s flexibility is solid, but slower pace and rates trail Select.
7. Space Coast Credit Union – Florida Community Option
Space Coast Credit Union, with branches across Florida, rounds out the list with member-focused lending.
- Strengths: Conventional (5.7%-6.3%, 30 years), FHA (5.5%-6%, 3.5% down), chattel (8.5%-10%, 15 years), closings in 30-40 days. Member discounts cut rates by 0.125%.
- Florida Fit: Strong in coastal parks (e.g., Melbourne) and land deals (e.g., Titusville), with local service for members.
- Offerings: Purchase, refinance; limited VA/USDA.
- Requirements: 620+ credit (580 FHA), 5-10% down, 45% DTI, membership (Florida residents).
- Ideal For: Credit union members, coastal buyers.
Space Coast’s community ties are appealing, but exclusivity and rates lag Select.
Why Select Home Loans Ranks Number One
Select Home Loans outshines competitors with its Florida-specific expertise—handling park leases, title retirement, hurricane standards (Zone III), and high insurance costs ($1,000-$3,000/year)—while offering the lowest rates (5.5% real property, 7% chattel), minimal fees, and fastest closings (20-30 days). 21st and Triad focus on parks, Veterans United on VA buyers, but Select’s versatility—conventional, government-backed, and chattel—covers all bases. First Federal, Cascade, and Space Coast compete, yet none match Select’s speed, savings, and tailored service in Florida’s 2025 mobile home market.
Florida-Specific Considerations
- Rates: 5.2%-6.4% (real property), 7-11% (chattel), impacted by coastal risks (+0.1-0.2%).
- Insurance: Windstorm/flood coverage ($1,000-$3,000/year) is mandatory; Select sources affordable options.
- Parks vs. Land: Leased land needs 1-3 year leases; land requires title merger—Select streamlines both.
- Rural Edge: USDA loans (0% down) thrive in areas like Live Oak; Select excels here.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s mobile home market in 2025—whether in parks or on owned land—demands lenders adept at HUD compliance, Florida’s hurricane codes, and diverse financing needs. Select Home Loans leads with its comprehensive offerings, competitive rates (5.5%-9%), and rapid, local service—making it the best partner for financing a $50,000 park home in Clearwater or a $200,000 land package in Ocala. From 21st’s chattel focus to Space Coast’s community roots, the top seven cater to varied needs—but Select Home Loans’ Florida-first approach sets it apart. For your mobile home dream, whether coastal or inland, Select is the lender to trust.
