If you’re looking to buy a home in Florida and plan to use an FHA loan, there’s one number you can’t ignore: the loan limit. It determines how much you can borrow, and could be the difference between your dream home and something just out of reach.
FHA loans are a popular option for first-time buyers, especially those who may not have perfect credit or a large down payment saved up. But they come with limits. These caps vary by county, and in a state like Florida, where property values swing wildly from one region to another, it’s important to know where your area stands.
Whether you’re shopping in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, or a quiet beach town along the Gulf, understanding the FHA loan maximum in your county is key. In this article, we’ll break down what these limits are, how they’re set, and what to do if the home you want costs more than the FHA allows.
What Is an FHA Loan Limit?
An FHA loan limit is the maximum amount you can borrow using an FHA-backed mortgage. These limits are set each year by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and they’re based on the typical home prices in each area. In places where homes are more expensive, the limits are higher. In more affordable areas, the limits are lower.
In simple terms:
FHA loan limits exist to keep the program focused on helping moderate-income and first-time homebuyers.
There’s no one-size-fits-all number for Florida. Some counties have higher limits because homes are more expensive. Other counties stick to the national “floor,” which is the baseline minimum set by HUD.
Also, the limits are different depending on the type of property. A single-family home has one limit, but if you’re buying a duplex, triplex, or four-unit home, the cap increases.
Understanding the limit in your area isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. Go over it, and you’ll either need to bring a bigger down payment or explore a different loan altogether.
2025 FHA Loan Maximums in Florida
FHA loan limits in Florida aren’t the same across the board, they depend on the county you’re buying in and the type of property you’re financing. The numbers are updated annually by HUD to reflect local home prices.
For 2025, most counties in Florida fall under the standard limit, but higher-cost areas have higher caps to match local housing markets.
Florida’s FHA Loan Limits for 2025 – Single-Family Homes
- Minimum FHA Loan Limit (most counties): $498,257
- Maximum FHA Loan Limit (high-cost areas like Monroe County): $1,149,825
Here’s a quick look at what that means in real life:
Keep in mind:
- 2-unit, 3-unit, and 4-unit properties have higher limits.
- If you’re planning to house-hack or buy a multi-family home, you may be able to borrow significantly more under FHA guidelines.
If you’re not sure what the limit is in your area, that’s something we at Select Home Loans can help you check in just a few minutes. We’ve helped buyers across Florida figure out what they qualify for, and more importantly, what kind of loan structure makes sense based on their goals.
Why FHA Loan Limits Matter for Florida Homebuyers
Loan limits might sound like a technical detail, but they play a big role in what kind of home you can actually buy using an FHA loan. In Florida’s competitive and often fast-moving market, knowing your county’s limit can help you avoid surprises and wasted time.
Let’s say you’re shopping in Orlando or Tampa, where the standard FHA loan limit is around $498,000. If the home you’re eyeing is listed for $525,000, you won’t be able to use an FHA loan to buy it, unless you can cover the difference out of pocket. That means bringing a larger down payment to stay under the limit, or considering another type of loan entirely.
Here’s why it matters:
- You could get priced out without realizing it.
Many buyers find a home they love, only to discover they can’t use FHA financing because the price exceeds the county limit. - It affects how much house you can afford.
If you’re relying on the low down payment benefits of FHA (as little as 3.5%), your price range needs to stay within those limits unless you’re prepared to make up the difference. - FHA limits vary more than you think.
A $100,000 difference between counties isn’t uncommon in Florida. Buyers moving between cities, like from Gainesville to West Palm Beach, might be surprised by how much loan eligibility changes.
Understanding where you stand from the beginning saves you time, frustration, and potential financing issues down the road. This is why one of the first things we do at Select Home Loans is help you check your local FHA limit, and figure out what’s realistically within reach.
How to Find the FHA Limit for Your Florida County
FHA loan limits are set county by county, and they’re updated every year, so if you’re buying in Florida, the first step is to find out what the current limit is where you plan to purchase.
Thankfully, you don’t have to guess. HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) maintains a public lookup tool that shows FHA loan limits for every county in the country.
Here’s how to check it yourself:
- Go to https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm
- Select “Florida” from the state dropdown.
- Choose the county you’re buying in.
- Click “Send” and you’ll see the limits for 1–4 unit homes.
It’s quick and free, but if that feels like one more thing to add to your plate, we’re happy to check it for you. At Select Home Loans, we walk buyers through this step every day. Whether you’re buying in a standard limit area or trying to purchase in a higher-cost county like Miami-Dade or Monroe, we’ll help you know exactly what you’re working with before you start house-hunting.
Getting clarity on your limit early helps you avoid wasting time on homes that fall outside of your financing range, and gives you the confidence to move quickly when the right property shows up.
What to Do If Your Target Home Exceeds the FHA Limit
Let’s say you’ve found the home you want, but it’s priced just above the FHA loan limit for your county. That doesn’t necessarily mean the deal is off the table. You’ve still got options, you just need to know what they are.
1. Make a Larger Down Payment
If the home costs more than the FHA limit, you can still use an FHA loan, you just have to cover the difference. For example, if the FHA limit is $498,257 and the home is $525,000, you’ll need to put down the extra $26,743 in addition to the standard FHA down payment.
This works best when the gap is small and you’ve got some savings to work with.
2. Consider a Conventional Loan
In some cases, especially if you have good credit and a solid income, a conventional loan might make more sense. These loans aren’t capped the same way FHA loans are, though they typically require higher credit scores and a larger down payment (often 5%–20%).
At Select Home Loans, we’ll help you compare both options side by side, so you’re not just going with FHA because it’s familiar, but because it’s the right fit.
3. Explore Down Payment Assistance Programs
Florida offers a number of assistance programs for first-time buyers. In some cases, these programs can help you bridge the gap between your budget and a home just outside the FHA limit, especially if you’re close.
We work with many of these programs and can let you know if you qualify.
4. Reevaluate Your Budget or Location
Sometimes the simplest option is to adjust your search. A nearby neighborhood, or even a different county, might offer homes that still meet your needs and fall under FHA limits. The key is knowing when to stretch and when to pivot.
FHA Loan Requirements (Quick Overview)
FHA loans are popular for a reason, they’re designed to make homeownership more accessible. But just like any loan, there are some basic requirements you’ll need to meet before getting approved.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what lenders (and the FHA) are looking for:
1. Credit Score
- You’ll need a minimum score of 580 to qualify for the low 3.5% down payment option.
- If your score falls between 500–579, you can still qualify, but you’ll need to put down at least 10%.
2. Down Payment
- 3.5% is the standard down payment for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher.
- That means if you’re buying a $300,000 home, you’d need around $10,500 as a down payment.
3. Steady Income and Employment
- FHA lenders want to see that you have a stable job history and the income to support the mortgage.
- Typically, they look for at least two years of consistent work or income.
4. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
- Your total monthly debt payments (including the new mortgage) usually need to stay under 43–50% of your monthly gross income.
- If you have very little debt otherwise, you may have a bit more wiggle room.
5. Primary Residence Only
- FHA loans are only for homes you’ll live in full-time. You can’t use one to buy an investment or vacation property.
6. Mortgage Insurance
- All FHA loans come with two types of mortgage insurance:
- An upfront premium (usually 1.75% of the loan amount, often rolled into the loan).
- A monthly premium, which is added to your mortgage payment.
- An upfront premium (usually 1.75% of the loan amount, often rolled into the loan).
These insurance payments help protect the lender, and make it possible for you to qualify with a smaller down payment and more flexible credit standards.
If you’re unsure whether you meet these requirements, don’t worry. At Select Home Loans, we’re happy to walk you through it step-by-step, help you figure out what’s possible, and even work with you to get FHA-ready if you’re not there just yet.
What to Do Next
FHA loans open the door to homeownership for thousands of Florida buyers every year, but knowing your local loan limit is key to making it all work. Whether you’re looking in a low-cost county or aiming to buy in a high-demand area like South Florida, understanding how much you can borrow upfront will save you time, stress, and potential financing headaches later on.
At Select Home Loans, we specialize in helping Florida buyers navigate every part of the process, from checking your county’s FHA limit to figuring out what loan fits your financial situation best. Whether you’re buying your first home, downsizing, or just exploring your options, we’ll walk you through everything clearly and honestly.
Here’s what we can help you with:
- Check your county’s FHA loan limit
- Review your budget and eligibility
- Compare FHA vs. conventional options
- Guide you through next steps, paperwork, and approval
No pressure. No confusing language. Just real answers from local experts who care about getting you into the right home.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Select Home Loans for a free consultation, let’s figure out how to make your Florida homeownership plans a reality.
