FHA Loan Requirements in Florida

Every credit, income, down payment, and property rule you need to meet for an FHA loan in Florida — explained in plain English. Licensed FL FHA mortgage broker NMLS# 1859012.

By Onias Derilus, Mortgage Capital · NMLS# 1859012 · Last Updated: June 2026

FHA loan requirements in Florida are built to open the door for first-time and credit-challenged buyers. You need a 580 credit score for 3.5% down, steady income, and a property that meets FHA standards. The full list is short, and most Florida buyers clear it easily.

Credit Score and Down Payment Rules

FHA sets the floor, but each lender can layer on its own minimum. The program itself is generous. A 580 score unlocks the headline 3.5% down payment, and scores between 500 and 579 can still qualify with 10% down.

Your down payment can come from your own savings, a gift from family, or a Florida down payment assistance program. FHA explicitly allows DPA second mortgages, which is why it pairs so well with Florida down payment assistance.

Income and Debt-to-Income Limits

FHA wants to see that you can comfortably afford the payment. Underwriters look at your debt-to-income ratio, which compares your monthly debts to your gross monthly income.

The baseline DTI cap is 43%. With strong compensating factors, such as cash reserves or a higher credit score, FHA allows ratios up to 57%. You will also need to document two years of steady employment, though job changes within the same field are fine.

FHA Property Requirements

Because the FHA insures the loan, the home itself must meet HUD minimum property standards. An FHA-approved appraiser confirms the home is safe, sound, and secure.

Common items include working utilities, a sound roof, no peeling paint on older homes, and functional heating and plumbing. Most move-in-ready Florida homes pass without issue. Condos must sit on an FHA-approved project list, which we check before you make an offer.

FHA Loan Requirements — FAQ