St. Johns County is one of the most expensive places to buy a home in Northeast Florida, and a lot of buyers assume FHA won’t work there. It often does. Here’s what you need to know, from a Jacksonville mortgage broker who has helped Florida buyers since 2000.

2026 FHA Loan Limits in St. Johns County

St. Johns County is in the Jacksonville metro area, so it shares FHA limits with Duval, Clay, Nassau and Baker counties.

Property	2026 FHA limit
1 unit	$580,750

With 3.5% down, the $580,750 limit supports a purchase price of roughly $601,000, before the upfront mortgage insurance premium. That covers a good share of homes in St. Augustine, Fruit Cove, World Golf Village and parts of Nocatee. Estimate based on the information provided; FHA guidelines may change.

Where FHA Fits in St. Johns County

• St. Augustine and St. Augustine Shores: many resale homes fall well inside the FHA limit.
• World Golf Village, SilverLeaf and Shearwater: newer homes, often with CDD fees to account for.
• Nocatee and Ponte Vedra: higher prices; FHA works for some homes and townhomes, often with a larger down payment.
• Julington Creek and Fruit Cove: a mix of resale homes that frequently fit FHA.

The CDD Fee Trap

Many newer St. Johns County communities carry Community Development District (CDD) assessments on top of HOA dues. Both count in your monthly housing payment, which raises your debt-to-income ratio. Two homes at the same price can qualify very differently. We check the CDD and HOA amounts before you make an offer, not after.

FHA Basics for St. Johns County Buyers

• 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score for qualified borrowers
• Gift funds from family are allowed for the down payment
• Sellers can contribute toward closing costs, within FHA limits
• Upfront mortgage insurance of 1.75% (usually financed) plus annual mortgage insurance
• The home must meet FHA property standards

FHA guidelines may change. Lender overlays may be stricter.

Down Payment Help in St. Johns County

FHA can often be paired with down payment assistance for eligible buyers:

• St. Johns County SHIP Down Payment Assistance: a 0% deferred second mortgage, forgiven over time, for eligible first-time buyers up to 120% of area median income. Homebuyer education is required and funding is subject to availability.
• Florida Housing programs: including Florida Assist and Hometown Heroes for eligible buyers. See our Florida down payment assistance comparison.

Why Use a Mortgage Broker for FHA?

FHA rules are set by HUD, but pricing and overlays vary from lender to lender. As an independent broker, North Star compares FHA options from many wholesale lenders so you can see your choices side by side.

Related: FHA loans in Jacksonville · St. Johns County mortgage broker · Down payment assistance in Jacksonville · First-time homebuyer guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FHA loan limit in St. Johns County for 2026?

The 2026 FHA limit for a one-unit home in St. Johns County is $580,750. The county is part of the Jacksonville metro area, so it shares the same limits as Duval, Clay, Nassau and Baker counties. FHA guidelines may change.

Can I use an FHA loan in Nocatee or Ponte Vedra?

Yes, as long as the purchase price supports a loan within the FHA limit and the home meets FHA property standards. Many buyers in these areas combine FHA with a larger down payment or seller-paid closing costs.

How do CDD fees affect an FHA loan in St. Johns County?

CDD assessments and HOA dues are added to your monthly housing payment, which raises your debt-to-income ratio. Two similar homes can qualify very differently because of these fees, so we check them before you write an offer.

What credit score do I need for an FHA loan?

FHA allows 3.5% down with a 580 or higher credit score for qualified borrowers. Lender overlays may be stricter, and a higher score usually means better pricing.

Can I combine FHA with down payment assistance in St. Johns County?

Often, yes. Florida Housing programs and St. Johns County’s SHIP down payment assistance can work with FHA first mortgages for eligible buyers. Funding is limited and program guidelines apply.

Talk to North Star

Call 904-880-6741, get a rate quote, or apply online. You talk to Nathan, not a call center.

North Star Mortgage Network, Inc. | Company NMLS #356789 | Nathan Young NMLS #325206 | 12058 San Jose Blvd, Suite 404, Jacksonville, FL 32223 | 904-880-6741 | Equal Housing Opportunity. FHA guidelines may change; lender overlays may be stricter. Rates, payments and terms are estimates based on the information provided and are subject to change. All loans subject to credit approval. Available for qualified borrowers; program guidelines apply.