Clay County is military country. Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, the Florida National Guard’s main training post in North Florida, covers about 73,000 acres in the southwest corner of the county. NAS Jacksonville is just across the county line from Orange Park. Here’s how VA financing works for buyers in Clay County.

Who Is Eligible

• Veterans with qualifying service
• Active-duty service members
• National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service, including many who train at Camp Blanding
• Some surviving spouses

Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) confirms it. See our VA COE guide.

VA Loan Benefits

• $0 down for eligible borrowers
• No monthly mortgage insurance
• No VA loan limit with full entitlement
• Seller concessions allowed within VA rules
• Exemption from the VA funding fee for veterans receiving service-connected disability compensation

Available for qualified borrowers. VA guidelines may change; lender overlays may be stricter.

Where Military Buyers Look in Clay County

• Orange Park and Fleming Island: the shortest drive to NAS Jax.
• Middleburg and Keystone Heights: closest to Camp Blanding, with more land for the money.
• Green Cove Springs: a central location with access to both.

Watch Residual Income and HOA/CDD Fees

VA looks at residual income, the money left each month after your housing payment and debts. HOA dues and CDD fees count against it. Newer Fleming Island and Green Cove Springs communities often carry these fees, so we check them before you make an offer.

Florida Property Tax Help for Disabled Veterans

Florida offers property tax exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities, including a full exemption for those rated 100% permanent and total. See our disabled veteran property tax exemption guide.

PCS or Guard Orders?

If you’re relocating to Northeast Florida, our PCS to Jacksonville VA home buying guide walks through the timeline.

Related: VA loans in Jacksonville · First-time buyers in Clay County · Hometown Heroes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a VA loan in Clay County with $0 down?

Yes. Eligible veterans, service members and some surviving spouses can buy with $0 down. With full entitlement there is no VA loan limit; you still need to qualify for the payment. VA guidelines may change.

Do Florida National Guard members qualify for a VA loan?

Many do. Guard and Reserve members can become eligible through qualifying service, including six years of service or qualifying federal active-duty time. A Certificate of Eligibility confirms it.

Is Camp Blanding in Clay County?

Yes. Camp Blanding Joint Training Center sits in southwestern Clay County near Starke and Keystone Heights. It is the Florida National Guard’s primary training site in North Florida.

What is VA residual income?

VA checks how much money is left each month after your housing payment and debts, based on family size and region. HOA and CDD fees reduce residual income, so we check them early.

Can I combine a VA loan with Hometown Heroes?

Hometown Heroes can be paired with eligible first mortgages, including VA, for qualified buyers. Funds are 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. VA 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.