Short answer

An FHA loan lets Clay County buyers purchase with 3.5% down and a credit score of 580 or higher. The 2026 one-unit FHA loan limit in Clay County is $580,750. FHA works well here for first homes in Orange Park, Oakleaf, Middleburg and Green Cove Springs, and for manufactured homes on land in the western part of the county. You can pair it with down payment assistance if you qualify.

Last updated October 2026. Clay County is one of the most affordable places to buy near Jacksonville, and FHA is one of the most common ways buyers get in. Here’s how it works here.

FHA at a Glance (2026)

Item Clay County
Minimum down payment 3.5% with a 580+ credit score (10% with 500–579, where a lender allows it)
One-unit loan limit $580,750
Mortgage insurance Upfront premium (can be financed) plus a monthly premium
Gift funds Allowed from family and other approved sources
Seller help Up to 6% of the price toward closing costs and prepaids

Where FHA Fits in Clay County

Area What to know
Orange Park and Oakleaf Lots of starter homes and townhomes. Check whether a townhome is a true condo; condos must be FHA-approved or eligible for single-unit approval.
Fleming Island Higher price points, but many homes fall under the FHA limit.
Middleburg and Keystone Heights More land and older homes; the FHA appraisal looks at safety, roof and systems.
Green Cove Springs and Penney Farms Growing area along SR-16; new construction and resale.
Western Clay manufactured homes FHA can finance manufactured homes on land you own if they meet HUD standards and foundation requirements.

Down Payment Help in Clay County

Clay County buyers may be able to combine FHA with Florida Housing programs such as Florida Hometown Heroes and FL Assist, and with Clay County SHIP purchase assistance when funding is available. Each has income and price limits. See First-time buyers in Clay County.

The FHA Appraisal in Older Clay County Homes

  • Peeling paint on pre-1978 homes must be addressed.
  • The roof needs remaining life; active leaks are a problem.
  • Electrical, plumbing and heating must work safely.
  • Wells and septic may need tests in rural areas.

How It Works With North Star

  1. Soft pre-qualification. No Social Security number needed to start.
  2. Pre-approval with real tax and insurance numbers for your area.
  3. Compare. We look at FHA next to conventional, VA (if eligible) and USDA so you see which costs less.
  4. Close, often in 30 days or less depending on appraisal, title and documents.

Why Work With North Star

  • Independent broker since 2000. North Star Mortgage Network has served Florida borrowers for 25+ years. You can verify our license on NMLS Consumer Access (company NMLS #356789).
  • Many wholesale lenders, one application. We compare options side by side instead of selling you one bank’s menu.
  • Free second look at your Loan Estimate. Already have an offer from another lender? Send it over. We’ll review it at no cost and tell you plainly whether we can improve it. As a broker with lower overhead, we often can. If we can’t, we’ll tell you that too.
  • Built to close on time. We regularly close purchase loans in 30 days or less. Timing depends on the appraisal, title, underwriting and how quickly documents come in, so we can’t guarantee a date, but you’ll get a realistic timeline up front and updates along the way.
  • Recognized by our industry. 2025 NAMB Mortgage Broker of the Year and 2026 NAMB Influencer of the Year, with hundreds of 5-star Google reviews.
  • You talk to Nathan. Not a call center, and not a different person every week.

Related Guides

Common Questions

What is the FHA loan limit in Clay County for 2026?

$580,750 for a one-unit home. Limits are higher for two- to four-unit homes. FHA limits are set yearly and may change.

What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Clay County?

FHA allows 3.5% down with a 580+ score. Many lenders set their own minimums (overlays), so we shop lenders that fit your file.

Can I buy a manufactured home in Middleburg with FHA?

Yes, if it’s on land you own, built after June 15, 1976, on an approved permanent foundation, and meets HUD standards.

Can I use down payment assistance with FHA in Clay County?

Often, yes. Florida Housing programs and Clay County SHIP assistance can pair with FHA if you meet income and price limits and funds are available.

Is FHA or conventional better?

It depends on your credit and down payment. FHA often wins for scores under about 680; conventional often wins with stronger credit because mortgage insurance can be removed. We’ll show both.

How fast can an FHA loan close?

We regularly close purchase loans in 30 days or less, depending on the appraisal, title, underwriting and documents. We can’t guarantee a date.

Talk to North Star

Call or text 904-880-6741, request a quote, or apply online. Already have a Loan Estimate? Email it to nathan@nsmn.com for a free second look.

North Star Mortgage Network, Inc. | Company NMLS #356789 | Nathan Young NMLS #325206 | 12058 San Jose Blvd, Suite 404, Jacksonville, FL 32223 | 904-880-6741 | nathan@nsmn.com | Equal Housing Opportunity. FHA loans are insured by HUD/FHA; North Star is not acting on behalf of or at the direction of HUD or FHA. FHA guidelines and loan limits 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. This is not a commitment to lend.

Posted in blog, Mortgage Types