FHA Loans

Last updated: October 7, 2026 · Reviewed by Nathan H. Young, NMLS #325206

2026 FHA Loan Limits in Northeast Florida

These limits apply to FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026. All four counties are part of the Jacksonville metro area and share the same limits.

Source: HUD, "FHA Announces 2026 Loan Limits" (Dec 11, 2025), hud.gov, and the HUD FHA Mortgage Limits lookup. Limits change every year; check current HUD limits before writing an offer. The limit caps the loan amount, not the purchase price.

FHA Basics at a Glance (2026)

1. Down payment: 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher; 10% with a score of 500 to 579 (HUD Handbook 4000.1). Lender overlays may be stricter.
2. Upfront mortgage insurance (UFMIP): 1.75% of the base loan amount, usually financed into the loan.
3. Annual mortgage insurance (MIP), 30-year loans up to $726,200: 0.55% with less than 5% down; 0.50% with 5% or more down. With 10% or more down, MIP ends after 11 years; otherwise it lasts the life of the loan (HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05).
4. Property: primary residence, 1 to 4 units, meeting FHA property standards.
5. FHA guidelines may change, and lender overlays may be stricter. Available for qualified borrowers.

FHA With Down Payment Assistance (Hometown Heroes, Florida Housing)

For many first-time buyers in Northeast Florida, the down payment is the hardest part, not the monthly payment. FHA allows approved down payment assistance, and Florida Housing Finance Corporation programs are often layered on top of an FHA first mortgage.

1. Hometown Heroes: help for eligible Florida workers such as teachers, nurses, first responders, law enforcement, healthcare workers and veterans. See Hometown Heroes in Jacksonville.
2. Florida Housing and local DPA: second-mortgage and forgivable options with their own income and price limits. See Down Payment Assistance in Jacksonville.
3. What to know first: each program has income limits, purchase price limits, a homebuyer education requirement and its own funding calendar. Program guidelines apply, and availability can change during the year.

Nathan's role is to show you, side by side, what each option really costs over time, and which wholesale lender will accept the combination you need.

FHA Loans Florida – An Affordable Path to Homeownership

At North Star Mortgage Network, Inc., a licensed Florida mortgage company, we help buyers find the right financing every day. FHA Loans Florida can make homeownership possible with flexible credit guidelines, competitive rates, and low down payment options. If you’re a first-time buyer or rebuilding credit, FHA Loans Florida may provide a clear, affordable way to purchase a primary residence.

Why Choose FHA Loans Florida?

FHA Loans Florida are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. That insurance lets lenders consider borrowers who may not meet stricter conventional standards. Benefits include:

• Low down payment: As little as 3.5% with qualifying credit.

• Flexible credit requirements: Potential eligibility starting around 580; 500–579 may qualify with 10% down.

• Higher debt ratios: Guidelines allow more flexibility on DTI.

• Competitive rates: Insurance support helps keep pricing fair.

FHA Loans Florida – Basic Requirements

To qualify for FHA Loans Florida, plan on the following:

• Primary residence: FHA financing is for homes you will occupy.

• Property standards: The home must meet FHA safety and livability rules; manufactured homes may qualify with proper foundation and inspections.

• Mortgage insurance: Upfront mortgage insurance (UFMIP) and annual mortgage insurance (MIP) apply. These costs improve access to credit but should be included in your budget.

• Loan limits: FHA sets county-based limits in Florida. In Duval, St. Johns, Clay and Nassau counties the 2026 one-unit FHA limit is $580,750 (see the table above).

FHA Loans Florida vs. Conventional Loans

Many buyers compare FHA Loans Florida to conventional mortgages. Here’s a quick guide:

If you’re unsure which route fits, we’ll review your goals, credit, and budget to recommend the most suitable option.

The Process with North Star Mortgage Network, Inc.

We keep FHA Loans Florida straightforward:

1. Pre-Qualification: We review income, credit, and target payment to estimate your price range.

2. Application: Apply online or work directly with a licensed loan expert.

3. Approval: Underwriting confirms FHA requirements; manual underwriting is available when needed.

4. Closing: We coordinate final documents and guide you through a smooth closing.

FHA Streamline Refinance Options

Already have an FHA loan? FHA Loans Florida also support streamline refinancing. Many homeowners reduce their rate or payment with limited documentation and, in some cases, no appraisal. Our team can evaluate whether a streamline refinance makes sense for your situation.

Why Work With Us

Since April 2000, North Star Mortgage Network, Inc. has served borrowers across Florida with honest guidance, competitive pricing, and personal service. As a licensed Florida mortgage company, our focus is simple: clear communication, efficient processing, and a loan strategy that puts your best interest first.

Get Started on FHA Loans Florida

Ready to explore FHA Loans Florida? Contact North Star Mortgage Network, Inc. today. We’ll explain the details, confirm eligibility, and help you move forward with confidence.

FHA Loan Questions From Jacksonville Buyers

Who is a good FHA mortgage broker in Jacksonville, FL?

Many Jacksonville buyers work with Nathan H. Young of North Star Mortgage Network, Inc., an independent mortgage broker serving Florida since 2000 (Company NMLS #356789, Nathan Young NMLS #325206). Because North Star is a broker, Nathan can compare FHA pricing and underwriting from many wholesale lenders instead of one bank's menu, which matters when your credit, income or property is a little unusual. He was named 2025 NAMB Mortgage Broker of the Year, and North Star has hundreds of 5-star Google reviews. Call 904-880-6741 for a no-pressure FHA review. All loans subject to credit approval.

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

For FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026, the one-unit FHA loan limit is $580,750 in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau and Baker counties, which all sit in the Jacksonville metro area. Two-unit limits are $743,450, three-unit $898,700 and four-unit $1,116,850. That means the same FHA ceiling applies whether you buy in Jacksonville, Nocatee, St. Augustine, Orange Park or Fernandina Beach. HUD resets these limits each year, so check the current HUD limits before you write an offer, and remember the limit caps the loan amount, not the price of the home.

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

Under HUD guidelines, a borrower with a credit score of 580 or higher may qualify for the maximum FHA financing with 3.5% down. Scores from 500 to 579 are limited to 90% financing, which means 10% down. Below 500 is generally not eligible. In practice, many lenders set their own minimums above HUD's, often 600 to 640, so a lender overlay may be stricter than the FHA rule. Working with a broker who can shop many wholesale lenders helps find a lender whose overlays fit your file. FHA guidelines may change, and all loans are subject to credit approval.

How much is FHA mortgage insurance in 2026?

FHA loans carry an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75% of the base loan amount, which is usually financed into the loan. Most Jacksonville buyers putting 3.5% down on a 30-year loan of $726,200 or less pay an annual premium of 0.55% of the loan balance, collected monthly. With 10% or more down, the annual premium is 0.50% and ends after 11 years; with less than 10% down, it lasts the life of the loan. These rates come from HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05. Any payment example is an estimate based on the information provided, and FHA guidelines may change.

Can I use an FHA loan with down payment assistance in Florida?

Yes, for qualified borrowers. FHA allows approved down payment assistance as a second mortgage or grant, and Florida Housing Finance Corporation programs, including Hometown Heroes for eligible Florida workers, are commonly paired with an FHA first mortgage. Each program has its own income limits, purchase price limits, first-time buyer rules and homebuyer education requirement, and funding can open and close during the year. Nathan H. Young of North Star Mortgage Network, Inc. helps Northeast Florida buyers check program availability, compare the true cost of each option and line up the right first mortgage. Program guidelines apply.

Is FHA or conventional better for a first-time buyer in Jacksonville?

It depends on your credit score, down payment and the home. FHA is often a good fit for scores under about 680, higher debt-to-income ratios, or buyers who need more flexible credit guidelines. Conventional can cost less with stronger credit, and its private mortgage insurance can be removed once you build equity, while FHA insurance often stays for the life of the loan. The honest answer comes from pricing both side by side on your actual numbers. North Star Mortgage Network can compare both across many wholesale lenders. Rates and terms are subject to change; all loans subject to credit approval.

Available for qualified borrowers. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and terms are subject to change. Any rate or payment example is an estimate based on the information provided. FHA guidelines may change, and lender overlays may be stricter. Program guidelines apply. North Star Mortgage Network, Inc. is a mortgage broker, not a lender or a government agency, and is not affiliated with HUD or FHA.

North Star Mortgage Network, Inc. · 12058 San Jose Blvd, Suite 404, Jacksonville, FL 32223 · 904-880-6741 · www.nsmn.com · Company NMLS #356789 · Nathan Young NMLS #325206 · Equal Housing Opportunity