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LOAN PROGRAMS THAT WE OFFER
FLORIDA & TEXAS LICENSED
FHA, VA, Conventional, and USDA loans. Florida's Hometown Heroes program, My First Texas Home, down payment assistance, and more. Get your pre-approval letter in 24 hours.
NMLS # 2230854 OFFICE: 407-576-6746 WWW.LOANDEPOT.COM/ARIELJENKINS
LOAN PROGRAMS
Every Loan Type Florida Buyers Need
From first - time buyers to veterans to investors - we have the right loan to match your situation and goals.
FHA Loans
The most popular option for first-time buyers. Only 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. Flexible debt-to-income ratios accepted. FHA limit in most FL counties is $524,225 for 2025
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Conventional
Best for buyers with 680+ credit scores. As low as 3% down. PMI drops off once you hit 20% equity. Florida conforming limit up to $806,500.
VA Loans
Exclusively for veterans, active-duty, and eligible surviving spouses. $0 down payment, no PMI, and some of the lowest rates available. The most valuable benefit you've earned.
USDA Loans
For rural and suburban Florida buyers. No down payment required, low mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. Eligible in many Central and North Florida areas.
Jumbo Loans
Financing above the $806,500 conforming limit for luxury properties in Miami, Palm Beach, Naples, and other high-value FL markets. Competitive rates for well-qualified buyers.
Non-QM
Also known as Bank Statement loans are for Self-employed, freelancers, and business owners — qualify using bank statements instead of W-2s. Perfect for Florida's large self-employed workforce.
Refinance
Lower your rate, reduce your term, or tap your home's equity. Rate-and-term or cash-out refinancing available. Many FL homeowners can still save even in today's market.
Renovation
Finance your renovation and mortgage in a single loan with one closing. Ideal for new homes that need any kind of upgrade.
HOW IT WORKS
Four easy steps to your New Florida Home
Whether you're buying in Orlando, Tampa, Houston or Dallas - the process is the same. We make it simple.
1
Get Pre-Approved
Submit a quick application online. We review income, credit, and assets — and issue your pre-approval letter within 24 hours. This is your power move in any competitive market.
2
Find Your Home
Your pre-approval opens doors. In fast-moving FL and TX markets, sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously. We're available when your Realtor needs a letter updated on short notice.
3
Loan Processing
We manage appraisal, title, insurance verification, and underwriting. You'll get clear status updates throughout — zero surprises at the closing table.
4
Close & Celebrate
We walk you through your Closing Disclosure line by line. No hidden fees. No last-minute surprises. Just the keys to your new Florida or Texas home.
FLORIDA EXCLUSIVE
State Programs That Save You Money
Florida offers some of the best homebuyer assistance programs in the country. Don't leave free money on the table.
Florida Hometown Heroes Program
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Below-market interest rates on FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional
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Up to 5% down payment assistance (max $35,000)
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Zero-interest second mortgage on assistance
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Must be a first-time buyer purchasing a primary residence
Florida Homebuyer Program
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30-year fixed-rate mortgage at competitive rates
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640+ credit score required
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Income and purchase price limits by county
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Must be first-time buyer (or not owned in 3 years)
Down Payment Assistance Options
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Florida Assist: Up to $10,000 zero-interest deferred loan
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FL HLP: Up to $10,000 with low $69/mo payments
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HFA Advantage PLUS: Up to 5%, forgiven over 5 years
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City programs: Tampa, St. Pete, Tallahassee, Pensacola & more
Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan
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30-year fixed mortgage at below-market rates
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Reduced lender fees at closing
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Multiple down payment assistance options available
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Can be combined with VA loan benefits
TOP QUESTIONS
What Florida Home Buyers Ask Most
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Florida? + For an FHA loan, you need a minimum 580 credit score for 3.5% down (or 500–579 with 10% down). Conventional loans typically require 620+, but you'll get better rates with 680+. VA and USDA loans have no official minimum but lenders generally require 580–620. We work with all credit profiles and can help you build your score before applying.
How much do I need for a down payment in Florida? + As little as 0% with VA or USDA loans. FHA requires 3.5% down. Conventional loans start at 3%. On a $400,000 Florida home, that's $12,000–$14,000 minimum. Add 2–5% for closing costs. Florida's down payment assistance programs can cover much or all of this — ask us about Hometown Heroes and FL Assist programs.
What are current mortgage rates in Florida? + In 2026, Florida mortgage rates for well-qualified buyers generally range depending on loan type, credit score, and down payment. VA loans typically offer the lowest rates. Rates change daily — contact us for your personalized quote, which is the only number that truly matters for your budget.
How long does mortgage pre-approval take in Florida? + We provide pre-approval letters within 24 hours of receiving your complete application. Full underwriting and loan closing typically takes 21–45 days. In competitive FL markets, having your pre-approval ready before you start home shopping is essential — sellers won't consider offers without it.
Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed in Florida? + Absolutely. Self-employed buyers qualify using 2 years of tax returns (conventional/FHA) or bank statements (Non-QM loans). Florida has a large self-employed and gig-economy workforce, and we specialize in structuring loans that reflect your true income — not just what shows on a W-2.
How much are closing costs in Florida? + Closing costs in Florida typically run 2–5% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, expect $8,000–$20,000. This includes lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, prepaid taxes, and insurance. Some loan programs and sellers can cover a portion. We'll give you a Loan Estimate upfront with exact numbers — no surprises.
Is 2026 a good time to buy a home in Florida? + Inventory in Florida is higher than pandemic-era lows, giving buyers more negotiating power. Rates have eased slightly from 2024 peaks. The key insight: waiting for "perfect" rates while prices climb often costs more than acting now. The best time to buy is when your finances are ready and you find the right home.
What is homeowners insurance like in Florida? + Florida homeowners insurance averages over $5,000/year — more than double the national average — due to hurricane risk. Coastal properties can exceed $8,000–$10,000/year. All lenders require insurance including windstorm coverage before closing. Get insurance quotes early in your search so it's factored into your budget. Flood insurance may also be required in certain zones.
What is the Hometown Heroes program in Florida? + Florida's Hometown Heroes program offers below-market interest rates and up to 5% down payment assistance (max $35,000) for frontline workers: teachers, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement, military, and more. The assistance is a zero-interest second mortgage. You must be a first-time buyer purchasing a primary residence. We are certified to process Hometown Heroes loans.
What are property taxes like in Florida? + Florida's average effective property tax rate is about 0.8–1.2% of assessed value. The Homestead Exemption reduces taxable value by $50,000 for your primary residence. Florida's Save Our Homes cap limits increases to 3%/year for existing owners — but first-time buyers often face a "reset" to current market value, which can be significantly higher than what the seller paid.
What is the FHA loan limit in Florida for 2025? + The FHA loan limit in most Florida counties is $524,225 for a single-family home. Monroe County (Key West) has higher limits. The conventional conforming limit across most of Florida is $806,500. Anything above this requires a jumbo loan.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre- approval? + Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported information — it carries little weight with sellers. Pre-approval involves a hard credit pull and documentation review — it's a genuine commitment from the lender. In today's Florida market, only pre-approval letters are taken seriously by listing agents and sellers.
SERVING AREAS
Mortgage Loan Officer Near You - Florida & Texas
Whether you're searching for a loan officer near me, a home loan in Florida, or a mortgage lender in Texas — we serve every major city, county, and zip code in both states. Click your state or region below.
Florida
Miami & Miami-Dade
Mortgage lender in Miami FL. FHA, jumbo, and condo loans. Serving Coral Gables, Doral, Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, and all of Miami-Dade County.
Florida
Tampa Bay
Home loan officer in Tampa FL. FHA, VA, Conventional. Serving Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O' Lakes, and all of Hillsborough County.
Florida
Orlando & Central FL
Mortgage lender in Orlando FL. FHA, USDA, and Conventional. Serving Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford, Apopka, Winter Garden, Winter Park, and surrounding areas.
Florida
Jacksonville
VA loan officer in Jacksonville FL. Largest FL city by area. Serving Jacksonville, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Johns, and Duval County.
Florida
Fort Lauderdale
FHA lender in Fort Lauderdale FL. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and Broward County.
Florida
West Palm Beach
Mortgage broker in West Palm Beach FL. Serving West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, and Palm Beach County.
Florida
Naples & Fort Myers
Jumbo loan lender in Naples FL. Serving Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, and Collier and Lee Counties.
Florida
Sarasota & Bradenton
Home loan officer in Sarasota FL. Serving Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, North Port, Englewood, and Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Florida
St. Petersburg & Clearwater
Mortgage lender in St. Petersburg FL. Serving St. Pete, Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, Dunedin, and all of Pinellas County.
Florida
Daytona Beach & Space Coast
FHA loan officer in Daytona Beach FL. Serving Daytona Beach, Deltona, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Volusia and Brevard Counties.
Florida
Gainesville & Ocala
USDA loan specialist in Gainesville FL. Serving Gainesville, Ocala, Alachua, Newberry, and Marion and Alachua Counties. USDA eligible areas nearby.
Florida
Tallahassee & Pensacola
Home loan in Tallahassee FL. Serving Tallahassee, Pensacola, Panama City, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and the Florida Panhandle.
Florida
Port St. Lucie & Treasure Coast
Mortgage lender in Port St. Lucie FL. Serving Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Vero Beach, Sebastian, and St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River Counties.
Florida
Lakeland & Polk County
FHA mortgage lender in Lakeland FL. Serving Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Plant City, Haines City — one of Florida's most USDA-eligible corridors.
Florida
Key West & Florida Keys
Jumbo loan officer in Key West FL. Monroe County has higher FHA loan limits. Serving Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, and all of the Florida Keys.
