Clear2 Mortgage is licensed across Florida and shops 50+ wholesale lenders to find the FHA rate and program that fits your situation. Low down payment, flexible credit guidelines, and a team that knows how Florida's insurance costs affect your buying power.
FHA loans are a strong fit for Florida buyers who want a low down payment or have a credit profile that doesn't meet conventional thresholds. As an independent broker, Clear2 shops the full wholesale market so you get the most competitive FHA rate available, not just what one lender offers.
FHA requires as little as 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. In a Florida market where median prices top $413,000, that is a meaningful advantage for first-time buyers and those rebuilding credit.
Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties carry an FHA limit of $621,000, giving buyers in those high-cost markets significantly more purchasing power under the FHA program compared to the statewide floor.
Florida homeowner's insurance averages $3,600 to $6,000 per year in coastal counties, and that cost counts toward your debt-to-income ratio. Clear2 factors total housing cost into every pre-approval so there are no surprises at closing.
Clear2 is licensed statewide in Florida. Whether you are buying in South Florida's high-cost areas or one of the more affordable inland markets, we know the local loan limit and insurance landscape.
FHA loans come with specific guidelines that vary by county in Florida. Here is what matters most for Florida buyers.
Most Florida counties: $524,225. Orlando (Orange County): $541,287. Jacksonville (Duval): $580,750. Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach: $621,000. Monroe County (Keys): $874,000. Your county's limit determines how much you can borrow under the FHA program without moving to a jumbo structure.
3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. 10% down if your score is between 500 and 579. FHA is more forgiving of recent credit events, including collections and prior short sales, than conventional programs.
FHA requires an upfront mortgage insurance premium (1.75% of the loan, typically rolled in) plus an annual MIP paid monthly. MIP on 30-year loans with less than 10% down lasts the life of the loan. Conventional with PMI can drop off at 20% equity, which is worth modeling for buyers who plan to put more down over time.
Florida homeowners insurance, flood insurance (required in FEMA flood zones), and windstorm coverage all count toward your debt-to-income ratio. Coastal buyers should budget $5,000 to $15,000 or more per year in total insurance. Clear2 builds this into your pre-approval from the start.
For buyers with 620+ credit and 5% or more to put down, conventional loans sometimes offer lower all-in cost due to PMI cancellation. For buyers below that threshold, FHA is typically the clear path. Clear2 runs both scenarios so you choose based on actual numbers.
Florida has one of the largest veteran populations in the country. Veterans who qualify for a VA loan typically benefit from no down payment, no mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. If you have VA eligibility, ask Clear2 to compare both options before committing to FHA.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation operates several programs that can pair with an FHA loan. Funding availability changes, so Clear2 verifies current status before advising on any program.
Clear2 Mortgage | Troy, MI — Licensed in Florida
Clear2 is an independent mortgage broker headquartered in Troy, Michigan and licensed in Florida. As a broker, we are not tied to one lender's products. We shop 50+ wholesale lenders to find the FHA rate that fits your Florida purchase or refinance.
Florida's insurance environment adds complexity to every pre-approval. Our team factors total housing cost into every scenario, so your FHA qualification reflects the real all-in payment, not just principal and interest.
Dominic Abdulahad brings deep experience helping Florida homebuyers navigate FHA qualification, insurance cost planning, and the wholesale lender market. He works directly with buyers across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, providing clear guidance from pre-approval through closing. Reach Dominic directly at (248) 230-5872.
Five-star reviews from Clear2 clients on Google.
"Donavin was straightforward and a breeze to work with. Communication was quick and easy. The whole process was seamless and he was available for guidance or questions. I would not hesitate to use Clear2 Mortgage in the future."
"Alex was absolutely amazing from the beginning. He was patient and thorough with all of our questions. He even followed up after the process was finalized to ensure everything was still good. I would recommend him to everyone!"
"The process was seamless and every question I had as a first-time home buyer was answered. My loan officer gave me his professional opinion based on my specific circumstances to personalize my loan."
What is the FHA loan limit in Florida?
It varies by county. Most Florida counties have a 2025 FHA limit of $524,225 for a single-family home. Orange and Hillsborough counties (Orlando and Tampa) are slightly higher. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties reach $621,000. Monroe County (Florida Keys) goes to $874,000. Ask Clear2 for the specific limit in your target county.
Does Florida homeowner's insurance affect my FHA approval?
Yes. Lenders include your annual homeowners insurance, flood insurance (if required by your flood zone), and windstorm coverage in your debt-to-income ratio. In coastal counties, total insurance can add $500 to $1,200 or more per month to your housing cost. Clear2 factors this into your pre-approval from day one.
Can I use down payment assistance with an FHA loan in Florida?
Yes. Programs like FL Assist (up to $10,000) and Florida Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000 for eligible occupations) can be paired with an FHA first mortgage through Florida Housing-approved lenders. Funding availability changes; Clear2 verifies current program status before advising.
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Florida?
580 or higher allows a 3.5% down payment. Scores between 500 and 579 require 10% down. Below 500, FHA is not available. Clear2 works with multiple wholesale lenders, some of which offer better pricing or overlays for borrowers toward the lower end of the FHA credit spectrum.
Is FHA or conventional better for Florida buyers?
It depends on your credit score, down payment, and the county you are buying in. For buyers with scores below 640 or limited down payment savings, FHA is usually the clear path. For buyers above 680 with 5% or more down, conventional often produces a lower all-in monthly cost once PMI cancellation is factored in. Clear2 runs both scenarios so you decide with real numbers.
How long does FHA closing take in Florida?
Clear2 guarantees a 30-day close on purchase transactions. FHA appraisals must meet HUD minimum property standards, so properties with deferred maintenance can extend the timeline. Getting pre-approved and under contract with a full documentation package in place keeps closings on schedule.
No obligation, no hard credit pull. Just a clear picture of what you qualify for from a broker who shops the full wholesale market on your behalf.
Clear2 Mortgage, LLC. NMLS #1911663. Licensed Mortgage Broker. 2600 W Big Beaver Rd, Suite 100, Troy, MI 48084. Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval, property appraisal, and underwriting guidelines. Rates and terms subject to change without notice.
