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30-Yr Fixed6.627%APR 6.875%15-Yr Fixed5.840%APR 6.027%FHA 30-Yr6.125%APR 6.375%VA 30-Yr5.990%APR 6.210%Jumbo 30-Yr6.750%APR 6.910%
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Affordable Homeownership · Proven Opportunities

FHA Loan Programs

Government-backed home loans with low down payments, flexible credit guidelines, and options for nearly every situation — buying, refinancing, renovating, or tapping your equity. As a direct lender with in-house underwriting, 1st Florida Lending delivers faster answers and same-day approvals on qualified files.

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a division of HUD. Because the government insures the loan, lenders can offer more flexible qualifying guidelines than many conventional programs — making FHA financing one of the most popular paths to homeownership for first-time buyers, credit-challenged borrowers, and families with limited savings.

01.

FHA Standard Loan

The classic FHA-insured fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage for buying a primary residence with as little as 3.5% down and flexible credit qualifying.

Down payments from 3.5% for qualified borrowers, credit-friendly qualifying guidelines, gift funds allowed for down payment and closing costs, and both fixed- and adjustable-rate options.

Ideal borrower: First-time buyers, borrowers with modest savings, or anyone rebuilding credit after past financial setbacks — buying a first home, moving up with limited cash reserves, or purchasing after a credit recovery.

The everyday FHA program most Florida buyers start with — the widest lender acceptance and the simplest path to a 3.5%-down purchase.

02.

FHA Down Payment Assistance

Pair your FHA loan with state, county, or approved non-profit down payment assistance (DPA) programs that provide grants or secondary financing toward your required down payment and closing costs.

Assistance can reduce or cover the 3.5% down payment, comes in the form of grants and forgivable/deferred second liens, and can be combined with seller-paid closing cost credits. We help identify programs you may qualify for.

Ideal borrower: Buyers who can afford a monthly payment but haven't yet saved the full down payment — including Florida first-time buyer program participants, teachers, first responders, and other eligible professions.

The right add-on when income supports the payment but savings are the bottleneck. Works with FHA Standard, 203(b), and Condo purchases.

03.

FHA Zero Down Payment

A structured FHA solution that combines an FHA first mortgage with eligible assistance covering the entire down payment — allowing qualified buyers to purchase with little to no money down.

Little to no down payment out of pocket for eligible borrowers, keeps savings intact for emergencies and move-in costs, standard FHA credit flexibility applies, available with fixed-rate terms.

Ideal borrower: Qualified buyers with steady income and acceptable credit who prefer to preserve their cash for reserves, moving costs, or home improvements — including renters ready to own without depleting reserves and relocating families.

The most aggressive FHA structure for saving cash at closing — best when income and credit are solid and reserves matter more than a big down payment.

04.

FHA 203(b) Purchase Loan

FHA's flagship program under Section 203(b) of the National Housing Act — the standard single-family purchase mortgage used by millions of American homeowners for 1–4 unit primary residences.

3.5% minimum down payment for qualified borrowers, financing on 1–4 unit owner-occupied properties, rental income from additional units may help you qualify, and the loan is assumable by a future qualified buyer.

Ideal borrower: Owner-occupant buyers of single-family homes, townhomes, HUD-approved condos, or 2–4 unit properties (live in one unit, rent the others) — traditional buyers and house-hackers alike.

The FHA program 'FHA' really refers to for most people. Ideal for duplex, triplex, and fourplex owner-occupants who want rental income to help qualify.

05.

FHA 234(c) Condo Loan

FHA financing designed specifically for condominium units under Section 234(c), including units in FHA-approved projects and eligible single-unit approvals in non-approved communities.

Low down payment on condo purchases, single-unit approval options for select non-approved projects, standard FHA credit and income flexibility, and we verify project eligibility for you upfront.

Ideal borrower: Buyers seeking the affordability and lifestyle of condo living — especially popular across Florida's urban and coastal markets, downsizers, and first-condo buyers.

The right FHA route for a condo purchase. Before you fall in love with a unit, send us the address — we'll verify FHA project eligibility at no cost.

06.

FHA Streamline Refinance

A fast, simplified refinance for homeowners who already have an FHA loan — often with no appraisal, reduced documentation, and limited credit review, provided the refinance delivers a net tangible benefit.

No appraisal required in most cases, reduced income and credit documentation, faster closings than a traditional refinance, and reduced upfront mortgage insurance on eligible transactions.

Ideal borrower: Current FHA homeowners with on-time payment history who want a lower rate or payment with minimal paperwork — including borrowers moving from an ARM to a fixed rate.

The lowest-friction refinance available on any FHA loan. Ideal when your goal is a rate/payment reduction, not cash out.

07.

FHA Cash-Out Refinance

Replace your current mortgage — FHA or not — with a new, larger FHA loan and receive the difference in cash, using flexible FHA qualifying to unlock the equity you've built.

Access equity up to FHA's loan-to-value limits, consolidate higher-interest debt into one payment, available even if your current loan isn't FHA, and credit-flexible qualifying guidelines.

Ideal borrower: Homeowners with meaningful equity who need funds for debt consolidation, improvements, or major expenses — including borrowers who may not qualify for conventional cash-out.

Often more forgiving on credit and DTI than a conventional cash-out — the right tool when equity is strong but the credit file isn't perfect.

08.

FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan

Buy — or refinance — and renovate with a single loan. The 203(k) finances the purchase price plus repair and improvement costs in one mortgage, with Limited and Standard versions to match your project size.

One loan and one closing for purchase + renovation, Limited 203(k) for smaller projects and Standard 203(k) for structural work, loan amount based on after-improved value, and the low FHA down payment still applies.

Ideal borrower: Buyers of fixer-uppers, foreclosures, or dated homes, and current owners who want to fund improvements without a separate loan — kitchens and baths, roofs and HVAC, additions, accessibility upgrades, and bringing a distressed property up to standard.

The FHA answer to HomeStyle / CHOICERenovation — more flexible on credit, with a Standard tier that handles structural work.

09.

FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)

The FHA-insured reverse mortgage for homeowners age 62 and older. Convert part of your home equity into cash, a credit line, or monthly payments — with no required monthly mortgage payment while you live in the home and meet program obligations (taxes, insurance, and upkeep remain your responsibility).

No monthly principal-and-interest payment required while program obligations are met, flexible payout options (lump sum, line of credit, monthly, or a combination), non-recourse protection so you never owe more than the home's value, and HUD-approved counseling required before applying.

Ideal borrower: Homeowners 62+ with substantial equity who want to supplement retirement income, eliminate an existing mortgage payment, fund healthcare, or age in place.

The FHA-insured reverse mortgage. For higher-value homes that exceed the FHA HECM limit ($1,249,125 in 2026), a proprietary jumbo reverse mortgage may be a better fit.

10.

FHA Section 245(a) Graduated Payment Mortgage

A specialized FHA loan with payments that start lower and rise gradually on a set schedule — designed for borrowers whose income is expected to grow over the coming years.

Lower initial monthly payments, predictable pre-scheduled payment increases, multiple graduation plans to fit your income path, and standard FHA down payment and credit flexibility.

Ideal borrower: Early-career professionals, medical residents, and others with strong income trajectories who want a home now with a payment that grows with them.

Because early payments may not cover all accrued interest, the balance can temporarily grow (negative amortization). Best when your income growth is genuinely predictable.

11.

FHA 203(h) Disaster Victims Loan

Special FHA financing for homeowners and renters whose homes were destroyed or seriously damaged in a Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Area — with 100% financing available to help families rebuild or relocate.

Purchase a replacement home or rebuild, can be combined with a 203(k) for reconstruction, and compassionate underwriting for disaster-related credit issues.

Ideal borrower: Florida homeowners recovering from hurricanes or other declared disasters — replacing a damaged home, relocating, or financing reconstruction on your existing site.

The only FHA program that routinely allows 100% financing on a purchase. Paired with a 203(k), it can fund both the replacement structure and the reconstruction.

Basic FHA Eligibility

What most FHA borrowers need to qualify

Every borrower's situation is unique, but these general guidelines apply to most FHA programs. Final eligibility is determined during underwriting.

Credit Score

Generally 580+ for 3.5% down; scores of 500–579 may qualify with 10% down. Compensating factors matter.

Down Payment

As low as 3.5% — from savings, gift funds, or eligible down payment assistance programs.

Debt-to-Income

Guidelines commonly center around 43%, but higher ratios can be approved with strong compensating factors.

Employment & Income

Steady, documentable income — typically a two-year history, with flexibility for job changes and career growth.

Occupancy

FHA forward loans are for primary residences you'll occupy; 2–4 unit properties are allowed if you live in one unit.

2026 Loan Limits

One-unit FHA limits range from $541,287 (floor) to $1,249,125 (high-cost ceiling); limits vary by county.

These are general guidelines only, not a commitment to lend. Program terms, eligibility, and loan limits are subject to change and to full underwriting review. Not sure where you stand? That's exactly what pre-approval is for — and it's free.

Match Your Goal

Which FHA Program Is Right for You?

Match your goal to the program built for it. Still unsure? One quick call and our licensed loan officers will point you to the best fit.

Buy with minimal savings

FHA Standard / 203(b) — 3.5% down, flexible credit, gift funds allowed.

Buy with little or no money down

FHA Zero Down or Down Payment Assistance — assistance covers some or all of the down payment.

Buy a condominium

FHA 234(c) Condo Loan — condo-specific financing with low down payment.

Buy a fixer-upper or renovate

FHA 203(k) Renovation — purchase and renovation costs in one loan.

Lower your rate on an existing FHA loan

FHA Streamline Refinance — minimal documentation, often no appraisal.

Turn home equity into cash

FHA Cash-Out Refinance — flexible qualifying to access built-up equity.

Supplement retirement income (62+)

FHA HECM Reverse Mortgage — convert equity without a required monthly payment.

Buy now with income expected to grow

FHA 245(a) Graduated Payment — lower starting payments that rise on schedule.

Rebuild after a declared disaster

FHA 203(h) Disaster Victims Loan — up to 100% financing for disaster survivors.

Ready to see which FHA program fits you?

Tell us your goal, credit range, and target price — we'll match you to the right FHA program and quote your rate, payment, and out-of-pocket cost inside 24 hours.

FHA Loan Programs FAQ

Common questions about FHA financing, requirements, and how to get started.

Direct FHA Lender · Licensed in Florida & California · A+ BBB RatingWhen Banks Say No! We Say YES!®

  • Low Down Payment
    As low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers
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    Easier credit guidelines than conventional
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Disclaimer

Legal & Licensing Disclosure: All loans are subject to credit approval and property qualification. FHA guidelines, loan limits, and mortgage insurance premiums are set by HUD/FHA and updated periodically. Each lender may apply overlays in addition to FHA guidelines. Rates and programs subject to change without notice. Equal Housing Lender. © 2026 1st Florida Lending Corp. All rights reserved.