USDA mortgage lenders provide loans insured by the US Department of Agriculture and available to qualified individuals who are purchasing or refinancing a Florida home located in rural Florida areas approved by the USDA.
Florida USDA Mortgage Eligibility:
- The Florida home must be in a rural area: Search Florida USDA Approved Areas.
- The household income must meet: Florida USDA Income Limits.
Eligible USDA Counties Include:
- Jefferson County: 100% rural, with favorable terms and low interest rates
- Lafayette County: 100% rural, with favorable terms and low interest rates
- Bay County: Includes Panama City Beach and Lynn Haven
- Calhoun County: Served by the Marianna Area Office
- Franklin County: Served by the Marianna Area Office
- Gadsden County: Served by the Marianna Area Office
- Gulf County: Served by the Marianna Area Office
- Jackson County: Served by the Marianna Area Office
- Leon County: Served by the Marianna Area Office
- Liberty County: Served by the Marianna Area Office
- Wakulla County: Served by the Marianna Area Office
- Washington County: Served by the Marianna Area Office
USDA Loan Benefits
- 100% Financing – you can buy a home with no money down. In some cases, you can even finance your closing costs.
- You can refinance your home up to 100% of the value of your home.
- Low fixed-rate mortgage options.
- They are usually easier to get because the Government insures the loan so that there is much less risk to the lender.
- They can be used for Existing Homes, Foreclosures, or New Construction.
- Simple Loan Process.
- No Loan Limit. No Acreage Limit.
- There is No Prepayment Penalty.
- You can use the loan to repair or add to your home.
- Min 500+ Credit Flexible Qualifying Requirements.
Who is eligible for a USDA Loan?
Generally, USDA loans are available to anyone who meets minimum Florida USDA income requirements and credit guidelines and is purchasing a home or refinancing their home in an area not considered a major metropolitan area by USDA.
Some common misconceptions about USDA Loans:
- They are just for farmers – USDA Loans are not “just for farmers,” millions of people from all walks of life already qualify.
- FHA or Conventional Loans are better – USDA Loans often offer better terms (less mortgage insurance) than FHA or conventional loans.
- They aren’t flexible – Actually, USDA Home Loans can be used to buy a new home or refinance to a lower rate.
- Only certain people can qualify – Anyone who meets the income and credit guidelines can qualify for a USDA Home Loan.
- They are only for rural areas – Actually, USDA Loans are available in many areas that most people would not consider rural. For example, many small communities just outside of metropolitan areas like Jacksonville, Atlanta, Tampa, and Orlando, qualify as rural areas according to the US Department of Agriculture.
- They are harder to get than FHA or Conventional Loans – This just isn’t true. In many cases, USDA Loans are easier to get because the loans are guaranteed by the government.
Florida USDA Income Qualification Limits For 2025:
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Crestview – Fort Walton Beach – Destin, Walton County, Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, Palm Coast, Gainsville, Homosassa Springs, Jacksonville, Baker County, Lakeland-Winter Haven, North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, Ocala, Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Panama City-Lynn Haven-Panama City Beach, Pensacola-Ferry Pass, Brent, Port St. Lucie, Punta Gorda, Sebastian-Vero Beach, Sebring, Tallahassee, Wakulla County, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, The Villages, Bradford County, Calhoun County, Columbia County, DeSoto County, Dixie County, Franklin County, Gales County, Hamilton County, Hardee County, Hendry County, Holmes County, Jackson County, Lafeyette County, Levy County, Liberty County, Madison County, Okeechobee County, Putnam County, Suwannee County, Taylor County, Union County, Washington County
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | ||
| Household Size | 1-4 Person | 5-8 Person |
| Income Limit for USDA Guarantee Loan | $121,400 | $160,250 |
| Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall | ||
| Household Size | 1-4 Person | 5-8 Person |
| Income Limit for USDA Guarantee Loan | $130,500 | $172,250 |
| West Palm Beach-Boca Raton | ||
| Household Size | 1-4 Person | 5-8 Person |
| Income Limit for USDA Guarantee Loan | $123,100 | $162,500 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | ||
| Household Size | 1-4 Person | 5-8 Person |
| Income Limit for USDA Guarantee Loan | $119,950 | $158,350 |
| Monroe County | ||
| Household Size | 1-4 Person | 5-8 Person |
| Income Limit for USDA Guarantee Loan | $137,200 |
$181,150 |
USDA Rural Development still offers some great perks for eligible homebuyers including:
- Any eligible and approved Florida homebuyer can take advantage of USDA home financing, not just first-time buyers. No special Florida first-time buyer classes are needed to apply.
- 100% financing, no down payment
- Sellers concessions are permitted for closing costs
- Secure 30-year fix rate, with no early payoff or recapture penalty
- Reduced mortgage insurance costs (compared to FHA and Conventional loans) Even if you have the down payment for an FHA or Conventional loan, it’s a good idea to research USDA. The monthly mortgage insurance cost savings could be huge.
