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Key Takeaways for Florida Home Buyers:

Here's what you need to know to get started if you’re looking at buying in the Sunshine State:

Average Home Prices in Florida

As of 2025, the median sale price for a single-family home in Florida is $389,400.

Average home price:

  • Miami: $595,318
  • Tampa: $380,451
  • Orlando: $383,548
  • Jacksonville: $292,392
  • St. Petersburg: $364,846
  • Fort Lauderdale: $524,139

Source: zillow.com/home-values

Average Home Size in Florida

The average size for a single-family home in Florida is approximately 1,800 square feet.

Average home size:

  • Miami: 1,190 square feet
  • Tampa: 1,625 square feet
  • Orlando: 1,831 square feet
  • Jacksonville: 1,759 square feet
  • St. Petersburg: 1,300 square feet
  • Fort Lauderdale: 1,302 square feet

Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/

Florida State Taxes

  • Florida does not have a state income tax, allowing residents to keep more of their earnings and making it a popular destination for high earners and retirees.
  • The average property tax rate in Florida is around 0.80%, which is lower than the national average and helps make homeownership more affordable.
  • Florida’s sales tax starts at 6%, with local surtaxes pushing the total rate up to 8.5% in some counties, depending on where you live and shop.

How Much Can You Afford in Florida?

Recommended
Monthly Payment:
$750.00

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$750.00
$1050
$1350

Affordable Home Prices With Your Recommended Payment

$107,844.08 house with $9,804.01 down. (10%)

$117,648.09 house with $19,608.02 down. (20%)

$127,452.10 house with $29,412.02 down. (30%)

These examples use the loan term provided and assume a fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate of 6%.

Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs

Florida Assist (FHFC)

Florida Housing offers deferred 0% interest second mortgages (up to $10,000) to help with down payment and closing costs on FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans. Repayment is deferred until you sell, refinance, transfer title, or cease occupying the home as your primary residence.

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More about this program

  • Non-amortizing, deferred 2nd mortgage

  • Available to first-time home buyers, veterans, or those in targeted areas

  • Up to $10,000 in assistance with no monthly payments

  • Works with all four major loan types and must be through a Florida Housing-approved lender

Florida Hometown Heroes Program

Exclusive to essential workers (teachers, healthcare professionals, first responders, veterans, etc.), this program offers up to 5% of the loan amount (max $35,000) through a 0% deferred second mortgage.

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More about this program

    • Up to 5% assistance, minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000

    • 0% interest, 30-year deferred repayment 

    • Requires full-time employment with a Florida-based employer or military service

    • Minimum 640 FICO (660 for manufactured homes) and debt-to-income limits apply

    • Limited to one-time use per borrower

Essex + National Homebuyers Fund FHA Program

This down payment assistance program helps buyers get into a home with little to no upfront cost, offering up to 101.5% financing through an FHA first mortgage and a second lien.

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More about this program
  • FHA loan covers 96.5% of the purchase price
  • Second lien covers 3.5% or 5% for down payment or closing costs
  • Minimum credit score: 600 (660 for manual underwriting)
  • No first-time buyer requirement
  • No max DTI with DU/LP approval
  • Homebuyer education required (Fannie Mae HomeView – free online)
  • Non-occupant co-borrowers allowed
  • Eligible properties: Single-family homes, duplexes (2 units), PUDs, condos (agency approved), townhomes, manufactured homes allowed (except single-wides)

Lakeview National Community Lending Program

The Lakeview National program supports low- to moderate-income buyers with down payment assistance and flexible financing to make homeownership more accessible.

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More about this program
  • 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage
  • Second lien offers up to 4% for down payment assistance
  • Max LTV/CLTV: 97% / 105%
  • Income limit: Up to 140% of area median income (AMI)
  • Minimum credit score: 660
  • DTI: Lesser of 50% or AUS approval
  • First lien acquired by Lakeview; second lien from an approved DPA provider
  • Eligible properties: Single-family detached or attached homes, single-family homes with accessory units (must be zoned single-family), PUDs and condominiums, rural properties (must be residential in nature)

Churchill Mortgage is an approved lender for these down payment assistance programs. Contact us today to see if you qualify!

Frequently Asked Questions

Check our FAQs for responses to our most popular questions from Florida Home Buyers.

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How Much Should I Budget for Closing Costs in Florida?

Home buyers in Florida should budget between 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price for closing costs. This typically includes fees for the loan, appraisal, title insurance, inspections, and property taxes. Costs can vary depending on your location, lender, and the specifics of your loan. Buyers in South Florida, for example, may see slightly higher fees than in smaller markets.

Note that some costs are negotiable, and certain assistance programs may help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

You will receive your closing costs from your Home Loan Specialist in a Loan Estimate that you will receive after you apply for your home loan and in the Closing Disclosure document that is provided before your official closing day.

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What Are the Most Popular Home Loan Types in Florida?

In Florida, home buyers have access to a variety of mortgage options tailored to different financial situations and needs. The most popular home loan types include:

  • Conventional Loans: These are ideal for buyers with strong credit and stable income. They typically require a down payment of at least 3-5% and offer competitive interest rates.

    FHA Loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are designed for first-time homebuyers or those with lower credit scores. They allow for smaller down payments and more flexible credit requirements. 

  • VA Loans: Exclusive to veterans and active-duty military members, VA loans offer zero down payment options and competitive interest rates. c

  • Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): ARMs offer lower initial interest rates that adjust over time. They can be suitable for buyers planning to stay in their homes for a shorter period.

  • Jumbo Loans: For high-value properties that exceed conventional loan limits, jumbo loans are available. They typically require excellent credit, higher down payments, and a low debt-to-income ratio.

Each of these loan types has its own eligibility requirements and benefits. It's advisable to consult with a Home Loan Specialist to determine the best fit for your specific circumstances.

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How Can I Find a Trusted Local Florida Realtor to Work With?

Churchill Mortgage's experienced Home Loan Specialists work closing with a network of trusted, local real estate agents across the state of Florida. Just ask for a referral and we'll provide you with a professional who is committed to finding the right home for you.

 
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How Do Schools Rank in Florida?

Florida's public school system ranks in the top half nationally, with several districts and cities earning high marks for academic performance. Cities like St. Johns, Sarasota, Seminole, Martin, and Collier County are consistently recognized for their highly rated schools, based on test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness.

For families researching school quality in Florida, resources like GreatSchools.org, the Florida Department of Education, and local district websites offer school ratings, report cards, and performance data by city or ZIP code.

Reviews from Florida Home Buyers

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Christina and her team did an amazing job helping us buy our home in Florida. They were very thorough and communication was remarkable. We will be using them in the future."

Marya K.
Kissimmee, FL
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"My house hunting was a 1.5 year long ordeal. Joshua maintained constant contact and was always available (even weekends) to receive my calls and answer my questions. The entire Phillips team is very knowledgeable and very responsive. They all serve their roles well and do not delay in completing the various tasks required for preparing closing."

Bryan H.
Naples, FL
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Steve's team worked with my agent and the title company to make sure everything was processed quickly and accurately. When we had questions, Steve jumped on a call with us right away to make sure our questions were answered. The whole process with Churchill and Steve's team was seamless and easy. We now own our dream home in Florida!"

Julie T.
Sarasota, FL

4.9 / 5

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Over 100,000+ reviews from Homeowners!

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Florida Branch Locations

Zephyrhills, FL

937-672-7431

Visit the Branch Website

Zephyrhills, FL

Valrico, FL

813-967-3694

Visit the Branch Website

Valrico, FL

Churchill Loan Officers in Florida

Conforming and high balance allowed. Cooperative housing not eligible. Not all applicants will qualify. Not a commitment to lend. Other restriction or limitations to any program may apply.

This calculator is being provided for educational purposes only. The provided values for interest rates are examples only and do not reflect Churchill Mortgage Product terms & offers. The results are estimates that are based on information you provided and may not reflect Churchill Mortgage Product terms. The information cannot be used by Churchill Mortgage to determine a customer's eligibility for a specific product or service. All financial calculators are provided by a third-party and are not controlled by or under the control of Churchill Mortgage. Churchill Mortgage is not responsible for the content, results, or the accuracy of information.

These calculations are hypothetical examples designed to for illustration purposes only. Consult a Home Loan Specialist for more specific information regarding payments, terms, etc.

Sources:
https://www.attomdata.com/data/us-real-estate/wa/

As a responsible lender, Churchill Mortgage is committed to the principles outlined in federal and state lending laws ensuring all potential borrowers have access to the same information, services, and opportunities throughout the home loan process.