South Florida loan limits decide which mortgage you can use and how much you can borrow before you need a jumbo loan. For 2026, the limits went up again. Below are the exact numbers for Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, where they come from, and what they mean for your down payment.
What Are the South Florida Loan Limits for 2026?
Here is a quick summary for a one-unit home in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. All three counties share the same limits because they sit in the same metro area.
| Loan type | 2026 limit (one-unit home) | Set by |
|---|---|---|
| Conforming (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) | $832,750 | FHFA |
| FHA | $667,000 | HUD |
| VA (full entitlement) | No VA loan limit | VA |
| Reverse mortgage (HECM) | $1,249,125 maximum home value | HUD |
| Jumbo | Any loan above $832,750 | Each lender |
Conforming Loan Limits in South Florida
The conforming limit is the largest loan Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. For 2026, it is $832,750 for a one-unit home in most of the country, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency. That is also $26,250 more than in 2025.
The increase follows home prices. In fact, the FHFA raised the limit by 3.26%, the same rate at which average U.S. home values grew over the prior year. Some expensive markets get a higher limit, up to $1,249,125. However, Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach use the standard $832,750 figure.
Why does this matter? Loans at or below the limit usually get better pricing and allow smaller down payments. For example, some conventional loans allow as little as 3% down for qualified first-time buyers.
FHA Loan Limits in South Florida
Meanwhile, HUD sets FHA limits for each metro area based on local home prices. For 2026, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area uses these limits, according to HUD’s FHA limit lookup:
- One-unit home: $667,000
- Two-unit home: $853,900
- Three-unit home: $1,032,150
- Four-unit home: $1,282,700
With a credit score of 580 or higher, you can put down as little as 3.5%. So the largest purchase price for a single-family home with the minimum down payment is about $691,000. If you buy a duplex and live in one unit, the higher two-unit limit applies. Learn more on our FHA loans page.
VA Loans Have No Limit With Full Entitlement
Eligible veterans and service members with full entitlement have no VA loan limit, according to the VA. As a result, you can buy above $832,750 with no down payment, as long as you qualify for the payment. However, lenders still set their own maximums based on income, credit and the appraisal.
If you have used part of your entitlement on another home you still own, a limit may apply to your next loan. In that case, a down payment can make up the difference. Our VA loans team can check your entitlement for you.
Reverse Mortgage Limit for 2026
For a federally insured reverse mortgage (HECM), HUD caps the home value used in the calculation at $1,249,125 for 2026. Your home can be worth more. However, the amount you can borrow is figured as if it were worth $1,249,125. Read more about reverse mortgages.
What Happens Above South Florida Loan Limits?
A loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not buy jumbo loans, so each lender sets its own rules. Typically, that means:
- A down payment of 10% to 20%
- A higher minimum credit score
- Several months of payments in cash reserves
- Sometimes, a second appraisal on larger loans
Jumbo rates are not always higher than conforming rates. Still, the approval is stricter. See our jumbo loans page for current options, including programs for self-employed buyers.
How South Florida Loan Limits Affect Your Down Payment
A larger down payment can keep your loan under the limit. That can mean easier approval and better pricing. Here are two examples on a $900,000 home:
- 10% down ($90,000): The loan is $810,000. That is under $832,750, so it is a conforming loan.
- 5% down ($45,000): The loan is $855,000. That is over the limit, so it becomes a jumbo loan.
In other words, an extra $45,000 down changes the type of loan you get. Therefore, it is worth running both scenarios before you choose a down payment.
Check Your Numbers With a Local Broker
Also, limits change every January, and the right loan depends on your price, down payment and credit. We compare conforming, FHA, VA and jumbo options side by side at no cost. Call (754) 289-0196 or send us a message to see which loan fits your purchase.
