The USDA home loan program is limited to certain eligible areas deemed “rural” by the USDA/Rural Development. We frequently receive questions about the areas in Florida that are eligible for the program.
The USDA says that to be eligible a property must be in a rural community of fewer than 10,000 people, but there are exceptions to this rule. Some areas between 10,000 and 30,000 in a population are considered rural due to their distance from urban areas.
Questions? We are here to help 7 days a week. Please contact us by calling the number above, or just submit the short info request form on this page (mobile users will find the form at the bottom)
Broward, Monroe, Duval, Pinellas County and “most” of South Florida (Miami/Dade) are not eligible for USDA financing. The good news is about 80% of Florida IS eligible for USDA financing.
Some Florida USDA Mortgage Approved Locations Include:
Many locations outside of Orlando like Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee in Osceola and Polk County, may still be eligible.
Locations outside of Tampa like Riverview, Valrico, Ruskin, Sun City, Manatee County, Wesley Chapel, Odessa, and Pasco County still have approved areas.
Communities just outside of Jacksonville and Duval County, like St. John’s County outside of St. Augustine, Clay County, Green Cove Springs, and Nassau County still have eligible areas.
You can find the latest 2024 USDA map here to view all the eligible areas nationwide and even search for a specific property address. Sometimes “less info is better” when using the map search function, input the street number, and property address with zip code only (leave out the city/state) if you are having trouble. The Florida USDA mortgage map below shows the darker shaded areas that are NOT eligible. Everything else in white is an approved area.
Please note, in order to use the program the house is not required to have a “special” designation by USDA. This means any home listing (for sale by owner, realtor, etc.) is generally perfectly fine. Remember, the actual location of the property is the key factor.
The home must also meet the minimum HUD standard as it relates to livability and safety, pretty much the same as other government-backed loans. As long as the property is eligible according to the map, and in overall good repair, it should be eligible for financing through any USDA-approved lender, broker or bank.
Home buyers that need assistance checking a property’s eligibility should connect with us today for assistance.
Florida USDA Loan Advantages Include:
- 100% Financing, no down payment needed.
- The buyer’s closing costs can also be paid by the home seller, thus limiting out-of-pocket expenses.
- Closing costs can also be added to the buyer’s loan assuming the appraised value is high enough to support it.
- Safe and secure 30-year fix rate terms with low-interest rates. USDA Rural Housing is a Government backed program with no early payoff penalty.
- Not limited to strictly first-time buyers, all qualified home buyers can apply.
- Lower monthly mortgage insurance costs (PMI) when compared to Conventional or FHA loans.
- Lower credit scores are often accepted down to 620 for 100% financing. Even lower credit is acceptable for home buyers that have a 3.5%-5% down payment. More: Some helpful tips from FICO on how to improve your credit score.
Ready to get started or want to learn more about the USDA approval requirements? Just call us at Ph: 800-743-7556 or submit the Info Request Form on this page 7 days a week.
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Madeline Ortiz says
I’m buying a NEW single family house in Lakeside Landings, Winter Haven 33881. I check the eligibility map and says that the address in not located in an eligibility area.
Since the property is less that 4 miles form the next availability area, (just crossing US 27 HWY), it’s there could be an exception?
Your prompt response will be highly appreciated! Thanks
Madeline
USDA Mortgage Source says
No exceptions regarding the eligibility lines. thank you for your question.
Yvonne says
I have interest in St Petersburg. Which areas qualify? Apartment also qualify?
USDA Mortgage Source says
Pinellas county is not eligible for USDA loans. However, there are some USDA approved areas not far from St. Pete in Hillsborough and Manatee County.
Andrea Daise says
I want to purchase a home near Orlando what areas would apply?
USDA Mortgage Source says
Please see the USDA eligibility map here – http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do
Some popular locations around Orlando like Winter Garden, etc, are still eligible.
Joel says
How do I get more information on USDA Loans… looking in LaBelle FL
USDA Mortgage Source says
just submit the info request form on this page, or give us a call at 800-743-7556
Lee Ogletree says
Hi how do I go about applying for one of these loans , my credit is pretty fair but no down payment.
USDA Mortgage Source says
Just submit the quick info request form on this page to be contacted.
eva de lima says
I am interested to buy a house with the USDA program around ucf ( university central Florida) 32826 in orlando. Do you know if is eligible for usda.
USDA Mortgage Source says
That area would likely not be eligible – you can check all the eligible approved USDA locations in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties here
https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do
Lenny G says
Are there still homes in Pasco County that meet the USDA approval standards?
USDA Mortgage Source says
For sure, many locations in Pasco are still eligible for USDA Rural Housing.
ANGELA T MITCHELL says
Is Ocala Fl an eligible area for this loan???
USDA Mortgage Source says
Not the immediate area of Ocala, but some of the communities surrounding Ocala in Marion County are eligible.
Victor DiBella says
I will be relocating to central Florida in the next 24 months or so and was wondering if St. Cloud, FL would fall under an eligible area for a USDA loan? Also, if the down payment is below 20% , does that mean that a PMI will be applied to the loan?
Thank you
USDA Mortgage Source says
Select parts of St. Cloud are currently eligible. However, the eligible locations/ maps could change in the next few years. You can check any address or location in the map link included. The annual fee or PMI is required for all USDA loans.
Jacob M says
What about areas outside of Jacksonville in Clay County? Are they approved for a USDA house loan?
USDA Mortgage Source says
Yes, select locations around Green Cove Springs, etc.