FL
Mortgage Broker Serving Florida - More Options, Better Rates
Matt Mayo is a personally licensed mortgage broker serving buyers across Florida — from Jacksonville to Miami and everywhere between. With access to 150+ wholesale lenders, I help first-time homebuyers, investors, veterans, and self-employed borrowers find loan programs that banks don't offer. Whether you're buying a condo in Tampa or a single-family home in Orlando, let's find your best path forward. Book a free consultation to see what you qualify for.
Book a Free ConsultationFlorida Loan Programs & Assistance
Florida Hometown Heroes (HTH)
Up to 5% of the first mortgage amount — capped at $35,000 — as a 0% deferred second mortgage. For full-time Florida workers in eligible occupations: teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, veterans.
First-time buyer, full-time Florida-based employment in qualifying occupation, income limits vary by county, minimum 640 credit score. Must pair with Florida Housing first mortgage.
FL Assist
$10,000 in down payment assistance as a deferred, 0% interest second mortgage. No monthly payments — due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
First-time buyer, must pair with Florida Housing first mortgage.
FL HLP (Home Loan Program)
Up to $10,000 at 3% interest, repayable in monthly installments over 15 years. Good for buyers who need a little more help than FL Assist and are comfortable with a small monthly payment.
First-time buyer, paired with Florida Housing first mortgage.
Lender-Specific DPA Programs
Through wholesale lender relationships, additional DPA programs that can cover up to 100% of FHA closing costs. Programs change frequently.
Varies by program. Only available through brokers with wholesale lender access.
2026 Conforming Loan Limits
Baseline Conforming
$832,750
High-Balance
$990,150
Why Work With a Florida Mortgage Broker?
Florida's mortgage market is competitive — lots of banks, online lenders, and credit unions fighting for your business. The difference with a broker is options. I shop your loan across 150+ lenders to find the best combination of rate, fees, and program fit. A bank can only offer what's on their shelf.
That matters especially in Florida, where the market varies so much between metros. What works for a $650K purchase in Boca Raton is a completely different strategy than a $280K townhome in Jacksonville. I build the loan around your situation, not around what's easiest for me.
What "150+ Lenders" Actually Means for You
It's not just about rate shopping — though that matters. Different lenders have different guidelines. One lender might count your rental income differently, or have a lower credit score overlay, or allow seller concessions that another won't. When I have 150+ options, I can find the lender whose guidelines fit your file best, not just the one with the lowest advertised rate.
For Florida buyers, this is especially important when it comes to condos. Not every lender will finance every condo project — FHA condo approval, HOA financial reviews, and building insurance requirements can all affect your options. I know which lenders are flexible and which aren't.
My Pre-Approval Actually Means Something
I don't hand out pre-approval letters based on a credit score and a conversation. I review your full financial picture upfront — income, assets, debts, and tax returns — so that when we issue a pre-approval, it holds up. In a market where listing agents are choosing between offers, a solid pre-approval from a broker who does the work upfront matters.
Your Florida Mortgage Broker
I'm personally licensed in Florida and work with buyers across the state. My office is in Long Beach, California, but I handle the entire process virtually — from the initial consultation through closing. I'm available by phone, text, or video, and I build the same relationships with Florida-based agents and title companies that I have here in California. You get the same attention whether you're buying in Lakeland or Long Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need for a down payment to buy a home in Florida?
It depends on the loan type and purchase price. FHA requires 3.5% — on a $400,000 home, that's $14,000. Conventional loans start at 3% ($12,000). VA loans require zero down. And with Florida's DPA programs like Hometown Heroes, many buyers reduce their out-of-pocket costs by $10,000–$35,000. I help clients figure out the right combination.
What is the FHA loan limit in Florida for 2026?
In most Florida counties, the FHA limit is $541,287 for a single-family home. In Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, it's $667,000. Monroe County (the Keys) has the state's highest FHA limit at $990,150. These limits cover the majority of entry-level and mid-range purchases across the state.
What is the conforming loan limit in Florida for 2026?
The conforming limit is $832,750 statewide, except for Monroe County where it reaches $990,150. Staying within the conforming limit means access to better rates and more flexible qualification guidelines. If you need financing above these limits, I have jumbo options with as little as 5% down.
What first-time buyer programs are available in Florida?
Florida has some of the strongest programs in the country. The big ones are Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000 in DPA for eligible workers), FL Assist ($10,000 deferred loan at 0%), and FL HLP ($10,000 at 3% over 15 years). Beyond state programs, many counties have their own assistance, and I have access to lender-specific DPA that can stack on top. Most buyers don't realize how many options exist.
Can I buy a home in Florida if I'm self-employed?
Yes. I work with lenders that offer bank statement loans — they look at your actual deposits over 12–24 months instead of your tax returns. This is a big deal in Florida, where a lot of buyers are business owners, freelancers, or gig economy workers. The rates are a little higher than conventional, but it opens the door when traditional financing says no.
What's the difference between working with a mortgage broker and a bank?
A bank offers its own products at its own rates. I shop across 150+ lenders to find the best fit for your situation — rate, fees, and program eligibility. For Florida buyers, that means access to DPA programs, specialty lender guidelines for condos, and competitive jumbo options that most banks don't carry. My job is to get you the best deal, not sell you one product.
Let's talk about buying in Florida
Take the 2-minute quiz and I'll personally review your options. No pressure, no obligation.
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