Loan Programs · Government-backed loans

USDA loans for eligible areas of Florida

USDA loans help moderate-income buyers purchase homes in eligible rural and some suburban areas with no down payment requirement. Most of coastal Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade is not eligible, but parts of Florida are. We help you find out quickly whether a home qualifies.

USDA Loans explained

The USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program is backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development office. It allows eligible buyers to finance a primary home in a USDA-eligible area without a down payment. Household income must fall within USDA limits for the county, and the home must be your primary residence. Loans carry an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee, and are subject to credit approval and program guidelines.

Who it fits

  • Moderate-income buyers purchasing in a USDA-eligible area
  • Buyers looking at western Palm Beach County communities or other rural parts of Florida
  • People relocating within Florida to a smaller town
  • Buyers without a large down payment saved

Florida specifics

  • Most of the coastal cities we serve, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale, are not USDA-eligible. Some areas in western Palm Beach County and much of inland Florida may be.
  • Eligibility maps change, so we check each address on USDA's eligibility site rather than relying on a ZIP code.
  • Income limits count the whole household, not only the people on the loan.
  • Flood zones are common in rural Florida, so we confirm flood insurance needs early.

How it works with Justin

  1. We check the property address and your household income against USDA eligibility tools.
  2. You get a preapproval if the numbers work, along with a comparison to FHA and conventional.
  3. After you go under contract, the appraisal is ordered and the file is underwritten by the lender.
  4. USDA Rural Development issues its guarantee, and then you close.

Documents to gather

  • Income documentation for every adult in the household
  • W-2s, pay stubs and tax returns
  • Two months of bank statements
  • Photo ID and Social Security number

Things to consider

  • Location and income limits rule out many South Florida buyers.
  • Processing includes a USDA review step, which can add time compared with conventional.
  • USDA loans are for primary residences only.
  • The guarantee fee and annual fee add to the cost, though the fees are often lower than FHA mortgage insurance.

Share a few details and Justin will tell you whether USDA fits, with real numbers for your loan.

USDA Loans: common questions

Is Boca Raton eligible for USDA loans?

Generally, no. Boca Raton and most coastal South Florida cities are outside USDA-eligible areas. Some communities farther west in Palm Beach County and many inland Florida areas may qualify, and we check each address on USDA's map.

Do USDA loans require a down payment?

No down payment is required for eligible buyers and properties. You will still have closing costs, which can sometimes be covered by seller credits. Approval depends on credit, income and program guidelines.

What are the USDA income limits in Florida?

USDA sets income limits by county and household size, and they update periodically. Because they count everyone in the household, we run your numbers on USDA's eligibility site for the specific county.

Can I use a USDA loan for a second home or rental?

No. USDA guaranteed loans are only for a primary residence that you will live in.

How is USDA different from FHA?

USDA does not require a down payment but limits where you can buy and how much your household can earn. FHA works anywhere and has no income limit, but requires a small down payment. We can compare both for the home you are considering.

Related loan programs

  • FHA Loans — FHA home loans in South Florida: low down payment, flexible credit, FHA condo approval and Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade loan limits explained.
  • First-Time Home Buyer Loans — First-time home buyer loans in South Florida: low down payment options, Florida Housing programs, condo tips and a clear path from preapproval to keys.
  • Down Payment Assistance — Florida down payment assistance: Florida Housing programs, Hometown Heroes and Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade county help for eligible home buyers.
  • Conventional Loans — Conventional home loans for South Florida buyers and owners: 2026 conforming limits for Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade, down payment and PMI basics.

South Florida areas where it fits

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