Florida VA loan requirements 2026.
$0 down payment. No private mortgage insurance. Competitive rates. VA loans are the most powerful home financing benefit available. And most veterans underuse it.
VA loan eligibility requirements.
VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and eligible surviving spouses. Florida has over 1.5 million veterans — the second-largest veteran population in the US.
Military Service
90 consecutive days active duty during wartime, 181 days during peacetime, or 6+ years in the National Guard or Reserves.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Required to confirm VA entitlement. We obtain your COE directly from the VA as part of the pre-approval process.
Credit Score
The VA has no minimum credit score requirement, but most lenders require 620+. We work with scores as low as 580 in some cases.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
VA guidelines prefer 41% DTI, but the residual income test often allows higher ratios for well-qualified borrowers.
Primary Residence
VA loans are for primary residences only. You must intend to occupy the home within 60 days of closing.
VA Funding Fee
2026 funding fee: 2.15% for first use (0% down), 1.25% for subsequent use (10%+ down). Waived for veterans with service-connected disability.
| Feature | VA Loan | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | $0 (0%) | 3–20% |
| PMI / MIP | None | Required if < 20% down |
| Loan Limit | No limit (full entitlement) | $806,500 conforming |
| Funding Fee | 1.25–3.3% | None |
| Credit Score | 580+ (lender varies) | 620+ |
| Appraisal | VA appraisal required | Standard appraisal |
Equal Housing Lender. Not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval and VA eligibility. NMLS# 1859012. Licensed in Florida.
Frequently asked questions about VA loans in Florida.
How much can I borrow with a VA loan in Florida?
There is no maximum loan amount for VA loans if you have full entitlement — meaning you have not used your VA benefit before or have paid off a prior VA loan. The county conforming limit ($806,500 in Palm Beach County for 2026) determines when a VA funding fee adjustment kicks in, but it does not cap your loan amount. Your lender's qualification limits based on income and DTI are what constrain the loan size.
Can I use a VA loan more than once in Florida?
Yes. You can use your VA loan benefit multiple times throughout your life. After selling a home purchased with a VA loan and paying it off, your entitlement is fully restored. You can also have two VA loans simultaneously in some circumstances — for example, if you are relocating and have not sold your first VA-financed home yet. Our mortgage team explains your current entitlement status as part of the pre-approval process.
What is the VA funding fee and can it be waived?
The VA funding fee is a one-time cost that replaces private mortgage insurance. For first-time use with 0% down, the fee is 2.15% of the loan amount. It is typically financed into the loan rather than paid at closing. Veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability are fully exempt from the funding fee. Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability are also exempt.
Can I use a VA loan to buy a condo in South Florida?
Yes, but only if the condo community is approved by the VA. The VA maintains its own approved condo list. Many South Florida condo buildings are not on the VA approval list. We can check the VA database for any specific building you are considering. If the project is not approved, we can sometimes request a spot approval for individual units, though the process takes additional time.
Is there a down payment required for a VA loan?
No. VA loans require zero down payment for eligible borrowers with full entitlement. You finance 100% of the purchase price. There are no loan-to-value penalties or PMI. This is one of the most significant financial benefits available to veterans and makes homeownership accessible without years of saving for a down payment.
You served. Use your benefit.
Our mortgage team will confirm your eligibility and obtain your COE at no cost.
Start VA Pre-ApprovalOr view all loan programs at Pure Equity Realty Mortgage Capital.