Buy a home in Orlando or anywhere in Orange County with clear numbers on loan limits and assistance.
Reviewed and updated October 3, 2026 by Ryan and Megan Winslow, Winslow Homes
Orlando draws first-time buyers, families relocating for work and buyers moving from the Northeast. New construction, lakefront homes and established neighborhoods sit side by side. This guide covers Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), conventional, jumbo and Florida Housing loans in Orange County.
| Item | 2026 figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Orange County FHA limit, one unit | $541,287 | source, October 2026 |
| Orange County FHA limit, two units | $693,050 | source, October 2026 |
| Orange County FHA limit, three units | $837,700 | source, October 2026 |
| Orange County FHA limit, four units | $1,041,125 | source, October 2026 |
| Orange County conforming limit, one unit | $832,750 | source, October 2026 |
| FHA minimum down payment, 580 or higher score | 3.5% | source, October 2026 |
| FHA minimum down payment, 500 to 579 score | 10% | source, October 2026 |
| FHA upfront mortgage insurance | 1.75% of the base loan | source, October 2026 |
| FHA annual mortgage insurance, 30 years, 3.5% down | 0.55% | source, October 2026 |
| VA loan limit with full entitlement | None | source, October 2026 |
| VA funding fee, first use, under 5% down | 2.15% | source, October 2026 |
| USDA upfront and annual guarantee fees | 1% and 0.35% | source, October 2026 |
| Florida Hometown Heroes | 5% of the first mortgage, $10,000 minimum, $35,000 maximum, 0% deferred | source, October 2026 |
| Florida Assist | Up to $10,000 | source, October 2026 |
| HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS | 3%, 4% or 5%, forgiven 20% a year over 5 years | source, October 2026 |
| Florida Housing minimum credit score | 640 | source, October 2026 |
| Documentary stamp tax on the note | $0.35 per $100 | source, October 2026 |
| Nonrecurring intangible tax on the mortgage | 2 mills (0.2%) | source, October 2026 |
| Orange County down payment help, lowest tier (50% of area median income) | Up to $70,000 | source, October 2026 |
| Orange County down payment help, low income (80% of area median income) | Up to $40,000 | source, October 2026 |
| Orange County down payment help, moderate income (120% of area median income) | Up to $10,000 | source, October 2026 |
Orange County's FHA limits sit at the 2026 national floor (source, checked October 2026). The county's down payment program was closed to new applications from September 6 to November 15, 2026, with reopening expected around November 16, 2026 (source, checked October 2026). It requires a homebuyer education class.
FHA loans allow 3.5% down with a 580 or higher credit score and 10% down with a score from 500 to 579 (source, checked October 2026). Expect an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75% and an annual premium of 0.55% on a typical 30-year loan with 3.5% down (source, checked October 2026).
Veterans and service members with full entitlement face no VA loan limit (source, checked October 2026). The funding fee on first use is 2.15% with under 5% down, 1.5% with 5% down and 1.25% with 10% down (source, checked October 2026). Veterans who receive disability compensation do not pay it (source, checked October 2026).
USDA loans serve eligible rural addresses with a 1% upfront fee and a 0.35% annual fee (source, checked October 2026). Most of Orlando sits outside USDA areas, so check the exact address before you count on it.
Hometown Heroes gives first-time buyers who work full time for a Florida employer 5% of the first mortgage, from $10,000 to $35,000, as a 0% deferred second mortgage (source, checked October 2026). It is not forgivable and comes due when you sell, refinance or move out (source, checked October 2026). Florida Assist adds up to $10,000 (source, checked October 2026). The HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS first mortgages add 3%, 4% or 5% in assistance that is forgiven 20% a year over five years (source, checked October 2026). Florida Housing programs need a 640 credit score (source, checked October 2026), plus income and price limits.
These programs close through participating lenders. Ryan and Megan tell you up front whether The Federal Savings Bank offers a given program on your file, and if not, they show you the trade-offs against the loans they do offer.
Lakefront homes sometimes sit in flood zones. Check the address on the federal flood map (source, checked October 2026). Flood insurance is required in zones that start with A or V on federally backed loans (source, checked October 2026). On new construction, compare the builder's lender incentive with your own lender's full cost, not only the monthly payment.
Your loan estimate lists every charge. In Florida, plan for:
New construction buyers often see community fees and builder deposits. Ask for every fee in writing before you sign the builder contract.
Ryan and Megan are Mortgage Bankers with The Federal Savings Bank and Florida real estate brokers through Winslow Homes, based in New Smyrna Beach. They review your full file before you shop, so your pre-approval holds up when you write an offer in Orlando. They compare every loan and assistance program that fits, with cash to close and monthly payment side by side.
Because Ryan and Megan know both the mortgage side and the real estate side, they catch insurance, condo and appraisal issues early. Start at winslowloan.com or use the program matcher.
$541,287 for a one unit home (source, checked October 2026).
$832,750 for a one unit home (source, checked October 2026).
Yes, up to $70,000, $40,000 or $10,000 based on income tier, with a homebuyer class required (source, checked October 2026).
The county expects to reopen around November 16, 2026 (source, checked October 2026).
A Florida Housing program with up to $10,000 in assistance (source, checked October 2026).
Ryan Winslow NMLS #2426605. Megan Winslow NMLS #2692933. The Federal Savings Bank NMLS #411500. The Federal Savings Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. Program terms, income limits and funding change. This is not a commitment to lend. Verify licensing at NMLS Consumer Access.
Instant answers on programs, payments, towns and homes, any time, in English or Spanish. Ryan and Megan follow up personally.
Estimates from your inputs only. Not a loan offer, rate quote or approval. Ryan and Megan, Mortgage Bankers with The Federal Savings Bank (NMLS #411500), confirm real numbers.
