What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House in Florida?
By the Upwell Credit team · Updated
There is no single number. The score you need depends on the loan program, your down payment, and the lender you choose. Here is how the main options work in 2026, and what you can do now if your score is not where you want it to be.
FHA loans: the most common path for first-time buyers
FHA loans are insured by the federal government, so they allow lower scores than most other options. Under HUD rules, a score of 580 or higher can qualify for a 3.5% down payment. A score between 500 and 579 can still qualify, but requires 10% down.
The catch: many lenders add their own stricter rules, called overlays. In practice, a lot of FHA lenders want to see 620 or higher. If one lender says no at 590, another may say yes, so it pays to compare.
Conventional loans: the 620 rule changed
For years, conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae required at least a 620 score. That changed for applications created on or after November 16, 2025, when Fannie Mae removed the 620 minimum from its automated underwriting system. Freddie Mac had already dropped its own minimum.
That does not mean anyone qualifies. Lenders still pull your score, still weigh it heavily, and can still set their own minimums. Private mortgage insurance companies may set limits too. A lower score usually also means a higher rate.
Florida Housing down payment assistance: 640
Florida Housing Finance Corporation runs the state’s main first-time buyer programs, including down payment help. Florida Housing has required a minimum 640 score for its program loans. Income limits, purchase price limits and a homebuyer education course also apply, and program rules can change, so confirm the current requirements with a participating lender.
For many Miami buyers, this is the number that matters most. The difference between 620 and 640 can be the difference between getting down payment help and not.
At a glance
| Program | Published guideline | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| FHA | 580+ with 3.5% down; 500–579 with 10% down | Many lenders set a higher minimum (often 620) |
| Conventional (Fannie Mae) | No fixed minimum in Desktop Underwriter since Nov 16, 2025 | Score still weighed heavily; lenders and mortgage insurers may set their own minimums |
| Florida Housing programs | 640 minimum | Plus income and price limits and a homebuyer course |
What actually moves your score before a mortgage
No one can promise a specific score increase or timeline, and you should be cautious of anyone who does. These are the factors that generally matter most:
- Errors on your reports. You have the right to dispute information that is inaccurate or cannot be verified. You can do this yourself, for free, with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
- Payment history. Late payments weigh heavily. Getting every account current, and keeping it current, matters more than almost anything else.
- Credit card balances. High balances compared to your limits can pull your score down. Paying them down before applying often helps.
- New applications. Avoid opening new accounts in the months before applying for a mortgage.
- Collections. How a lender treats collection accounts depends on the loan program. Ask your loan officer before paying off old accounts, since the right move is not always obvious.
A realistic timeline
If you plan to buy in the next 6 to 12 months, start now. Credit reporting companies generally have 30 days to investigate a dispute, and payment habits take months to show up in your score. Pull your reports from AnnualCreditReport.com, the official free source, and note anything that looks wrong.
When it makes sense to get help
Many people handle this on their own. Others prefer help reading their reports, spotting what may be worth disputing, and organizing questions for their loan officer around a target loan program. At Upwell Credit we start with a free consultation, look at your situation, and tell you honestly what we can and cannot help with.
Sources
- HUD Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1 (FHA credit score and down payment rules)
- Fannie Mae removes minimum credit score for Desktop Underwriter loans (Orrick, Nov 2025)
- Florida Housing Finance Corporation: homebuyer programs
- CFPB: credit reports and scores
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum credit score for an FHA loan in Florida?
Under HUD rules, 580 or higher can qualify for a 3.5% down payment, and 500 to 579 can qualify with 10% down. Many lenders set their own higher minimums, often 620.
Do conventional loans still require a 620 credit score?
Fannie Mae removed the fixed 620 minimum from its Desktop Underwriter system for applications created on or after November 16, 2025. Lenders still weigh your score heavily and may set their own minimums.
What credit score do Florida Housing down payment programs require?
Florida Housing Finance Corporation has required a minimum 640 credit score for its program loans, along with income and purchase price limits and a homebuyer education course. Confirm current rules with a participating lender.
This article is general information, not legal, financial or mortgage advice. Loan programs and lender requirements change; confirm current requirements with a licensed loan officer. Upwell Credit is not a lender and does not guarantee loan approval or any change to your credit score. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information in your credit report yourself, at no cost.
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