What credit score do I need to buy a house in Florida?

Q: What credit score do I need to buy a house in Florida?

With an FHA loan you can buy with a 580 or higher and 3.5% down, or with 500 to 579 if you put 10% down. For conventional loans, Fannie Mae no longer requires a fixed minimum when the loan goes through its automated system, but many lenders still ask for 620 or more. VA and USDA don't set a single number: each lender sets its own.

The answer by loan type

FHA: with a 580 or higher you can make the minimum 3.5% down payment. With 500 to 579, the loan can go up to 90% of the value, so you put at least 10% down. Below 500, FHA isn't available.
Conventional: since November 16, 2025, Fannie Mae doesn't require a minimum score for loans that go through its automated system (Desktop Underwriter). The system looks at your whole profile. If the loan is underwritten by hand, the minimum is still 620 for a fixed rate and 640 for an adjustable rate.
VA (veterans and service members): VA doesn't publish a single number. You must meet VA's standards and the lender's.
USDA (eligible rural areas): the program has no fixed minimum score, but the lender can set its own.

If you're deciding between FHA and conventional, see FHA vs. conventional: the differences.

Why a lender may ask for more

The rules above are each program's rules. Every bank or lender can add its own requirements. That's why you often hear "they want a 620" or "they want a 640". If one lender says no, ask another: requirements vary from one to the next.

Your score also changes the price. A higher score usually means a lower rate and cheaper mortgage insurance.

What else lenders look at

Your payment history. Recent late payments weigh a lot.
Your debt-to-income ratio. That's your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Each loan type and each lender has its own limit.
Steady income. Usually two years of work, or of self-employment with taxes filed.
Savings. For the down payment, closing costs and a small cushion.

See how your numbers look in the home buying simulator.

How to raise your score before you buy

Pay everything on time. A single 30-day late payment can drop your score a lot.
Use little of your cards. The lower your balance compared with the limit, the better.
Don't open new credit or finance a car while you're house hunting.
Don't close old cards in good standing. They help the age of your history.
Check your reports and dispute anything that's wrong.

Be wary of anyone who charges to "erase" debts. No one can legally remove information that is accurate and current. Most negative information stays on your report for seven years.

Your credit reports, free

At AnnualCreditReport.com you can see your report from each of the three bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) free every week. The report doesn't always include your score, but it shows what lenders see. It's the official site. Watch out for look-alikes.

Buying with an ITIN

FHA and conventional loans normally require a Social Security number. If you have an ITIN, read Buying a home with an ITIN in Florida.

What changes in 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, FHA will also accept other score models (FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0) alongside Classic FICO. The 580 and 500 minimums stay the same.

This guide is general information, not a loan approval. Confirm your situation with a licensed lender. If you'd like, I can help you prepare your questions and compare offers in English or Spanish.