First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Florida Edition

Buying your first home is a big deal. Here's everything you need to know as a first-time buyer in Florida.

What qualifies as a "first-time buyer"? In most Florida programs, a first-time buyer is someone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the past 3 years. This means even if you owned a home before, you may still qualify.

What documents do you need? - Government-issued ID - Last 2 years of tax returns - Last 2–3 months of pay stubs - Last 2–3 months of bank statements - Employment verification

What costs should you expect? Beyond the down payment, plan for: - Closing costs (typically 2–5% of the loan amount) - Home inspection fee ($300–$500) - Appraisal fee ($400–$600) - Moving costs

Florida-specific tips: - Florida has no state income tax, which helps with affordability - Homestead exemption can reduce your property taxes - Hurricane insurance is important in coastal areas - Many Florida suburbs qualify for USDA 0% down loans

The fastest way to start: Get pre-qualified. It's free, takes about 15 minutes, and tells you exactly what you can afford. Connect with a local Florida expert through our platform to get started.