VA Loan Guide for Florida Veterans: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

If you served in the military, the VA loan is one of the most powerful homebuying tools available to you. As a Navy veteran with 15 years of service and two combat deployments, I have used VA loans myself and helped hundreds of fellow veterans do the same.

Here is everything you need to know about using a VA loan to buy a home in Florida in 2026.

What Is a VA Loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA does not lend money directly. Instead, it guarantees a portion of the loan, which allows lenders to offer better terms to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.

Top VA Loan Benefits

Zero down payment. This is the biggest advantage. You can finance 100% of the home price.
No private mortgage insurance (PMI). Conventional loans charge PMI if you put less than 20% down. VA loans never charge it.
Competitive interest rates. VA rates are typically 0.25% to 0.5% lower than conventional rates.
Limited closing costs. The VA caps what lenders can charge veterans in fees.
No prepayment penalty. You can pay off your loan early without any fees.
Easier qualification. VA loans are more flexible on credit score and debt-to-income ratio requirements.

Who Is Eligible for a VA Loan?

You may be eligible if you meet one of these service requirements:

90 consecutive days of active service during wartime
181 consecutive days of active service during peacetime
6 years in the National Guard or Reserves
You are the spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability

You will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove your eligibility. I can help you obtain this quickly, often in minutes through the VA's online system.

VA Loan Limits in Florida (2026)

For veterans with full entitlement (meaning you have never used your VA loan benefit, or you have paid off and sold a previous VA-financed home), there is no loan limit. You can borrow as much as a lender will approve you for with zero down payment.

If you have reduced entitlement (you still have an active VA loan), county loan limits apply. In most Florida counties, the 2026 conforming limit is $806,500.

The VA Funding Fee

VA loans do have a one-time funding fee that ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on your service type and down payment. This fee can be rolled into the loan. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation are exempt from the funding fee entirely.

VA Loans in Florida: What Makes It Different?

Florida is one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country. Additional state-level benefits include no state income tax, Florida property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and a large network of VA healthcare facilities throughout the state.

The Florida real estate market in 2026 continues to offer solid value compared to states like California and New York, making your VA loan benefits stretch further here.

How to Get Started

Getting started with a VA loan is simpler than most veterans expect. Call me at 850-346-8514 or click Apply Online on this site. I will pull your COE, review your finances, and have you pre-approved within 24 to 48 hours. From there, you can house-hunt with confidence knowing exactly what you can afford.