Whether you want a condo near Orlando, a family home in Lake Nona or new construction near Ocala, licensed broker Jason Sirounis guides you through every step and keeps the surprises out of the process.
Search HomesTalk to JasonHow to buy a home in Central Florida
Buying in Florida has its own rules: hurricane and flood insurance, HOA and CDD fees, condo reserve requirements and a fast-moving market. This guide walks you through the full process, with straight answers and no jargon. If you are buying your first home, start with our first-time homebuyer guide, then come back here.
Get pre-approved
Talk to a lender, share income and credit, and learn what you can comfortably afford. A pre-approval letter makes your offers stronger.
Set your budget
Look beyond the price: taxes, insurance, HOA or CDD fees and maintenance all change the real monthly cost.
Choose your areas
Compare commutes, schools, flood zones, new construction and resale. We cover Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Nona, Melbourne, Palm Bay and Ocala.
Tour homes with Jason
See homes in person or by video. Jason points out roof age, flood zone, HOA rules and resale potential you might miss.
Make a strong offer
Price, terms, deposit and inspection period all matter. Jason negotiates for the best terms, not just the lowest price.
Inspect and insure
Order inspections, get wind and flood quotes, and use your inspection period to renegotiate or walk away if needed.
Finalize your loan
Appraisal, underwriting and title work happen now. Keep finances steady and respond quickly to your lender.
Close and get your keys
Review the Closing Disclosure, do a final walkthrough, sign, and the home is yours.
Start with a real budget
The listing price is only the beginning. Your monthly payment includes principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, flood insurance if needed, mortgage insurance on smaller down payments and any HOA or CDD dues. In Florida, insurance and HOA fees can change a payment more than buyers expect.
Run your own numbers with our mortgage calculator, then ask Jason to introduce you to lenders he trusts so you know your true number before you fall in love with a home.
Use the Mortgage Calculator
How much cash do you need to close?
Here is an illustration for a $400,000 home. Your down payment depends on the loan, and closing costs usually add roughly 3% to 6% of the loan amount.
Which loan fits you
Most Florida buyers choose one of four loan types. The right one depends on your down payment, credit and whether you qualify for a special program.
Flexible and widely used
- As little as 3% to 5% down
- Better credit usually means better rates
- Private mortgage insurance drops off at about 20% equity
Lower down payment
- 3.5% down with a 580 or higher score
- 10% down for scores of 500 to 579
- Upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75%, plus monthly premiums
- 2026 loan limit in Central Florida counties: $541,287
For veterans and service members
- No down payment for eligible borrowers
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- Competitive rates
Eligible areas
- No down payment in eligible locations
- Income limits apply
- Not available in every neighborhood
Programs, limits and rates change. Confirm current terms with your lender. FHA limit source: HUD 2026 limits for Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, Volusia and Marion counties.
What makes buying in Florida different
Homeowners and wind insurance
Premiums vary widely by roof age, construction and location. Get quotes before your inspection period ends, since insurance affects your payment and sometimes your approval.
Flood zones
Homes in FEMA high-risk zones with a federally backed mortgage require flood insurance. Check the flood zone before you make an offer.
HOA and CDD fees
Many newer communities have HOA dues and Community Development District fees that appear on your tax bill. Ask for exact numbers and what they cover.
Property taxes and homestead
Taxes reset to market value after a sale. Homestead protects your primary residence, and Amendment 3 raises the exemption starting in 2027. Read the buyer’s guide to Amendment 3.
Condos
Florida condo rules now put more focus on structural inspections and reserves. Review the association’s financials, inspection reports and special assessments before you buy.
New construction
New homes can come with warranties and modern systems, but contracts differ from resale. Read our Marion Oaks page to see new construction near Ocala.
From accepted offer to closing
Once your offer is accepted, the clock starts. Timelines vary by contract, but this is the typical path for a financed purchase.
Deliver your earnest money deposit within the contract deadline.
Home inspection, insurance quotes and negotiation. Standard Florida contracts often start with a 15-day period, but it can be negotiated.
Your lender orders the appraisal and verifies documents. Do not open new credit or change jobs.
Review your Closing Disclosure and confirm the home’s condition.
Sign, fund and get your keys.
Where we help you buy
Pick a market to see local information and live listings.
Buyer questions, answered
How much do I need to buy a home in Florida?
Plan for a down payment plus closing costs. Down payments range from 0% (VA, USDA) to 3.5% (FHA), 3% to 5% (conventional) or 20% or more. Closing costs for buyers commonly run about 3% to 6% of the loan amount, and you should also keep cash reserves for moving and repairs. A lender can give you exact numbers for your situation.
How long does it take to buy a home in Central Florida?
Most buyers spend a few weeks to a few months searching, then about 30 to 45 days from an accepted offer to closing on a financed purchase. Cash purchases can close faster. Preparing your pre-approval before you search shortens the process.
Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home in Florida?
You are not required to use one, but a licensed broker negotiates the contract, guides you through inspections and deadlines, and helps you avoid costly mistakes. Florida buyers also face unique issues such as wind and flood insurance, HOA and CDD fees, and condo rules.
What does homeowners insurance cost in Florida?
Florida premiums are among the highest in the country and vary widely by roof age, construction, location, flood zone and coverage. Get insurance quotes early, ideally before your inspection period ends, because the premium affects your monthly payment and sometimes your loan approval.
Do I need flood insurance in Central Florida?
If a home is in a FEMA high-risk flood zone and has a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. Even outside those zones, many buyers choose it. Ask your agent to check the flood zone before you make an offer.
What happens to property taxes when I buy?
Florida homes are reassessed to market value after a sale, so the seller’s tax bill is not a reliable guide to yours. Homestead exemptions can lower taxes on your primary residence, and Amendment 3 will increase the exemption starting in 2027. Read our guide for buyers and new residents.
Can I buy a home in Florida if I live out of state or part of the year?
Yes. Many buyers purchase second homes or winter homes. Financing, insurance, taxes and the homestead rules work differently for non-residents, so talk to Jason before you start touring.
Can I use down payment assistance?
Florida offers several programs, especially for first-time buyers, teachers, first responders, healthcare workers and veterans. See our first-time homebuyer guide for the programs and how they work.
Ready to find your Florida home
Tell Jason what you are looking for and he will send you homes that fit, plus a clear plan for the next step.
Search HomesContact JasonCall (407) 790-7341This guide is general information, not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice. Programs, rates and rules change; confirm details with a lender, insurer and attorney. Listing data is provided by MLS. FL Pro Brokers, Jason Sirounis, licensed real estate broker.