BARRETT HENRY | THE NOW TEAM
VA Loan in Florida
Everything you need to know about using a VA Loan to buy a home in Florida. Expert guidance from Barrett Henry, REALTOR® at REMAX Collective.
How a VA Loan Works
VA loans are mortgage loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and surviving spouses. The VA loan is hands-down the best mortgage product available in America — zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, competitive interest rates, and no loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement. For Florida buyers near MacDill AFB, the Naval stations in Jacksonville and Pensacola, or any of the state's 20+ military installations, the VA loan is the default choice.
In 2026, VA loans have no maximum loan amount for borrowers with full entitlement — meaning you can buy above the $806,500 conforming limit with zero down if the lender approves you. The VA funding fee ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount depending on your service category, down payment, and whether this is your first VA loan use. Disabled veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher are exempt from the funding fee entirely, saving thousands at closing. Florida's doc stamps ($0.70 per $100) and intangible tax ($0.20 per $100 on the mortgage) still apply.
Barrett Henry, Broker Associate at REMAX Collective and Military Relocation Professional (MRP), has 23+ years of real estate experience helping service members and veterans buy homes across Tampa Bay. Whether you are PCSing to MacDill, separating from service, or using your VA benefit for the first time or fifth time, Barrett can connect you with VA-specialized lenders and guide you through the entire process. Call (813) 733-7907 to get started.
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible service: 90+ consecutive days of active duty during wartime, 181+ days during peacetime, 6+ years in the National Guard or Reserves, or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability
- Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA — your lender can pull this electronically in minutes
- The property must be your primary residence (you cannot use a VA loan for investment properties or vacation homes)
- Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 580-620, though the VA itself sets no minimum score
- Debt-to-income ratio generally up to 41%, though many VA lenders will go higher with residual income qualification
- VA residual income requirement — after all monthly obligations, you must have enough leftover income based on family size and region (Southeast region for Florida)
- VA funding fee of 1.25%-3.3% applies unless you have a VA disability rating of 10% or higher (exempt veterans save $3,750-$9,900+ on a $300,000 loan)
- Property must pass a VA appraisal, which checks for Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) including structural soundness, adequate heating, and safe water supply
Benefits of a VA Loan
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Loans in Florida
Is there a VA loan limit in Florida for 2026?
For borrowers with full entitlement (meaning you have paid off or sold any previous VA-financed properties and restored your entitlement), there is no loan limit — you can borrow as much as a lender will approve with zero down. If you have reduced entitlement (a prior VA loan still active), the 2026 county loan limit applies, which is $806,500 for most Florida counties.
How much is the VA funding fee in 2026?
For first-time VA loan users putting zero down, the funding fee is 2.15% of the loan amount. For subsequent use with zero down, it jumps to 3.3%. Putting 5% or more down reduces the fee to 1.5% (first use) or 1.25% (subsequent use with 10%+ down). Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher are completely exempt — that is a savings of $6,450-$9,900 on a $300,000 loan.
Can I use a VA loan to buy a home near MacDill AFB?
Yes, and it is the most common loan type for buyers near MacDill. South Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico are all popular areas for military families stationed at MacDill. BAH rates for MacDill in 2026 cover a significant portion of mortgage payments in these areas. Barrett Henry holds the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation and specializes in helping MacDill-area buyers.
Can I use my VA loan benefit more than once?
Yes. Your VA loan benefit is a lifetime benefit, not a one-time use. Once you sell a VA-financed home and pay off the loan, you can restore your full entitlement and use it again. In some cases, you can even have two VA loans active simultaneously if you have remaining entitlement — common for PCS moves where you keep your previous home as a rental.
What happens if a VA appraisal comes in low?
If the VA appraisal is below the contract price, you have several options: negotiate with the seller to lower the price, pay the difference out of pocket, request a Reconsideration of Value (ROV) with additional comparable sales, or walk away using the VA amendatory clause with no penalty. Barrett has navigated dozens of low appraisal situations and can advise on the best strategy.
Do surviving spouses qualify for VA loans?
Yes. Surviving spouses of veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability are eligible for VA loan benefits, including zero down payment and no funding fee. Surviving spouses of veterans who died from non-service-connected causes may also be eligible if they have not remarried. Contact the VA or a VA-approved lender to verify your specific eligibility.
Insider Tips from Barrett Henry
If you have a VA disability rating, make sure your lender knows BEFORE closing. Exempt veterans save thousands by not paying the funding fee — and if you receive your rating after closing, you can request a refund of the funding fee from the VA. Barrett has seen veterans leave money on the table because their lender did not ask about pending disability claims.
VA loans allow the seller to pay ALL of your closing costs (called seller concessions) up to 4% of the purchase price. In the current market, many sellers are willing to contribute — always ask. On a $400,000 purchase, that is up to $16,000 the seller can cover.
Consider keeping your current VA-financed home as a rental when you PCS. You can use remaining entitlement to buy your next home with a second VA loan. This is one of the best wealth-building strategies for military families — Barrett can walk you through the math on whether it makes sense for your situation.
Florida has no state income tax, which means your BAH and military pay go further here than in most states. Combine that with the homestead exemption ($50,000 off assessed value for property taxes) and a zero-down VA loan, and your total cost of ownership is significantly lower than renting.
Questions About VA Loans in Florida?
Barrett Henry can connect you with trusted lenders and guide you through every step. Call (813) 733-7907 or fill out the form below.