Every Address Qualifies
FHA Construction Loans in Broward County — Build Anywhere with 3.5% Down
No eligibility map. No income cap. No military service required. The FHA One-Time Close builds a brand-new home at any address in Broward County — inside Fort Lauderdale, where USDA can't reach, or out in the county's acreage country — with land, construction, and your permanent mortgage in one closing.
Jim Blackburn · NMLS #1072866 · 7× Scotsman Guide Top Producer · $500M+ closed · (954) 993-1625
3.5%
Minimum Down
On the total acquisition cost — and gift funds from family can cover all of it.
$645,000
2026 Broward County FHA Limit
The maximum one-unit FHA loan amount here — set by HUD, county by county.
Anywhere
In the County
Fort Lauderdale and every town around it — FHA has no geographic restriction.
1
Closing · Start to Finish
One-Time Close: no payments during construction, automatic conversion at completion.
Key Facts & Highlights
Key facts about the FHA construction loan in Broward County
- FHA financing works at every address in Broward County — there is no eligibility map, no income limit, and no first-time buyer requirement. (HUD's 203(b) program)
- The 2026 FHA loan limit for a one-unit home in Broward County is $645,000 — HUD sets limits county by county, and this figure is Broward's. (HUD county loan limit lookup)
- Minimum down payment is 3.5% with qualifying credit — and 100% of it can be gift funds from family. (HUD Handbook 4000.1, down payment & gift rules)
- New construction is fully eligible through the FHA One-Time Close: land, site work, and construction in a single closing that converts to the permanent mortgage. (FDIC Affordable Mortgage Lending Guide)
- FHA's credit flexibility is the widest of the three government programs — qualifying is possible at scores conventional lending turns away. (HUD 4000.1 credit analysis guidelines)
- Broward County permits, inspections, and septic approvals run through the county offices linked below — the same offices your builder will work with. (Broward County permitting)
Every City. Every Address.
FHA builds in all of Broward County — no map to check
This is FHA's superpower here: USDA's eligibility lines exclude the urban core, and VA requires service history. FHA asks neither. Every community below — urban, suburban, or rural — qualifies at the same 3.5% down.
Coconut CreekCoral SpringsDaniaDeerfield BeachFort LauderdaleHallandaleHollywoodMargatePembroke PinesPlantationPompano Beach
Broward County has no USDA-eligible areas — but veterans can still build with $0 down. Compare the VA construction loan if you have service eligibility.
The Money Math
What 3.5% down looks like on a Broward County build
Hypothetical acquisition costs (land + construction), the minimum investment beside each — all inside Broward's $645,000 limit. Every scenario reviewed personally by Jim Blackburn, NMLS #1072866:
| Total project cost | 3.5% minimum down |
|---|---|
| $300,000 — starter build near Coconut Creek | $10,500 |
| $400,000 — family home outside Coral Springs | $14,000 |
| $500,000 — custom build, Dania area | $17,500 |
Every dollar can be gift funds. Seller/builder credits up to 6% can cover closing costs on top. Hypothetical figures — your Loan Estimate is the real document. Full worksheet on the FHA Closing Cost Calculator.
Three Programs, One County
Is FHA the right door for your Broward build?
Broward County builders have up to three government-backed paths. The honest comparison:
| Factor | FHA | USDA | VA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | 3.5% | $0 | $0 |
| Where in Broward County | Anywhere — Fort Lauderdale included | Eligible areas only (address check) | Anywhere |
| Income cap | None | Yes — county household limit | None |
| Who can use it | Anyone who qualifies | Anyone within the income limit | Eligible service members, veterans & surviving spouses |
| 2026 loan ceiling | $645,000 (county limit) | No set maximum (income-driven) | No limit with full entitlement |
| Credit flexibility | Widest of the three | GUS ~640 marker, manual possible | No official minimum |
$0 Down · Rural & Suburban
USDA in Broward County
Under the income limit and outside the urban core? USDA builds with nothing down.
USDA construction loans →$0 Down · Veterans
VA construction loans
Service-connected? Your benefit builds anywhere in the county with no down payment and no loan limit.
VA construction loans →The Junction
USDA · FHA · VA compared
The full three-way comparison — fees, ratios, geography, and construction paths side by side.
Compare all three programs → Build Resources
Broward County offices you'll actually use during a build
Permits & Inspections
Building Department
Permits, inspections, and fees for a new-construction home in Broward County.
broward.org Parcels & Values
Property Appraiser
Parcel search and property records for every lot in the county.
bcpa.net Septic Permits
Health Department
OSTDS (septic) permitting for lots outside sewer service.
broward.floridahealth.gov Utilities
Utilities Authority
Power and water service areas — or where well & septic take over.
broward.org County Directory
Settling into Broward County — every office in one place
Beyond the build: the civic links every new Broward County homeowner ends up needing.
Government
County Government
The county's official site — commissioners, departments, services.
broward.org Business
Chamber of Commerce
The local business network — including builders and trades.
ftlchamber.com Common Questions
Broward County FHA construction loan FAQ — 61 answers from the guidelines
Sourced from HUD Handbook 4000.1 and the One-Time Close program guides, localized to Broward County. Reviewed by Jim Blackburn, NMLS #1072866. Click any question.
Program Basics7 Q
What exactly is an FHA loan in Broward County?
It's a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which lets lenders offer low down payments and flexible credit standards. You borrow from a lender, not the government — FHA's insurance is what makes the friendly terms possible. In Broward County — including around Coconut Creek and Coral Springs — the same guideline applies.
Does FHA mortgage insurance ever go away in Broward County?
If you put at least 10% down (loan at or under 90% of value), MIP drops off after 11 years; above that, it runs for the life of the loan. Most borrowers who want it gone sooner simply refinance once they've built equity. In Broward County — including around Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale — the same guideline applies.
What are the FHA loan limits in Broward County?
FHA sets a limit for every county each year, and your total loan — including a construction budget — must fit under it. We confirm the current Broward County limit against your project on day one.
What is FHA mortgage insurance (MIP) in Broward County?
Two pieces: an upfront premium of 1.75% of the loan (usually financed in) and an annual premium paid monthly. It's the cost of the insurance that makes 3.5% down possible. In Broward County — including around Plantation and Pompano Beach — the same guideline applies.
Who is the FHA construction loan designed for in Broward County?
Buyers who want a brand-new home without a big down payment — first-time builders, growing families, and anyone tired of bidding wars on used inventory around Coral Springs and Dania. If you can qualify for an FHA purchase, construction may be within reach.
Are FHA loans only for first-time buyers in Broward County?
No — that's the most common FHA myth. Repeat buyers, builders of new homes, and refinancers all use FHA; there's no first-timer requirement anywhere in the program. In Broward County — including around Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale — the same guideline applies.
What property types can FHA finance in Broward County?
Single-family homes, FHA-approved condos, PUDs, 2-4 unit properties, multi-wide manufactured homes, and new construction through One-Time Close. If it's a home you'll live in, there's usually an FHA path. In Broward County — including around Margate and Pembroke Pines — the same guideline applies.
Eligibility & Credit8 Q
How long after bankruptcy can I get an FHA loan in Broward County?
Chapter 7: generally two years from discharge with re-established credit. Chapter 13 can work after just one year of on-time plan payments with court permission — one of FHA's most forgiving features. In Broward County — including around Pompano Beach and Coconut Creek — the same guideline applies.
I'm paid hourly with variable income — what extra documentation is needed on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
A written verification of employment is required on hourly income, and variable pay may need extra documentation — a letter explaining raises, bonuses, or job gaps. Nothing exotic; just a clear paper trail. In Broward County — including around Dania and Deerfield Beach — the same guideline applies.
Can I get an FHA loan with no credit score in Broward County?
Potentially yes — FHA allows non-traditional credit like rent, utilities, and insurance payment history in place of a score. It's a manual process, but it's a real path many programs simply don't offer. In Broward County — including around Hallandale and Hollywood — the same guideline applies.
How does FHA count my student loans in Broward County?
Your actual documented payment, or 0.5% of the balance if the report shows zero — a far gentler formula than programs that use 1%. For buyers carrying student debt, this rule alone can be the difference in qualifying. In Broward County — including around Pembroke Pines and Plantation — the same guideline applies.
What's the minimum credit score for an FHA loan in Broward County?
580 for the 3.5% down tier under FHA's baseline; scores from 500-579 can qualify with 10% down. Individual programs may set the bar somewhat higher, especially for construction. In Broward County — including around Coconut Creek and Coral Springs — the same guideline applies.
Can a family member co-sign on my FHA loan in Broward County?
Yes — FHA allows non-occupant co-borrowers, typically family members, to strengthen your application. It's one of the cleanest ways parents help adult children into a first home or a new build in Broward County.
I just started a new job — can I still qualify on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Often yes. A new job or an employment gap simply needs a letter of explanation, and a verbal verification of employment happens before closing. Career moves don't have to derail a construction timeline. In Broward County — including around Hollywood and Margate — the same guideline applies.
What's the maximum debt-to-income ratio for FHA in Broward County?
With automated approval, DTIs into the 50s are regularly approved when the rest of the file is strong. Manual underwrites cap lower, so compensating factors like reserves and residual income matter more there. In Broward County, the 2026 FHA loan limit is $645,000 — your file is sized against it.
Property, Land & Site7 Q
Are condos eligible for FHA in Broward County?
Yes, when the project in Broward County is FHA-approved — an approval that attaches to the whole development, not just your unit. We check the FHA condo list before you fall in love with a unit.
Can I buy land now and build later with FHA in Broward County?
FHA's construction financing is built to do both at once — land and build in one closing. If you buy land separately first, that's fine too; your equity in it counts when you're ready to build. In Broward County — including around Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale — the same guideline applies.
What are FHA minimum property standards in Broward County?
Safety, soundness, and security — no structural defects, working systems, safe water, and no health hazards. New construction clears these by default; they matter most when comparing a new build against an aging resale. In Broward County — including around Margate and Pembroke Pines — the same guideline applies.
Can I buy the land from a third party at closing on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Yes — the lot can be owned by you, the builder, or a bona fide third party, with a land contract separate from the builder's construction contract. Both close together in the single closing. In Broward County — including around Pompano Beach and Coconut Creek — the same guideline applies.
Does FHA allow leased land or land trusts in Broward County?
Standard programs require fee simple ownership — you own the dirt outright. Land trusts and most leased-land arrangements fall outside typical eligibility. In Broward County — including around Dania and Deerfield Beach — the same guideline applies.
What road access does my building site need on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
The property needs legal access — a public road or a recorded easement — passable year-round. Shared private roads work with a maintenance agreement, a common setup on rural Broward County lots.
What utilities does my site need for FHA in Broward County?
Safe water, sanitary waste disposal, and electricity — public hookups where practical, or private well and septic where they're not. Utility connection costs belong in the construction budget. In Broward County — including around Pembroke Pines and Plantation — the same guideline applies.
Construction & Builders18 Q
How is One-Time Close different from a traditional FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Traditional construction lending means two closings, two sets of costs, and re-qualifying for the permanent mortgage after the build in Broward County — with your rate exposed in between. One-Time Close collapses all of that into a single closing before construction starts.
What happens when construction is finished on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Final inspection, certificate of occupancy from the Broward County building authority, and the loan converts to its permanent phase automatically. Then you move in — there's no second approval process.
How do draws work for a manufactured home build on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
The first draw can pay for the home in Broward County before it leaves the factory — with the factory invoice and insurance in place — then the remaining draws follow site work and setup. Factory-built projects can be funded up to 80% of contract price before the final draw.
Are well and septic systems okay on an FHA new build in Broward County?
Yes — private well and septic are fine when public utilities aren't practical, subject to health authority standards and separation distances. That covers most rural build sites in Broward County.
Do FHA loan limits apply to construction loans in Broward County?
Yes — your total loan must fit within the FHA limit for Broward County, covering land plus construction combined. We check your budget against the county limit at the very start so there are no late surprises.
What credit score do I need for an FHA construction loan in Broward County?
FHA's baseline is 580 for the 3.5% down payment tier, though construction programs often look for somewhat stronger credit. If your score needs work, a short game plan now can put a Broward County build within reach in months, not years.
Can a family member be my builder on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
No — the builder relationship must be arm's length. A brother-in-law with a contracting license can't be your builder on this program, even if he's genuinely excellent at what he does. In Broward County — including around Margate and Pembroke Pines — the same guideline applies.
Do I make mortgage payments while my home is being built on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
On most FHA One-Time Close structures, no — payments typically don't begin until construction is complete. That means you're not juggling rent and a construction payment at the same time during the build in Broward County.
Is my financing protected during the months of construction on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Yes — One-Time Close programs use extended rate protection so the terms you close with carry through the build in Broward County. You're not exposed to market moves between groundbreaking and move-in.
Who pays for cost overruns during construction on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
First the contingency reserve, then the borrower if overruns exceed it — the loan amount is fixed at closing. A detailed, realistic builder budget up front is your best protection against this scenario. In Broward County — including around Hallandale and Hollywood — the same guideline applies.
Can well, septic, and driveway costs be financed in the FHA loan in Broward County?
Yes — necessary site improvements like well drilling, septic installation, grading, and the driveway belong in the construction budget. That matters on rural Broward County lots where site work can run tens of thousands.
Does the builder pay my draws to subcontractors on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Draw funds are disbursed to the builder, who pays their own subcontractors — the program doesn't pay subs directly. It's one more reason the builder-vetting process matters: your builder's financial stability is verified before the project in Broward County starts.
Can my builder get an advance of funds at closing to get started on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
No — and that's by design. Draws are based on completed work only, with no upfront advances for work not yet started. The one exception category is documented soft costs and land paid at closing. In Broward County — including around Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale — the same guideline applies.
How do construction draws work on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Your builder completes a stage of work, an inspection verifies it, and funds for that stage are released. Draws continue on that verify-then-pay rhythm until the home in Broward County is finished — the builder is never paid ahead of the work.
What is a contingency reserve on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
It's a cushion — typically a percentage of the construction budget — set aside for surprises like rock under the slab site or a materials price jump. If it goes unused, it's applied per program rules rather than lost. In Broward County — including around Plantation and Pompano Beach — the same guideline applies.
What can be rolled into an FHA construction loan in Broward County?
The land purchase, the full construction contract, permitted site work, a contingency reserve, and certain closing costs can all live inside the single loan. The goal is minimal out-of-pocket beyond your down payment. In Broward County — including around Coral Springs and Dania — the same guideline applies.
Is termite treatment required on new FHA construction in Broward County?
In most areas, yes — soil treatment or equivalent protection is documented during construction on the standard industry forms. Your builder handles it as a routine line item. In Broward County — including around Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale — the same guideline applies.
What if some site work was already done on my land on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Talk to us before anything else happens. Work performed before closing can disqualify the project, so if anything's been started, we'll review exactly what was done and map the cleanest path forward for your Broward County build.
Fees, Money & Timing8 Q
Can my down payment be a gift on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Yes — 100% of your FHA down payment can come from family gift funds with a simple gift letter and paper trail. No portion has to be your own saved money. In Broward County — including around Pompano Beach and Coconut Creek — the same guideline applies.
Do construction fees eat into my 6% seller concession limit on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
No — construction soft costs are budgeted into the builder's project cost and don't count toward the maximum contributions allowed to you. Your 6% stays available for actual closing costs and prepaids. In Broward County, the 2026 FHA loan limit is $645,000 — your file is sized against it.
Do I pay the upfront mortgage insurance in cash on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Almost nobody does — the 1.75% upfront MIP is typically financed into the loan amount. Your cash to close stays focused on down payment and standard closing costs. In Broward County — including around Hallandale and Hollywood — the same guideline applies.
Do I pay property taxes during construction on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Land taxes continue during the build and are handled through the loan structure; the full improved-value tax bill doesn't hit until Broward County reassesses the completed home. Your escrow account is set up to absorb the transition.
How much can the seller contribute toward my costs on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Up to 6% of the price — one of the most generous interested-party allowances in mortgage lending. On new construction, builder contributions follow the same framework. In Broward County, the 2026 FHA loan limit is $645,000 — your file is sized against it.
Is an escrow account required on FHA loans in Broward County?
Yes — taxes and insurance are escrowed on every FHA loan, no waivers. Most borrowers prefer it anyway: one payment, no surprise tax bills. In Broward County — including around Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale — the same guideline applies.
Do I need earnest money on a new build on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
If you're buying the lot, earnest money works like any purchase and credits at closing. Builder deposits under your construction contract are separate and get accounted for in the overall budget. In Broward County — including around Hollywood and Margate — the same guideline applies.
Who pays for the appraisal and inspections on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
The appraisal is a standard borrower cost at application; draw inspections during construction are built into the program costs disclosed at closing. Everything is itemized on your loan estimate — no mystery fees mid-build. In Broward County — including around Plantation and Pompano Beach — the same guideline applies.
Process, Docs & Underwriting8 Q
How is underwriting different for a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Everything a standard FHA loan reviews, plus the project in Broward County itself: builder credentials, budget reasonableness, plans, and the subject-to-completion appraisal. You're approved once, for both the build and the permanent mortgage.
What's the difference between automated and manual underwriting on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Automated systems (DU/LPA) approve most files electronically with the most flexible ratios; files with thin credit or certain history route to a human underwriter under tighter caps with compensating factors. Both are legitimate paths to the same closing table. In Broward County — including around Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale — the same guideline applies.
What has to be cleared before we can close on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Both tracks finish together: your borrower file clears its underwriting conditions, and the construction project clears its review. When both are done, closing documents are prepared and you sign once. In Broward County — including around Margate and Pembroke Pines — the same guideline applies.
Should I get pre-approved before choosing a builder on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Yes — knowing your qualified budget first means you shop Broward County builders and plans with real numbers instead of guesses. It also signals to builders that you're a serious, financeable client.
Who manages the draws after closing on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Your builder requests draws directly from the construction management team as work completes — you're not the middleman. Progress is inspected, line items are matched to the cost breakdown, and funds are released for verified work. In Broward County — including around Dania and Deerfield Beach — the same guideline applies.
Do my documents expire during a long build on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Credit and income documents are valid 120 days and appraisals 180 days — measured to closing, which happens before construction starts on a One-Time Close. That's a quiet advantage: your qualification is locked before the build in Broward County, not re-checked after.
When does my permanent rate get locked on a FHA construction loan in Broward County?
Once the project in Broward County is approved and the appraisal is complete, your permanent financing is locked ahead of the single closing — before construction ever begins. That sequencing is the rate-protection engine of One-Time Close.
What documents do I need to apply for an FHA loan in Broward County?
The usual core: two years of income history via W-2s or tax returns, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and ID. Construction adds the builder package — contract, plans, specs, and budget — which your builder supplies. In Broward County — including around Coconut Creek and Coral Springs — the same guideline applies.
Comparisons5 Q
FHA vs conventional for a new construction loan in Broward County?
Conventional construction typically wants larger down payments and stronger credit, and often two closings. FHA One-Time Close wins on entry cost — 3.5% down, flexible credit, single closing — while conventional can win on mortgage insurance for high-credit, larger-down borrowers. In Broward County — including around Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale — the same guideline applies.
Is building new with FHA smarter than buying an existing home in Fort Lauderdale?
Building gets you exactly the layout you want, new-everything with builder warranties, and no bidding wars — at 3.5% down, the entry cost matches buying existing. Resales win on speed. When Fort Lauderdale inventory is thin or dated, building often pencils out surprisingly close. In Broward County — including around Hollywood and Margate — the same guideline applies.
FHA vs VA construction — what's the difference in Broward County?
VA is exclusively for eligible veterans and service members: $0 down, no monthly mortgage insurance. FHA is open to everyone at 3.5% down with MIP. If you have VA eligibility, it usually leads; FHA is the strongest construction path for everyone else. In Broward County — including around Plantation and Pompano Beach — the same guideline applies.
FHA vs USDA construction loan in Broward County — which fits me?
USDA offers $0 down but requires an eligible rural address and household income under the county limit. FHA takes 3.5% down with no income cap and no geography rules — buildable even in Fort Lauderdale. Dual-eligible buyers should see both priced side by side. In Broward County — including around Coral Springs and Dania — the same guideline applies.
FHA One-Time Close vs FHA 203(k) — which do I need in Broward County?
One-Time Close builds a brand-new home from the ground up; 203(k) buys and renovates an existing home in one loan. New construction in Broward County means OTC — 203(k) can't fund a ground-up build.
Local Pulse
What's happening in Broward County
American Journal of Transportation · 2026-07-20
FRP Development Corp acquires 24-acre site for new Class A logistics development in Southwest Broward County
New logistics development demonstrates continued commercial real estate investment and infrastructure expansion in Broward County.
HousingWire · 2026-06-29
DeSantis signs Live Local 4.0 housing reform into Florida law
New state housing reform legislation addresses supply and regulatory barriers affecting residential development and homebuilding in Florida.
citybiz · 2026-06-24
Jll's Sale of 419,253 SF Industrial Portfolio Fuels Broward County's $1B Industrial Transaction Volume Milestone
Broward County surpasses $1 billion in industrial real estate transactions, signaling robust commercial market activity and economic growth.
Updated automatically — sources are original local publishers.
Ready to build anywhere in Broward County?
Jim Blackburn (NMLS #1072866) — $500M+ closed, construction lending done daily. Straight answers on your lot, your budget, and which of the three programs actually fits.
FHA Construction Loans by Florida County
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FHA loan limits are set by HUD and subject to change. Program guidelines and fees are subject to change. This page is educational and is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of approval. Down payment shown is the program minimum with qualifying credit.