Updated on March 24, 2025
Making a home purchase is a fun and exhilarating process, but it can also be quite stressful. Aside from finding the perfect property that checks all your boxes, you must also heavily consider how you’ll pay for the home.
Working your way through the mortgage process can feel like a full-time job since dozens of loan programs are available. However, by doing a little research, you can get a better idea of the financing you need and the qualifications you must meet to receive the funds.
One type of home loan borrowers can consider is the jumbo loan. Read on to learn more about jumbo loans and see the Florida jumbo loan limit in 2025.
What Is a Jumbo Loan?
Jumbo loans, or jumbo mortgages, are home loans with higher limits than conforming loans. Conventional home loans have a lending maximum that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets yearly.
When someone wants to buy a property and the amount they can borrow from a conforming loan isn’t enough to finance the entire purchase price of the home, they need a jumbo loan.
Jumbo loans came about as a way to finance luxury properties and properties in highly competitive local markets.
Since the government-sponsored enterprise (GSEs) Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae cannot purchase, guarantee, or secure jumbo loans, they are riskier for lenders and thus come with stricter requirements. Nevertheless, homebuyers can use a jumbo loan to finance the following:
- Investment properties
- Primary residences
- Second homes
- Vacation homes
If you expect you’ll need a jumbo loan, tell your realtor during the home-buying process or contact The Associates Home Loan of Florida.
Jumbo Loans vs. Conventional Loans
So what’s the difference between a jumbo loan and a conventional loan?
First, jumbo loans require a larger down payment. While you can buy a home with 0% to 5% down with a conventional loan, this isn’t possible with a jumbo loan. This is why conventional loans tend to be more popular with first-time homebuyers.
Further, jumbo loans often have slightly higher interest rates. Although you can find jumbo loan rates that are the same or lower than conventional loans, usually, they are higher because jumbo loans are riskier.
On the other hand, there are many similarities between these loans. With either home loan, the borrower will need to make monthly payments. Most loan terms are 30 years. Also, both loan types typically have a fixed rate, though adjustable rates are available, too. Speak with your mortgage broker to explore the options.
Further, you’ll likely need mortgage insurance if you put down less than 20%. The lender will use the loan-to-value ratio using the property’s appraisal price (not the purchase price) to determine the insurance cost.
Finally, both loans have closing costs, usually between 3% and 5%.
Jumbo Loan Limits in Florida
As of 2025, the baseline conforming loan limit (CLL) for a single-family home is $806,500, up from $766,550 in 2024. This 5.2% increase reflects rising home prices across the U.S., as tracked by the FHFA’s House Price Index.
In high-cost areas—where 115% of the local median home value exceeds the baseline—the loan limit is even higher. The new ceiling for these areas in 2025 is $1,209,750, which is 150% of the baseline.
Additionally, the following places have special loan limits that are the same as high-cost areas:
- Alaska
- Guam
- Hawaii
- The U.S. Virgin Islands
The 2025 loan limit increase means many more homes across the U.S. now qualify for conforming loans—reducing the need for jumbo financing in several markets.
However, it’s important to note that while the national baseline is $806,500, each U.S. county has its own loan limit based on local median home prices. For example, even though Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County are highly competitive markets in Florida, their conforming loan limits remain below the national maximum, with limits typically ranging in the mid-$600,000s (exact figures can vary annually).
The only county in Florida with a limit above FHFA’s maximum is Monroe County, with a 2025 limit of $967,150.
You can view the FHA Mortgage Limits page to see the specific limits for each county in Florida or explore other states, too.
There is no federally set jumbo loan limit in Florida for 2025. Since jumbo loans exceed conforming loan limits, the maximum amount you can borrow depends on the lender and your financial profile.
Florida Jumbo Loan Requirements
Because of their size, the qualifications for jumbo loans are stricter than other loan options. Check out the requirements below.
Qualifying Factors
Jumbo mortgage loans have stricter underwriting guidelines. Most jumbo loans require a credit score of 700 or higher. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI ratio) must also be at least 43% or below, but closer to 36% or below is better.
The higher your credit score and the lower your DTI ratio, the better mortgage rate you’ll get for your jumbo loan.
You will also need to make a minimum down payment of 10% to 15%, although some lenders may request a down payment of up to 30%.
Documentation
In addition to the loan application, you’ll need to provide the lender with the following paperwork:
- Bank statements
- Completed tax returns
- Housing records
- Investment disclosures
- W-2s
- 1099s
If you’re self-employed, the lender will require additional documentation.
Lender Appraisal
Some lenders ask for a property appraisal to get a loan. Before contacting an appraiser, familiarize yourself with the appraisal process and how it affects your loan application.
How to Apply for a Jumbo Loan
Let’s review how to apply for one of these loans.
First, remember that when looking for a jumbo loan provider, the lender must have a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) license. This ensures you don’t get a bad loan.
Once you find a lender, follow these steps:
- Collect all necessary paperwork
- Get a preapproval letter from the lender
- Fill out a jumbo loan application
- Obtain an appraisal, if required
- Get approved
Ready to Get Started on Your Jumbo Loan Application?
Are you feeling more prepared to enter the mortgage process? Whether you want to purchase a home or refinance your current mortgage via rate/term or cash-out, apply now for a jumbo loan from the Associates Home Loan of Florida. We strive to help all Floridians get approved for the home loan they need!
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