FHA Home Loans in Tampa, Florida
Tampa is one of Florida's fastest-growing cities — and with median home prices in the $300,000–$450,000 range, an FHA loan with just 3.5% down is one of the smartest paths to homeownership in the Bay Area. Whether you're buying in South Tampa, New Tampa, or the growing Westchase corridor, Joe Pistone at CrossCountry Mortgage has helped hundreds of Tampa Bay families get pre-approved quickly.
Why People Are Moving to Tampa
Tampa draws residents with its booming tech and financial sector, world-class waterfront dining along the Riverwalk, professional sports teams (Buccaneers, Lightning, Rays), and a cost of living still well below comparable coastal metros. The Port of Tampa continues to fuel economic growth, and new developments in the Channel District and Water Street are transforming downtown.
Tampa Neighborhoods & FHA-Eligible Areas
South Tampa (Hyde Park, Palma Ceia), New Tampa, Westchase, Carrollwood, Seminole Heights, Ybor City, Brandon, Riverview, and Wesley Chapel are all active FHA purchase markets with properties well within the 2025 FHA loan limit of $524,225.
How FHA Loans Work in Tampa
Hillsborough County's 2025 FHA loan limit is $524,225 for a single-family home — covering a wide range of Tampa neighborhoods. With 3.5% down on a $350,000 home, your minimum down payment is just $12,250. FHA loans in Tampa are particularly popular with first-time buyers and those relocating from higher-cost states who want to maximize buying power while keeping cash reserves.
FHA Loan Requirements in Tampa, FL
To qualify for an FHA loan in Tampa, you'll generally need:
- ✓ 580+ credit score for 3.5% down payment (500–579 with 10% down)
- ✓ 3.5% down payment — can be gifted from family or employer
- ✓ Stable employment history — typically 2 years in the same field
- ✓ Debt-to-income ratio under 43–50% with compensating factors
- ✓ Property within FHA loan limits — up to $524,225 in Hillsborough County
No income limits. No first-time buyer requirement. Joe Pistone has helped buyers across Florida's income and credit spectrum qualify for FHA loans — don't count yourself out before checking eligibility.
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Check My Tampa Eligibility →FHA Loan FAQs for Tampa, FL
Answers to the most common questions about getting an FHA loan in Tampa.
The 2025 FHA loan limit for Hillsborough County (Tampa) is $524,225 for a single-family home. This limit covers the vast majority of homes available in Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, and the broader metro area.
FHA guidelines require a minimum 580 credit score to qualify for the 3.5% down payment option. Scores between 500–579 may qualify with a 10% down payment. Joe Pistone works with borrowers across the credit spectrum to find the best path forward.
Yes — the entire FHA down payment (3.5%) can come from a gift from a family member, employer, or charitable organization. This is a major advantage for first-time buyers in Tampa who may have strong income but limited savings.
With CrossCountry Mortgage, most Tampa borrowers receive a pre-approval decision within 24 hours of submitting their documentation. The eligibility check on this site takes just 60 seconds with no credit pull required.
Yes, FHA loans can be used to purchase condos in Tampa — but the condo complex must be on HUD's approved condo list. Joe can quickly verify FHA approval status for any Tampa condo you're considering.
Work Directly With Joe Pistone
Joseph Pistone
CrossCountry Mortgage · NMLS# 2087918
Joe Pistone is a Florida FHA loan specialist at CrossCountry Mortgage, licensed in all 50 states. He specializes in helping first-time buyers, relocating families, and credit-challenged borrowers navigate the FHA loan process with clarity and speed. Joe serves Tampa and all 67 Florida counties.